3 Days Murchison Falls Tour
Tour Overview
This 3-Day Murchison Falls Tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s famous wildlife in a short but rewarding safari. Your adventure begins with a drive of about 5 to 6 hours from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through beautiful countryside along the way.
Inside the park, you will visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and crashes down with incredible force. You will also enjoy exciting game drives across the open savannah plains, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park is rich in birdlife and offers wide, dramatic landscapes that make every drive special.
Another highlight of the tour is the boat cruise on the River Nile. As you travel upstream, you will see large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many colorful water birds along the riverbanks. The cruise ends at the base of Murchison Falls, giving you a close-up view of one of the most powerful waterfalls in Africa.
On the final day, you will visit Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot with an experienced guide. Walking close to these impressive animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and completes your opportunity to see the Big Five.
Your Itinerary In Brief
- Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, game drive & top of the falls visit
- Day 2: Game Drive in the savannah plains and Boat Cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
- Day 3: Track Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Travel To Murchison Falls National Park
In the morning, you’ll meet your guide and receive a short briefing about the journey ahead. Then you set off for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic national park.
Upon arrival, you head straight to one of its highlights: a walk to the top of Murchison Falls. This walk is spectacular. You stand close to the roaring Nile as it forces its way through a narrow gap barely seven meters wide. The water crashes down with incredible power, sending mist into the air. From different viewpoints, you see and feel the strength of the river. If time allows, you can walk a little further to enjoy a full view of the waterfall—an unforgettable sight.
Murchison Falls National Park is split in two by the mighty Nile River. The southwest is hilly and covered in rainforest, while the north opens into wide savannah plains. Thanks to the river, the park is lush and green, making it one of the most beautiful parks in Africa. Few places show the power of the Nile as dramatically as Murchison Falls does.
After the walk, you continue deeper into the park for a game drive. This is your first chance to spot wildlife in the open savannah. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes as you make your way toward the lodge. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the views, and listen to the sounds of the African bush as evening falls. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in Murchison Falls National Park.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Papa’s Camp
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Game Drive And Boat Cruise
Today is all about wildlife and natural beauty in Murchison Falls National Park. You start early with a morning safari, when the park is most active. In the afternoon, you enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the Nile. By the end of the day, you return to your lodge full of memories and amazing sightings.
Game drive – Morning
After an early breakfast, you set off on your first safari drive. You explore the area northwest of the Nile, where open savannahs stretch as far as the eye can see. The rolling landscape is dotted with iconic Borassus palms, whose fruits are loved by elephants.
The cool morning air and rising sun create perfect safari conditions. This is the best time to spot wildlife as animals are still active. You may see elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and several antelope species. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are also common near the riverbanks. Birdlife is everywhere, adding color and sound to the landscape. Along the way, you stop at the Nile, where hundreds of hippos rest in the water as the day begins.
Murchison Waterfall Boat Safari
In the afternoon, you head to the river for a peaceful boat safari on the Nile River. The boat moves slowly upstream, giving you excellent views of wildlife along the banks. Hippos grunt in the water, crocodiles rest in the sun, and monkeys move through the trees. Colorful water birds fish along the shore, while elephants and buffaloes often come down to drink and bathe.
The cruise lasts about three hours and ends at the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Here, you watch the Nile squeeze through a narrow rocky gorge and plunge down with incredible force. The sound, mist, and power of the falls make this a truly unforgettable moment. For the best views, we recommend sitting on the left side of the boat.
Private Murchison Falls Boat Safari – Morning (Optional)
For a more exclusive experience, you can choose a private boat safari. A smaller boat allows you to get closer to the wildlife and enjoy the river at your own pace. You share the experience only with your group, making it quieter and more personal. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Nile and its wildlife in comfort and privacy. After this full day of adventure, you return to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and listen to the sounds of the African night.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Papa’s Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Track Rhinos In Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
After breakfast, you check out of the lodge and say goodbye to the staff and Murchison Falls National Park. As you leave the park, you enjoy a relaxed drive along the game trails. This is your last chance to spot wildlife before heading back to Entebbe or Kampala.
Along the way, we highly recommend a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos on foot. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you take a guided walk through the sanctuary in search of these powerful animals. The rhino tracking experience lasts about one hour and offers a rare and unforgettable close-up encounter.
After the visit, you continue your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, bringing your safari adventure to a memorable close.
Accommodation: Not Included (End of tour)
Included meals: Breakfast
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