Uganda Safari Adventure: Rhinos, Waterfalls, and the End of an Epic Journey
Our “better second half of life” has taken us on some unforgettable adventures — we’re back in Kampala, Uganda, wrapping up an incredible three-week journey. After trekking through jungles to see gorillas and chimpanzees, cruising the Nile, and exploring Uganda’s rich wildlife, we’re pausing for just one night in the center of Kampala to rest and reset. Because tomorrow, a new chapter begins: a classic African safari that will take us to rhinos, waterfalls, and the landscapes that define this part of the world. Let’s go Uganda!
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A Prehistoric Walk Into the Wild Our early morning started with a long drive north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Walking through the gates felt like stepping into Jurassic Park — Land Cruisers, dust, open plains, and these enormous, prehistoric-looking creatures roaming freely. At first, we spotted a mother and her baby. Standing just a short distance away, we learned she weighs around 2.3 tons, and the small black birds perched on her back — called “pluck-pluck birds” — help keep insects off her tough skin. Not far away, two more rhinos appeared, giving us a chance to see four together. Absolutely breathtaking. It’s especially meaningful to witness this because rhinos in Uganda were once completely wiped out by poaching. The sanctuary started with only four rhinos, and today there are 48, including 17 babies. Their protection is taken very seriously here — poaching carries a penalty of life in prison or even death. And seeing these animals thriving reminded us how important these conservation efforts truly are. After our walking safari, we enjoyed a buffet lunch. A quick note for travellers: Uganda has plenty of food options. If you want traditional Ugandan dishes, they’re widely available. But even if you’re a picky eater, you’ll be fine — there’s always spaghetti, noodles, and other familiar options.
Murchison Falls National Park: Wildlife and Waterpower From Ziwa, we continued to Murchison Falls National Park, where our safari really began. As the roof on the safari vehicle popped up, we set out in search of the animals Uganda is famous for. Right away, we spotted water buffalo, one of the Big Five. We also saw rhinos earlier — so two down! But one of our absolute favorites — even though they aren’t part of the Big Five — are giraffes. You simply can’t see them and not be amazed. Tall, elegant, curious… they never disappoint. Cruising the Nile to Murchison Falls After our game drives, we swapped dusty safari clothes for something dry and boarded a boat on the Nile River. The weather wasn’t exactly on our side — it poured — but that didn’t stop us. The ride was still beautiful, wild, and memorable in the best way. Arriving at Murchison Falls was jaw-dropping. These falls are said to be the most powerful in the world by sheer force of water. Standing near them, drenched by mist and spray, it was impossible not to feel the raw power of nature. And yes — another shower, whether we wanted it or not!
Reflecting on Three Incredible Weeks in Uganda This marks the end of our four-part Uganda series — and what an adventure it has been. In the last three weeks, we’ve: • trekked into thick jungle to see mountain gorillas, • tracked chimpanzees, • watched rhinos roam free, • cruised the mighty Nile, • explored vibrant cities and remote forests, • and experienced a culture and landscape completely different from anything we’ve known. This is why we travel. Uganda surprised us, challenged us, impressed us, and inspired us. It’s a country full of beauty, wildlife, and warm people — and we’re grateful to have experienced it. We hope our journey gives you a sense of what a first trip to Uganda can look like and maybe even inspires your own adventure someday.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible series. As always — check back in, and Track Us Down!
