From 6 to 9 October, our guide and driver Ali took a group of clients on a 4 days safari in Uganda. The route was simple and rewarding: a rhino trek at Ziwa, the thundering Nile at Murchison Falls, two game drives, a boat cruise, and a final drop-off that was not on any standard itinerary.
If you are wondering what four days on the road in Uganda really looks like, this is a day-by-day account of how it went.
Day 1: Kololo to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The trip began with a pickup in Kololo, Kampala. With the clients and luggage settled in our safari vehicle, we left the city behind and headed north to Ziwa.
The reason to start here is simple. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is on the road to Murchison Falls, so it fits naturally into the first day without any backtracking. In the evening, the group went trekking on foot to see the rhinos. Walking through the bush on foot is a very different experience from watching from a car, and it was a good way to begin the safari.
The group spent the night at Ziwa, rested and ready for the long drive ahead.
Day 2: Murchison Falls and Pakuba Lodge
On day two, we continued to Murchison Falls National Park. After entering the park, the first stop was the top of the falls.
This is where the Nile, the longest river in Africa, is forced through a gap only about seven metres wide before it drops into the gorge below. You feel the power of the water through the ground. For most visitors, standing at the top of the falls is the moment they remember most.
From there, we drove to Pakuba Lodge and checked in. There was no long wait to start enjoying the park, because in the evening the group went out on a game drive. The late afternoon light is the best time for wildlife viewing, as the animals become more active and the savannah turns gold.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Day three started early with a morning game drive. Dawn and early morning are when the park is at its most alive, which is why serious safari-goers never skip them.
After the drive, we returned to the lodge so the group could rest and have a meal. A good safari has a rhythm, and rest between activities keeps everyone fresh.
At 2 pm, we went for the boat cruise on the Nile. This was the highlight of the day. From the water, the group saw crocodiles resting on the banks, elephants coming to the river, hippos in the shallows, and a great number of birds. A boat gives you an angle that a vehicle cannot, because the animals are relaxed at the water’s edge and you can approach quietly.
Day 4: A Special Stop in Lyantonde
On the last day, the clients had one special request. They wanted to be dropped off in Lyantonde, where an old friend was waiting for them.
This is one of the benefits of travelling with a private vehicle and a driver who is also your guide. Ali took them directly to Lyantonde, and the reunion happened exactly as they had hoped. No transfers, no changing vehicles, and no waiting for a bus.
After the drop-off, Ali drove back to Kampala alone, ending the safari safely.
What This Safari Shows
This trip shows how flexible a private safari with a driver and guide can be. A few lessons from these four days:
- Plan the route around the road. Stopping at Ziwa on day one made the journey to Murchison Falls easier and added a unique experience.
- Balance activity and rest. Game drives in the morning and evening, with rest in the middle of the day, keep energy high.
- Do the boat cruise. Seeing crocodiles, elephants, hippos and birds from the Nile gives a different view of the park.
- Make the trip yours. Changes to the route, such as a drop-off in Lyantonde, are easy when the vehicle and guide are private.
Plan Your Own 4 Days Safari in Uganda
Every trip we organise is built around what you want to see and how you like to travel. You can choose a 4×4 safari vehicle with a guide driver, or a self-drive option if you prefer to travel on your own. We can also arrange drop-offs at any town on your route.
To plan your safari, email book@pearldrivecarrental.com or call +256750145548.
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