Murchison Falls Extension

Arrive in Entebbe, where you will be met for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take an optional excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. These famous gardens were laid out in 1898 during the British era and offer a fascinating introduction to some of Uganda's native flora and a rich variety of birdlife. Overnight at Karibu Guesthouse or Protea Marriott Hotel....Meals on your own (This is Day 1 of your Uganda Private Safari or Mountain Gorilla Safari.)

Head north through lush countryside to Murchison Falls, Uganda's largest and first national park (established in 1926). The park is home to 76 species of mammals and an astounding 451 bird species, including the rare and bizarre-looking shoebill (a “must-see” for birdwatchers). Murchison Falls National Park is the best place in Uganda (and maybe in Africa) to see this huge, prehistoric-looking bird, which stands over four feet tall with a seven-foot wingspan. En route to Murchison Falls, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and learn about its efforts to combat poaching. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to approximately 20 other species of wildlife and 300 different bird species. In Murchison Falls itself, four of the Big Five can be found—lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant (no rhino). There are huge herds of buffalo and elephant and a healthy population of leopard and lion. The recent Great Elephant Census noted that Uganda is one of the few bright spots for elephants on the continent. Elephant populations in Uganda have increased 600% to more than 5,000 individuals from fewer than 800 that survived the poaching crisis of the 1970s. Jackson's hartebeest, bushbuck, Uganda kob, waterbuck, and warthog are among the other residents. Murchison Falls is also one of only three parks in Uganda with giraffe. Nearly half of the wild endangered Nubian giraffe (formerly known as the Rothschild's giraffe), a subspecies of the northern giraffe, live in the park, with only 5,200 individuals remaining. The acclaimed Giraffe Conservation Foundation is active here, and has successfully translocated nearly 40 giraffe across the Nile River to the south side of the park over the last two years to help support this endangered species. Overnight at Nile Safari Lodge. Tonight you'll savor your first dining experience in the bush, preceded by a welcoming drink...BLD (Note: There is an option to fly from Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip, which serves Murchison Falls National Park, at additional cost. If you choose this flight option, you will not be able to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to Murchison Falls.)
Driving Time: 6 hours (or optional flight)

The mighty Nile River, one of the longest in the world at 4,000-plus miles, flows through the heart of the park for a distance of some 70 miles as it journeys from Lake Victoria to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. This morning, board 4WD vehicles for game viewing, searching for antelope, including bushbuck, waterbuck, and dik-dik; giraffe and elephant are also here in great numbers (they may cross the road right in front of you!). Herds of buffalo are common, as well as primates including baboon and patas monkey, and the birds, of course, are incredible! The park's centerpiece is Murchison Falls, the famous falls where the thunderous White Nile squeezes its entire volume with explosive force through a narrow, 20-foot-wide rocky gorge to crash in a cascade of foaming white water onto the rocks 150 feet below. A short drive on a twisting, dirt road takes you to the top of the falls, where you can stand close to this churning mass of white water (90,000 gallons of water per second cascades over the falls). The view from the top is also spectacular, the narrow canyon and frothing falls framed by misty rainbows and the late afternoon sun glistening off the tranquil Nile downstream. And unlike other renowned waterfalls, Murchison Falls is refreshingly uncrowded.