3 Day Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

As Uganda’s largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park spans 3,480 square kilometers and features diverse landscapes, including forests, grasslands, riverine woodlands, borassus palms, acacia savannas, and water bodies. The park harbors a substantial population of wildlife, boasting 87 mammal species and over 451 bird species. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, a highlight where the Nile forces its way through a narrow seven-meter-wide gorge before plunging 42 meters into a pool below. Upstream, the river flows smoothly with a reflective surface, while downstream, it turns into a roaring cascade, creating a striking visual contrast.

Located five to seven hours from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, the park is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The game drives allow visitors to explore well-established routes to spot resident species such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, lions, and leopards. Bird enthusiasts can also find over 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, swamp flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, and goliath heron.

This 3-day itinerary includes game drives across the savanna, a boat safari along the Nile, and breathtaking views of the falls. Highlights include observing wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, and numerous bird species. A hike to the top of Murchison Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience of the Nile surging through the narrow chasm, accompanied by a beautiful rainbow and roaring waters. The Victoria Nile, which bisects the park, is home to countless hippos and crocodiles, along with various animals coming to drink and bathe, making it an ideal safari destination for nature lovers.

Day 1: Journey to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The adventure begins early in the morning with a journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The route passes through picturesque Ugandan countryside with lush green landscapes and bustling roadside markets offering fresh produce.

The first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided trek to observe rhinos in their natural habitat. The trek can range from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the rhinos’ location. A briefing from the ranger guide precedes the trekking experience.

After the rhino trek, lunch is served before proceeding to the park, arriving in the evening.

• Travel time: Approximately 5 hours by road or 1 hour 10 minutes by scheduled flight.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile

An early breakfast is followed by a morning game drive to explore the diverse landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. Various designated tracks provide opportunities to spot animals such as giraffes gracefully moving through the grasslands, buffalo herds, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, and lions. The game drive offers a chance to complete the quest for the Big Four, having already seen rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

After the morning exploration, visitors return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat safari along the Nile. The two-hour boat journey offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. The cruise proceeds to within ten meters of the base of Murchison Falls, often referred to as the “Devil’s Cauldron.”

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Return to Kampala

The final day begins with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile is channeled into a narrow gorge, producing a thunderous roar. A vibrant rainbow often forms, enhancing the scene against the backdrop of crashing waters.

Following this experience, the return journey to Kampala begins.

• Travel time: Approximately 5 hours by road or 1 hour 10 minutes by scheduled flight.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

End of Safari