3 Day Murchison Falls Safari – Big 5, Game Drives & Boat Cruise

After meeting your driver-guide and receiving a briefing about your safari, you’ll begin your journey north of Kampala. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, with several stops along the way for bathroom breaks and to stretch your legs. There’s also a special surprise planned for the journey. 

As you drive through the scenic Nakasongora district, you’ll make a detour at Nakitooma for a late morning visit. Here, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see the endangered Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) in the wild. The 70 km² sanctuary, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, aims to establish a sustainable rhino population and eventually reintroduce them to their natural habitats in Uganda’s protected areas. 

You will embark on a 2 hour rhino tracking activity on foot with an expert local guide here and of course you hope to see some of the 33 or so White Rhinoceros currently in the sanctuary. The experience of seeing a rhino on foot a few meters away from you is an experience you will never forget. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to at least 40 species of mammals, including monkeys, antelopes, and a variety of birds.

This super exciting start to your safari will be followed by lunch at nearby Kabalega Dinner. After lunch, continue to legendary Murchison Falls National Park. You will drive through the park in the late afternoon, , giving you a taste of Uganda’s largest (and one of its finest) national parks. This used to be one of the most famous national parks in Africa, but the poaching in the 1960s and onwards led to the decimation of the park’s wildlife populations. However, the park is now recovering, and today the 3,893 km² conservation area is home to 76 mammal species (including four of the Big Five), 450 bird species, and breathtaking landscapes.

The park is named after the impressive Murchison Falls, which we will visit on the last day. These falls were named by explorer and naturalist Sir Samuel Baker in honor of Roderick Murchison, a geologist and president of the Royal Geographical Society in the 1860s. The park has attracted several notable visitors, including Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and various British royals. 

Additionally, the 1951 film The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart, was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile River within Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll arrive at your lodge, likely in the early evening. After freshening up (perhaps with a swim in the pool), you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a goodnight’s rest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge/Nile Safari Lodge

Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge

Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge/Red Chill Rest Cam

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

The day two of the 3 Day Murchison Falls safari will begin with an early breakfast, followed by a game drive through the northern section of the park. This area features savanna, borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland. During the drive, you’ll be on the lookout for Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe Hyena, Oribi, Warthog, the taxonomically intriguing Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Sitatunga, Hippopotamus, Uganda Kob, Patas Monkey, Baboons, and Uganda’s largest population of Nile Crocodiles.

Of course, there are birds here too! Over 450 species have been recorded in the park. Some of the notable birds to look out for today include the iconic Shoebill, the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl, Saddle-billed Stork, Red-winged Grey Warbler, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and the Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, to name just a few.

You then return to the lodge for relaxation and a satisfying lunch. After your meal you will embark on what promises to be one of the highlights of this 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari: an afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the Murchison Falls! This 3-hour boat ride will take you along the calmer waters of the legendary Nile River as it flows into the Albert delta. Along the banks and in the water, you’ll likely spot many Hippos, Crocodiles, and, with a bit of luck, the Shoebill. Other birds to look for include Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, Hamerkop, Egyptian Goose, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Giant Kingfisher, and Red-throated Bee-eater. Upon reaching the base of the falls, you’ll be in awe of one of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls. After this exhilarating experience, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and some well-deserved relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge/Nile Safari Lodge

Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge

Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge/Red Chill Rest Cam

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll check out and bid farewell to the lodge staff and the park, as you casually drive through the game trails, taking in the wildlife. 

Before leaving the park, you’ll visit the top of the falls for a different view of the world’s most powerful waterfall. Murchison Falls have been described as the most impressive feature along the entire 6,700 km length of the Nile. The falls are not particularly wide or large like some you may have seen before; but think of the world’s longest river, about 50 meters wide, squeezeing through a narrow 8-meter gap in the rocks before plunging 43 meters into what is known as the “devil’s cauldron” below. It’s a truly magical and awe-inspiring sight!

After experiencing the falls, you’ll continue your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, with a lunch stop in Masindi town. This is a great time to reflect on your safari adventure and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. Afterward, you’ll resume your drive to Kampala, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will drop you off at your location of your choice.

Accommodation: Not Included

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch