Uganda · Safari

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari from Kampala with Nile Cruise

3 Days Round trip from Kampala Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy a ferry ride across the Nile
  • 02 Explore Murchison Falls National Park on a safari
  • 03 Follow big game trails towards the Lake Albert delta
  • 04 Cruise on the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls
  • 05 Hike to viewpoints overlooking Murchison Falls

Take a scenic drive northwest of Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda's largest parks, for a rewarding wildlife experience by road and water. Travel through the dense Budongo Forest, cross the Nile by ferry, and explore the park's rich landscapes on a game drive and a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Along the way, look out for a variety of wildlife species in this spectacular natural setting.

The boat ride offers an array of wildlife sightings - crocodiles, hippos, and lizards are a common sight throughout the cruise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

  • Get picked up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 7:00 AM and set off for Murchison Falls.

  • Travel along the Kampala - Gulu road, a smooth, tarmacked road, and by around midday, you will be in Masindi town.

  • Stop for lunch and thereafter continue the journey. In less than an hour, reach the southern entrance of Murchison Falls National Park.

  • Check in with the park staff and continue into the park, driving through the dense Budongo Forest. You will be welcomed by hundreds of baboons lined along the road. However, endeavour to keep the windows closed, as the baboons may be attracted to snatch items from the car. Bird lovers should also be on the lookout for different species. Wood doves hover in front of the car, and the Saddle-billed Stork is a common sight along the road. Enjoy panoramic views across the thick forest.

  • Take a ferry, according to the selected mode of accommodation, to cross over the Nile and transfer to your accommodation, where you shall spend the rest of the evening relaxing.

2
Day 02

Game Drive, Nile Boat Safari and Hike at Murchison Falls

  • Be up by 6:00 AM, and after a quick cup of coffee or tea with a snack to warm your tummy, set out for the early morning game drive. Murchison Falls National Park is divided by the River Nile into the southern and northern regions. The northern part is largely covered by savanna and woodlands that support a much greater volume and variety of animals than the southern region, which is mainly covered by forest. Therefore, the game drives are done in the northern area of Murchison Falls. The early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and jackals, as they are still actively hunting in the morning hours.

  • Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert delta, where big game such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and many antelopes can be seen. Enjoy the beautiful savanna landscape, immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery. The game drive will last for approximately 3 hours, and you have the choice of having a packed breakfast on the game drive or returning to the lodge for breakfast.

  • Return to the lodge for a short rest break.

  • After lunch, set out for a 2-hour boat safari on the River Nile, departing from Paraa and going upstream to the bottom of Murchison Falls. The boat ride offers an array of wildlife sightings - crocodiles, hippos, and lizards are a common sight throughout the cruise. Big game such as buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes can also be seen drinking and cooling off along the riverbanks and, with a little luck, you might even spot a leopard resting in a tree close to the water.

  • Reach the bottom of Murchison Falls, leave the boat, and set out on a 45-minute hike over the rocks adjacent to the falls, enjoying great views of the falls from different spots along the trail.

  • Once you reach the top, you will find the tour guide waiting to drive you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

3
Day 03

Transfer Back to Entebbe or Kampala

  • After breakfast, check out and leave for Entebbe. The journey time will be 6-7 hours.

  • The tour guide shall drop you off at your hotel.

Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, River Nile, Lake Albert delta

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, River Nile, Lake Albert delta

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kampala 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All meals and accommodation

  • Full-time English-speaking local safari driver/guides

  • All park entry fees

  • Boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls

  • All applicable government taxes

  • 4x4 wheel-drive vehicle with gas

  • Drinking bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Tips

  • Personal expenses

What to bring

  • Binoculars

  • Sun protection

  • Insect repellent

  • Protective eyewear, as the sun can be harsh on the eyes

  • Personal first-aid kit (headache pills, antihistamines, cream, etc.)

  • Photographic accessories - batteries and chargers, film, memory cards

  • Lightweight reading and writing material

  • Special medicines, if any (if you have any special medical needs, it is vital to carry enough supplies of prescription medicine for the whole duration of your safari. It can be good to bring the prescription with you in case of emergencies)

  • Luggage on safari (it is recommended to use a soft bag or backpack for your luggage on a safari in Africa, as safari vehicles and aircraft have limited space)

Know before you go

  • Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge (Mid-range), Red Chilli Rest Camp (Budget).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kampala, Uganda
Tour start
Kampala, Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Kampala.

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