9 Day Safari Highlights
Summary Itinerary
Below is a summary of the highlights of our 9 Day Safari Rhythms
Day 1
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a boat ride to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island. Return for lunch at Munyonyo. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoy another overnight stay at the resort.
Day 3
Depart early morning for Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. After lunch at Ziwa, continue to Para Safari Lodge and visit the Top of Murchison Falls. Overnight at Para Safari Lodge.
Day 4
Experience an early morning and evening game drive. Overnight stay at Para Safari Lodge.
Day 5
Morning game drive followed by an evening visit to the Bottom of Murchison Falls. Overnight at Para Safari Lodge.
Day 6
Depart early morning for Kampala. Enjoy lunch in Kampala before heading to Mihingo Lodge, with a brief stop at the Equator. Overnight stay at Mihingo Lodge.
Day 7
Early morning and evening game drives. Overnight stay at Mihingo Lodge.
Day 8
Depart early in the morning and have lunch in Kampala. Visit the CTC Conservation Center, then drive to Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort for an overnight stay
Day 9
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before departing for the airport.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
On the first day of your Pearl of Africa Photo Safari, participants will arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) via the recommended flight routes. Our team will handle transfers from the airport to Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, a premier 5-star hotel in Uganda. If you arrive early or are already in the area, please make your way to the resort.
At Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, you will find yourself in one of the 114 air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator, LCD television, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Enjoy the comfort of your private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and bathrobes. The rooms also feature safes and desks, with daily housekeeping to ensure a pleasant stay.
We will kick off the tour with a meet-and-greet at 6 PM, where we’ll outline the exciting itinerary and provide tips on optimizing your camera and lenses for wildlife photography. Following the briefing, we’ll head to the restaurant for dinner, offering a chance to relax and connect with fellow participants
Day 2
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe chimpanzees during their feeding time, as well as spot monitor lizards and a variety of birds, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Upon arrival at the island, a chimpanzee caregiver will provide a personal orientation, and you’ll have the chance to watch the chimpanzees feed from the elevated visitor platform, offering a unique vantage point.
Lunch will be served on the island, after which we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at one of Uganda’s premier resorts, featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a spa, and other luxurious amenities. Dinner at the hotel will conclude the day, preparing us for an early departure the following morning.
Day 3
After a delicious breakfast at Munyonyo, we’ll set off for Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to embark on an exhilarating rhino trek. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to observe these endangered and majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The rhinos roam freely across the 27-square-mile ranch, so we may need to drive to their current location before continuing the trek on foot. Accompanied by our expert rangers, you will enter the territory of the southern white rhinos and navigate the bush to find them. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can experience the African White Rhino in such a natural setting.
In addition to rhinos, you might encounter other wildlife such as Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and even the striking shoebill stork. With over 300 bird species thriving at Ziwa, birdwatchers will have ample opportunities to spot a diverse array of avian life.
After lunch at Ziwa, we’ll journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park. Along the way, we’ll stop at the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile dramatically plunges 141 feet between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert. From the top of the falls, enjoy breathtaking views, feel the cool mist on your skin, and listen to the thunderous roar of the water as it crashes through a narrow gorge.
We will then continue into Murchison Falls National Park, which is adorned with savannah and tropical forest. This park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, African cape buffaloes, and leopards. Murchison Falls is also celebrated for its scenic beauty and natural wonders.
We’ll conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Para Safari Lodge.
Day 4
The day begins with an early breakfast, setting us up for a thrilling morning game drive just as the sun is about to rise. This early departure takes advantage of the cooler temperatures and heightened animal activity. Accompanied by a certified guide and ranger, we’ll traverse the park's diverse landscapes, including the expansive plains. The park boasts four of the "Big Five"—elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards—as well as a wealth of other wildlife, providing ample opportunities for photography. On clear mornings, the golden sunrise offers perfect lighting for capturing stunning wildlife images.
After several hours of game viewing, you have the option to return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast amid the serene wilderness, sipping coffee while taking in the vast horizon—a truly memorable experience.
Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by a photographic tutorial or critique session to enhance your skills. After a brief rest, we’ll set out again for an afternoon photo safari, where you’ll have the chance to photograph a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, antelopes, and numerous bird species. The park is home to 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, hartebeests, oribis, bushbucks, and more.
Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge, and the evening will be spent relaxing around the campfire, under the stars. Savor a refreshing drink as you listen to the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife, wrapping up a day full of adventure and breathtaking sights.
Day 5
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before embarking on an early morning game drive. Each safari drive offers a unique experience with new surprises around every corner.
Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls—one of the safari’s highlights. This scenic cruise provides an excellent opportunity to observe large water mammals such as hippos and crocodiles, as well as land mammals like herds of elephants and buffaloes as they come to the riverbank to drink, feed, and bathe. The journey through the Nile’s waters is both thrilling and picturesque.
After the boat cruise, return to the lodge for dinner. Conclude your day by relaxing around the campfire under the stars, savoring a refreshing drink while listening to the calls of the nocturnal wildlife.
Day 6
After a delightful breakfast at Para Safari Lodge, we’ll head towards Lake Mburo National Park, making a lunch stop in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a traditional Ugandan meal before continuing our journey, with a brief stop at the equator. Uganda’s unique position straddling the equator provides a memorable experience, offering iconic photo opportunities and the chance to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously. It’s a perfect moment to capture and a great spot to pick up souvenirs for loved ones.
Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and bird species, boasting over 315 bird varieties and serving as an excellent location for viewing acacia-associated birds. The park is also home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, oribi, Defassa waterbucks, leopards, hippos, hyenas, topis, and reedbucks.
We’ll arrive at Mihingo Lodge, a luxurious wilderness retreat that offers a magical setting and seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. This family-owned lodge provides a tranquil escape with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive savannah. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Mihingo Lodge, where you can unwind in comfort and style amidst the stunning scenery.
Day 7
Expect an early wake-up call to start your day. After a quick cup of coffee to invigorate you, we'll embark on our first game drive of the day. This early morning drive is essential for spotting nocturnal animals before they retreat to their hiding places. You can look forward to seeing impalas, warthogs, bushbucks, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and, if luck is on your side, even leopards. Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its elusive leopards, and an early drive increases your chances of encountering them.
Following the morning game drive, we’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch and some downtime. Later in the evening, we’ll set out for a night game drive, a unique feature of Lake Mburo National Park. This is a rare opportunity to see nocturnal mammals such as bush pigs, genet cats, and white-tailed mongooses as they become active after dark. The night drive also offers the best chance to spot leopards and spotted hyenas, adding an exhilarating twist to your safari experience. Enjoy this captivating nocturnal adventure with the aid of a spotlight and return to Mihingo Lodge for an overnight stay.
Day 8
After a sumptuous breakfast at Mihingo Lodge, we will journey to the CTC Conservation Center, located a few hours away. Situated in Kabasanda, Mubende, just a short drive from Mpigi town, the CTC Conservation Center is a leading eco-tourism destination and wildlife sanctuary in Uganda.
At the center, you’ll embark on a transformative experience that offers an intimate connection with nature and wildlife. The center is home to a diverse array of animals, including lions, zebras, kobs, hyenas, wild dogs, lizards, and crocodiles. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and interact closely with these remarkable creatures, providing a unique and immersive wildlife encounter.
Our visit to the CTC Conservation Center will include a packed lunch as we delve into this enriching experience, which will take approximately half a day. Following our time at the center, we’ll travel to Munyonyo for a relaxing dinner and an evening briefing as we conclude our unforgettable photo safari adventure.
Day 9
On our final morning in Uganda, we'll enjoy breakfast at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort before departing for the airport.
What's Included?
All accommodation throughout the tour.
Group airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9 as per the tour itinerary. (Note: Transfers for individual arrivals or departures outside the group schedule are not included.)
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at the safari lodges from Day 2 to Day 8.
Dinner on Day 1 at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.
Breakfast on Day 9 before departing.
All transportation with professional guides/drivers from the Pearl of Africa Safari Team.
Private game drives in 4×4 vehicles with adjustable open tops.
All park entrance fees.
All activities and experiences are detailed in the Tour Highlights
Accomodation
Accomodation
Pure Comfort and Luxury
Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort
Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort is a five-star hotel-resort in Kampala, the capital and largest city in Uganda, the third-largest economy in the East African Community. The resort is located in the neighborhood of Munyonyo, in Makindye Division, in the southeastern part of Kampala, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The resort is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, providing stunning views and a serene environment. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and relax. The resort offers high-end facilities and services, including spacious rooms, elegant decor, and modern amenities. It’s designed for comfort and luxury. There are numerous activities available, including swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing. The resort also has a well-equipped fitness center and spa services. Staying at the resort allows you to experience Ugandan hospitality and culture. The staff are known for their friendliness and excellent service. The resort offers a secure and private environment, which can be particularly appealing for both leisure and business travelers. Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort provides a combination of luxury, convenience, and local charm.
Para Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is a 4-star Hotel that offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Set in an area of landscaped gardens, the lodge recreates a mood that we have come to associate with the famous explorers of East Africa. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a choice of fine dining throughout one’s stay, and the Explorer’s bar is the ideal watering hole after a day of wildlife discovery in Murchison Falls National Park.
Mihingo Lodge
Mihingo is a family-owned lodge in a magical setting with very private rooms adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500 million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape. Designed to blend in with its fragile surroundings, this environmentally friendly lodge offers comfort, relaxation and the experience of being at one with nature. An infinity pool overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland, impala, warthogs, bush buck and zebra can be seen at the waterhole. On the rocks you may have the rare chance of seeing the resident family of Klipspringers. We cannot guarantee that you will see a leopard, but on a night game drive you do have a good chance. As Rungwe Kingdon (the son of the well-known wildlife author, Jonathan Kingdon, and one of Mihingo’s guests) once told us “I have seen more leopards in Lake Mburo National Park than any other park in East Africa”. One of the most exciting activities are our horseback safaris and walking with giraffes in Lake Mburo National Park. Walking safaris starting from Mihingo Lodge, night game drives and boat trips are also very popular and there are some great game drives with lovely viewpoints. The only regret that many of our guests have been that they wished they had booked to stay longer than only a night or two. We hope this website will help you to see how many wonderful things there are to do when you stay at Mihingo Lodge.