Things to do in Pader District

Jinja City, located in eastern Uganda along Lake Victoria's shore, is renowned as the adventure capital of East Africa. It's famous for being the source of the Nile River and offering thrilling activities. Historically significant, Jinja combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Below are some of the major attractions on this tour: 1. Ssezibwa Falls The waterfall is part of the Ssezibwa River, which splits into two distinct streams before cascading 17 meters down rocky cliffs. Surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife, this waterfall is not just a natural wonder but is also steeped in local legends and folklore, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience 2. Namawojjolo market This market is renowned for its roasted plantain and nyama choma, a meat and chicken BBQ delight. It's a popular stop for travellers seeking to satisfy hunger and thirst. Its standout feature is the uniquely flavoured roasted chicken, a taste unlike any other. 3. Mabira forest Mabira is one of Uganda's largest remaining natural forests. It is a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. It boasts a rich array of biodiversity, including 312 tree species, 315 bird species, 218 butterfly species, and even 23 small mammal species like primates. The forest's diverse terrains feature rolling hills and meandering streams, making it ideal for hiking and ecotourism. 4. Jinja Nile Bridge This is a modern cable-stayed bridge in Uganda, spanning the Victoria Nile near Jinja. Opened in 2018, it enhances transport connectivity, featuring a striking design with illuminated pylons, making it a landmark in the region. 5. Source of the River Nile and Boat Cruise The Source of the Nile is a renowned geographical landmark in Jinja, where the mighty Nile River begins its journey northward from Lake Victoria. As the longest river in the world, the Nile's source is of profound historical, cultural, and geographical significance. The area around the source is lush and vibrant, offering a serene yet captivating environment. Visitors embark on a boat cruise to explore the point where the Nile's waters flow out of the vast Lake Victoria, navigating through calm waters surrounded by rich birdlife. The cruise is an interactive encounter with the river's origins, combining a sense of tranquillity with a connection to the enduring natural and historical legacy of the Nile. 6. Jinja Central Market The market is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture in Jinja, Uganda, offering a wide array of goods and services, including fresh produce, clothing, and handmade crafts, along with a lively atmosphere that showcases Ugandan life. It's also known for its extensive size, accommodating thousands of vendors and serving as a major gathering place for locals and tourists.

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and do a Ziwa White rhino tracking en route On this trip, Friendly Gorillas’ professional guide will pick you up from the lodge at 6:30 am after your delicious breakfast. And you will set off to Murchison Falls NP with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a very exhilarating experience of getting to interact with the magnificent rhinos. Upon arrival at this unique place, you will be briefed about your short tour, specifically about how to behave while trekking these rhinos. You need to carefully adhere to the ranger’s instructions because if you act otherwise, the rhinos may get aggressive. While on this nature walk to track the endangered white rhinos, you will also get the opportunity to view other animals like waterbucks, bushbucks, kobs, duikers, and many others. After this amazing experience, you will drive to Masindi, where you will have lunch before proceeding to Murchison Falls, and depending on the time of arrival, you will start by hiking to the top of the falls. Enjoy this exciting point of seeing the Nile forcing its way through the rock and forming a very attractive scenery. Overnight: Heritage Safari Lodge Meals: All meals ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2: An early morning game drive and a boat cruise in the afternoon Early in the morning, after your breakfast, your driver will drive you to the northern part of the park for yet another astonishing activity. This game drive will be early in the morning at 7:00 am so you may be able to catch up with world life before they depart to hunt for food. You will have an opportunity to view animals from around the world, like elephants, Kobs, Buffbuffaloesthschild Giraffes, Lions, Leopards, Orbis, and many others. From here, you shall retreat to your lodge for relaxation and lunch as you prepare for the mighty enjoyment of a boat cruise in the afternoon. After relaxing, you will connect to Paraa Jetty to catch up with the Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls at 2 p.m. Here you will have impressive views of some aquatics like hippos, crocodiles, the shoebill stork, and many more. The boat stops at the bottom of the world’s most powerful waterfall-Murchison Falls. Hereafter, you will connect to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Overnight: Heritage Safari Lodge Meals: All meals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 3: Transfer to Kampala Early in the morning, after your breakfast, our friendly and professional driver will pick you up and you will begin your journey to Kampala. You will have a stopover in Masindi to relax and have lunch at Kolping Hotel. After that, you will proceed before arriving in Kampala in the early afternoon. Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of safari!

Embark on a 3-day safari to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala. Enjoy game drives, a boat cruise on the Nile, and a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Stay in a luxury, mid-range, or budget lodge. Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park Start your safari early in the morning with a scenic drive northward to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to track rhinos. Enjoy a relaxing lunch stop at a local restaurant before proceeding to Murchison Falls. After lunch, continue to the park and make your way towards the top of Murchison Falls. Hike to the top of the falls for a spectacular view of Uhuru Falls and Murchison Falls where the Nile River forces itself through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous roar. Transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile After an early breakfast, head out for a thrilling morning wildlife safari game drive on the northern bank of the River Nile. Look out for the other Big Four: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, in addition to the walking Safari tracking the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Other species to see include giraffes, antelopes, and various bird species. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the River Nile. The cruise takes you to the base of the falls where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. In the evening, take a short but rewarding hike to the top of the falls, or return to the Savannah park for an evening game drive. Enjoy dinner and relax under the African stars. Day 3: Return to Kampala If time allows, enjoy another game drive to catch more wildlife. After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala. You may opt for a packed lunch or stop in Masindi for lunch. Return to Kampala in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable Big Five Safari.

The 3 day Murchison Falls National Park Safari gives you a great time in the wild with great sights of the magnificent Murchison falls that falls from a 45m wall through an 8m wide gorge hence giving it a very scenic look and a thunderous roar of the waters before it continues with its course on the Victoria Nile, amazing vegetation types especially Savannah and amazing wildlife species such as lions, warthogs, elephants, antelopes, Nile crocodiles and birds like Goliath heron, kingfishers, rare shoebill, the storks among others. The park was established in 1926 as a game reserve hence is Uganda’s oldest and largest, situated in Northwestern Uganda, on an area of 3,80sqkm and home to over 460 bird and 76 mammal species. We shall get a chance to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, in this sanctuary you will have a great time tracking rhinos(among the big five), they had gone extinct in Uganda by 1982 but revived again by 2005 after the establishment sanctuary. You will go on the boat you will be able to see different bird species, animals like the Nile crocodiles, hippos, monitor lizards, elephants that quench their thirst from the waters. The boat will lead you to the base of these falls, where you will get out and start off on a 45minute hike (basing on the speed of the person) to the top of the Murchison waterfalls, you will see amazing sceneries; right from the falls, vegetation among others.

Day 1 : Drive to Murchison Falls National Park - Hike to the Top of the Falls After your early morning breakfast, meet your driver/guide at 7:00 AM and listen to a brief on your 3 days Murchison Falls wildlife safari Uganda package. Begin the 6-hour drive to Uganda's biggest national park, Murchison falls National Park. Take a stopover in Luwero District to pick fruits like oranges, pineapples, passion fruits, and jackfruits. Then proceed to lunch at the Kabalega Dinners or Masindi town for lunch at Masindi Hotel. Afterward, drive out of Masindi town to a dirt road for about 20 minutes and arrive at  Murchison falls National Park where the fun begins. You'll immediately be ushered into a wildlife park by a number of stubborn baboons lining up along the road. They'll grapple for goodies, so ensure the windscreens are up else they will snatch anything inviting from the car. Day 2: Morning Game Drive through the park and Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile After your early morning breakfast at around 6:30 AM, your driver-guide together with the game ranger will pick you up at exactly 7:00 AM for the early morning game drive. This is the best time to catch sight of the nocturnal animals and hunters before they return to their hideouts, as well as seeing the early risers. Take a ferry from the South section of the National Park across the Nile that bisects the park. Once on the northern side, you'll be in the area where the most game can be found.  Explore the major game trails especially around the area of Paraa for good game spotting including elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests and hopefully the elusive leopards among others. At around 11:30 AM, return to the lodge for your lunch and some relaxation. Shortly after, set out for the afternoon boat ride on the Victoria Nile which is the highest spot of any Murchison Falls Safari. Spot lots of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many other animals that come to drink water, refresh and cool themselves off the scorching sun and some animals to eat the fresh grass along the river banks. The Nile is also a birds' magnet. You will also be shown the crush point of Ernest Hemingway. The ride takes you close to the base of the Murchison Falls where you are met with yet another view of the lovely falls. Take a hike to the top of the falls before the return ride, then return back to the lodge for your dinner. Day 3: Early Morning Game Drive through the park and return to Kampala to get dropped off at your lodging Wake up early in the morning and get prepared for another game drive through the park. Expect to increase your game count and spot more wildlife on the final day of this trip. At around 11:00 AM, check out of the hotel and drive to Masindi town for a tasty lunch. Then, embark on the return journey back to Kampala where you will be dropped off at your preferred destination.

Start on a 3-day gorilla tour in Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Cross the Equator and drive through the cattle countryside. This landscape turns into mountains and terraced hill sides. Wind up at the lodge with stunning views of Bwindi Gorilla forest. Bwindi forest is one of the oldest ecosystems in the world. The forest is not only a home to the Gorillas but the chimpanzees too. Accommodation is at the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Day 2: Gorilla Experience in Bwindi Forest This morning, take the short drive to the park. Before the trekking, enjoy a cultural dance. Begin the hike to the Gorillas on the trails in the forest. The forest undergrowth is full of life from primates to elephants and birds. Follow the marks left by the Gorillas so as to find them. The best moment is meeting the Gorillas on the ground. These animals live in a family of up to 15 members headed by the Gorilla silverback. They feed, play, and sometimes fight. Spend an hour with the Gorillas in their daily life. They can even come close to you. In the afternoon, stay at the lodge or take a village tour. Accommodation is at the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Day 3: End of the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari This day, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.

Embark on an unforgettable cultural journey through South Sudan by exploring the vibrant traditions of the Dinka and Mundari tribes. This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of these fascinating communities. With the Dinka, you'll delve into the world of pastoralism, witnessing their revered cattle-keeping traditions and learn about their intricate social structures and rituals. Mundari experience presents an equally captivating cultural adventure. Observe their distinctive body scarification art and traditional attire, crafted from animal hides. Engage with their communal lifestyle and witness their unique ceremonies and practices that highlight their deep-rooted customs and communal values. This cultural tour promises a deeper understanding of the Dinka and Mundari way of life, offering meaningful interactions and unforgettable experiences. Day 1 Arrival and Interact with the guide and be dropped to the hotel Day 2 You will be picked up at 8:00am for a tour around Juba city in the morning where you will visit the historical sites; River Nile, Kator catholic church, John Garang Mausoleum and Konyokonyo Market. Have lunch in one of the hotels in Juba and at 2:00pm start your journey to Terekeka community for Mundari Tribe. You will join the Mundari with their evening activities. You won’t miss to watch the sunset and later spend the night in a hotel. Day 3 You will be picked early in the morning for activities with the Mundari. Which includes massaging the cattle’s, washing their hair with urine, cleaning of the yield etc. You will witness beautiful Sunrise as well. You will have your breakfast after the activities and start your journey to the Dinka Community. You will participate the evening activities with the Dinka community and spend the night in a hotel. Day 4 You will be picked at 6:00am for morning activities with the Dinka. You will take breakfast after the activities. In the afternoon you will proceed with boat ride in the Sudd Swamp and enjoy bird watching. After, you will be dropped to the hotel. Day 5 Visit the fish market and start your journey back to Juba and be dropped to your accommodation in Juba Day 6 Visit the traditional market in morning and do shopping of accessories/souvenirs and be dropped to the airport 2 hours to before departure

The falls, also called Kabalega in the local dialect, are one of the greatest in Africa. The Nile River passes through many miles of rapids before narrowing to a width of about 20 feet and dropping about 400 feet in a series of three cascades. The initial fall of 130 feet is generally recognised as Murchison Falls. The best way to get a close-up view of the falls is to embark on a boat cruise, which will take you to the base of these majestic falls. En route, watch for the various animals like crocodiles and hippos in the waters and along the shores. The hike to the top of the falls is a whole adventure on its own and one of the most enjoyable safari experiences. The Falls are just one part of the Murchison Falls National Park. The park is host to over 76 mammal species and 420 bird species. A game drive around the Savannah plains offers tourists an opportunity to view the park’s game, such as lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, various kinds of antelopes, endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and many more. Itinerary Very early in the morning, the driver/guide will meet you at your accommodation. You will have a briefing before setting off for the safari. Our first visit will be in Masindi town for some time of refreshing and then proceed to the Park, On arrival at the park, we shall immediately head out for a game drive, where you have the chance to see a wide range of animals. At 2:00 pm, we start the boat cruise to the base of the falls. You will have the opportunity to see more animals and a variety of bird species along the banks. After the experience, we shall start our way back to Kampala.

Day 1: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, Boat Trip (Lunch and Dinner) Your tour begins as you set off from your accommodation at 6:30AM on your 2-day safari to Uganda’s biggest national park. Driving along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, you'll briefly stop over in the Luwero District for refreshments such as fruit and water. Once at at the Murchison Falls National Park, drive to the top of the falls where you receive views of the magnificent Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge roughly 7 meters wide. Following the falls, set off for lunch before proceeding to a 2:30PM wildlife cruise on the River Nile. This will see you take a relaxing ride of about 3.5 hours throughout which you get to enjoy up-close sightings of a number of wildlife that lie along the banks of River Nile. This wildlife includes hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, monitor lizards, warthogs, and a cocktail of birds such as African fish eagles, red-throated bee eaters, skimmers, cattle egrets, the rare shoebill stork, and more. The boat ride takes you to the bottom of the Murchison Falls for another quite remarkable sight of these wild falls, and at the conclusion of your cruise you'll return to your lodge for dinner and to rest. Day 2: Game Drive, Travel to Kampala (Breakfast and Lunch) Wake up for an early morning breakfast at around 6:00AM before setting out for an early game drive by 6:30AM. This timing is appropriate for catching the nocturnal and hunters before they retire to their hideouts for the day. Explore the major game tracks of Queen and Albert for spectacular sightings of wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, Uganda kobs, oribis, buffalo, waterbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests, bushbucks, and hopefully the elusive leopard, among others. Four hours after the unforgettable wildlife experience, check-out of the park and start your return journey to Kampala. On your return journey you may choose to stop over at the Kabalega Diner on the Kampala/Gulu highway for lunch.

Embark on a 2-day adventure to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala. Enjoy a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, go on a boat safari along the Nile River, and spot wildlife on a game drive. Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park Start your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel in Kampala at 6:00 AM. Begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, approximately a 5-6 hour drive. Enroute, stop over at the Rhino Sanctuary for a Walking Safari to track Rhinos and have Restaurant breakfast and refreshments at Ziwa Rhino Restaurant. Enter Murchison Falls National Park through the southern gate. Proceed to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful cascade. Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour to the top of the Murchison falls and Uhuru Falls (Freedom), with a chance to capture stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Enjoy lunch at a lodge or picnic site inside the park. Embark on an afternoon game drive in the northern section of the park. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species. Expect to see wildlife along the savannah grasslands and riverbanks. Check into your lodge or camp for dinner. Enjoy a campfire experience under the stars with storytelling and relaxation. Spend the night in accommodation in or near Murchison Falls National Park. Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari After an early breakfast, head out for a sunrise safari game drive. Explore different routes to increase chances of seeing more wildlife such as hyenas, leopards, or early-morning grazers. Take a boat safari along the Nile River, cruising towards the base of Murchison Falls. Spot wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species like the rare shoebill stork along the riverbanks. Disembark at the base of the falls for a short hike up to get close to the powerful water. Begin your return journey to Kampala, arriving in the evening.