Uganda · Safari

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

3 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track endangered white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on foot with an experienced guide
02 Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, and more on guided game drives
03 Search for rare and colorful bird species including the shoebill stork and kingfishers
04 Cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos and crocodiles
05 Witness the dramatic force of the Nile as it plunges through a narrow gorge at the top of the falls
06 Experience Uganda's diverse ecosystems including savannahs, riverine forests, and wetlands

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda's most rewarding destinations for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, known for its rich species, magnificent scenery, and the dramatic power of the Nile River. This 3-day safari combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with game drives, bird viewing, a Nile River boat safari, and a visit to the top of the falls. Along the way, expect diverse ecosystems including savannahs, riverine forests, and wetlands, with chances to see the Big Five and the mighty Murchison Falls.

This 3-day safari combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with game drives, bird viewing, a Nile River boat safari, and a visit to the top of the falls.

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 No

Cities Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Meet your professional driver-guide upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel.
Begin the journey northward towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience and witness white rhinos in their natural habitat.
Continue with a scenic drive through the countryside, passing small towns, farmlands, and traditional homesteads.
Enter the park through the southern gate and continue to your lodge for check-in.
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the surrounding views of the Nile or savannah.

Have dinner and prepare for the following day's adventure.

Day 02

Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari to the Falls

Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
Depart for a morning game drive across the northern sector of the park.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hartebeests, and leopards, among other wildlife.
Look out for unique bird species such as the shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, and Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
Embark on an afternoon boat safari on the Nile River to the base of the falls.
Cruise past pods of hippos, large Nile crocodiles, and a host of aquatic birds.
Reach the base of Murchison Falls and experience the thunderous power of the Nile as it forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge.
Return to the lodge in the evening and unwind with dinner.

Day 03

Top of the Falls Visit and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy breakfast and check out of your lodge.
Drive to the Top of the Falls to witness the Nile River being squeezed through a narrow cleft and plunging 43 meters below.
Feel the mist, hear the roar, and admire the panoramic view, with possible sightings of rainbows in the spray.
Alternatively, opt for a short transfer game drive to spot more animals on your way out of the park.
Begin the return journey to Entebbe with a lunch stop en route.
Arrive in Entebbe in the evening for your flight or overnight stay.

End of itinerary.

Where this trip takes you

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Nile River boat cruise, Top of the Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodations (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Round-trip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and after the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (to/from home)

What to bring

Passport and visa valid for at least six months, with the visa obtainable online or upon arrival
Yellow fever vaccination card required for entry into Uganda
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations
Flight tickets and itinerary, with copies kept in multiple locations
Photocopies of all important documents stored separately from the originals
Credit or debit cards and cash, with prior notice given to your bank for international transactions
Lightweight neutral-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
Warm layers such as a fleece or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially during rainy seasons
Comfortable footwear such as sturdy hiking boots for walking and sandals for relaxing at the lodge
Swimwear for use at lodges with swimming pools
Insect repellent, preferably with DEET, for protection against mosquitoes
Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF to prevent sunburn
Personal medications, including malaria prophylaxis, pain relievers, and prescription drugs
First aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and anti-diarrheal medication
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for maintaining hygiene on the go
Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap
Camera or smartphone for capturing wildlife and scenic landscapes
Binoculars, essential for bird watching and spotting distant wildlife
Power bank to keep devices charged during long excursions
Travel adapter suitable for UK-style plugs, type G, used in Uganda
Flashlight or headlamp for visibility in areas with limited lighting
Daypack for carrying essentials during game drives and nature walks
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
Snacks such as non-perishable food items for energy between meals
Books or journals for entertainment or for recording your safari experience
Zip-lock bags for protecting electronics and separating wet or dirty items
Child-friendly snacks and drinks for families traveling with children
Entertainment such as books, coloring materials, or small toys to keep children engaged
Child-safe insect repellent and sunscreen for protecting young skin
Comfort items such as favorite blankets or stuffed animals to soothe children

Know before you go

The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September.
Wildlife viewing is best during these months, as animals gather around water sources.
Roads and trails are more accessible in the dry season.
From Kampala, it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by road via Masindi through the Kichumbanyobo or Mubako Gates.
Charter flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips, taking around 45 minutes.
Luxury accommodations include Nile Safari Lodge, offering exclusive eco-friendly stays along the Nile.
Mid-range options like Pakuba Safari Lodge provide comfort with views of the Albert Nile and frequent wildlife sightings.
Budget travelers can stay at Red Chilli Rest Camp, a popular choice among backpackers.
Game drives in the northern savannahs offer sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, and more.
Boat safaris along the Nile showcase hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, ending at the base of Murchison Falls.
The Top of the Falls hike offers panoramic views and a close experience of the Nile's power.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest allows observation of chimpanzees in their natural environment.
Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for the evenings.
Use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for game drives and hikes.
Carry binoculars and a camera with extra batteries for wildlife viewing.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp, especially for lodges with limited lighting.