3-Day Murchison Falls Safari with Nile Cruise and Ziwa Rhino Tracking

3 Days Round trip from Kampala / Entebbe Moderate pace

View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness the Nile surge through Murchison Falls' narrow 7-meter gorge
02 Cruise the Nile to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and possible shoebill storks
03 Search for lions, giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and Uganda kob on the Buligi Game Track
04 Track southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
05 Take an optional hike to the top of the falls for one of Uganda's most dramatic viewpoints
06 Explore diverse landscapes of savannah, riverine forest, and the Nile in one park
07 Extend your safari with optional chimp trekking in Budongo Forest

Spend three unforgettable days exploring Uganda's Murchison Falls National Park on a classic safari that combines game drives with a scenic Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls. Travel north from Kampala/Entebbe through changing landscapes, with the option to stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking before settling into your lodge or camp inside the park. Your adventure continues with wildlife viewing on the Buligi Game Track and a cruise among hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and rich birdlife, with the possibility of spotting a shoebill stork. Optional add-ons include a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, a nature walk, or chimp trekking in Budongo Forest before returning to Kampala/Entebbe.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Depart early in the morning from Kampala/Entebbe for the 5-6 hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park, covering approximately 305 km.

Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route for an optional rhino tracking walk, a highly recommended add-on.
Arrive at the park in the afternoon and check in to your lodge or camp.
Enjoy an evening game drive in the southern sector, or relax at the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at your chosen accommodation.

Day 02

Buligi Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise to the Falls

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Buligi Game Track, one of the best areas to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and Uganda kob.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the water's edge, and abundant birdlife, with a possible shoebill stork sighting.
Choose an optional hike to the top of the falls to witness the Nile forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge.
Overnight at the lodge or camp.

Day 03

Morning Nature Activity and Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Begin the day with an optional early morning nature walk, or take a top-of-the-falls hike if you did not do it on Day 2.

Have breakfast at the lodge.
Depart mid-morning for Kampala/Entebbe, arriving in the evening.
Alternatively, you may extend the trip with an optional chimp trekking add-on in Budongo Forest before departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kampala / Entebbe 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip.
Park entry fees for Murchison Falls National Park.
All game drives as per the itinerary (Day 1 evening and Day 2 morning).
Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls.
Accommodation for 2 nights in the selected lodge or camp.
Meals as specified, typically full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Drinking water during game drives and transfers.
Fuel for the vehicle throughout the safari.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
Visa fees.
Travel insurance.
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff.

What to bring

Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown).
Comfortable walking shoes or boots.
A warm layer for early morning game drives.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
A hat.
Insect repellent.
Binoculars.
A camera with extra batteries and storage.
Valid passport.
Uganda visa or e-visa.
US dollars (post-2013, clean, unmarked notes) or Ugandan shillings.

Know before you go

What clients should know before they go - Murchison Falls Safari
Packing & gear
Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown) - avoid bright colors and all-black/blue, as these attract tsetse flies.
Comfortable walking shoes or boots for the falls hike and rhino tracking.
A warm layer for early morning game drives, as it can be chilly at dawn.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Insect repellent is essential, as tsetse flies and mosquitoes are present.
Binoculars for game viewing and birdwatching.
A camera with extra batteries and storage, as charging may be limited at some camps.
Health & safety
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
- Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended - consult a doctor before travel.
- Basic travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.
- Drink only bottled or treated water.
Travel logistics
- Roads within the park can be rough - expect a bumpy but scenic drive.
- The journey from Kampala/Entebbe is long (5-6 hours), and comfort breaks are built in.
- Game viewing is not guaranteed - wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck.
- Mobile network and WiFi are limited or unavailable in the park.
Money & documents
- A valid passport (with 6+ months validity) and a Uganda visa/e-visa are required.
- Carry US dollars (post-2013, clean, unmarked notes) or Ugandan shillings for tips and extras.
- Tipping is customary but not mandatory - guide and driver tips are appreciated.
Wildlife etiquette
- Stay inside the vehicle during game drives unless instructed otherwise by the guide.
- Keep noise levels low during boat cruises and game drives.
- Maintain a safe distance from wild animals at all times.