Uganda · Safari

3-Day Murchison Falls Group Safari with Rhino Tracking and Boat Cruise

3 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your first Big Five encounter
02 Search for lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and hartebeests on a morning game drive
03 Cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds
04 Visit the top of Murchison Falls and witness the Nile force through a narrow gorge
05 Look out for remarkable birdlife, including the elusive shoebill stork

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda's largest and most popular national parks, known for its rich wildlife, magnificent scenery, and the mighty Nile River. Over three days, this group safari combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a game drive in search of animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, and buffaloes, and a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. You will also visit the top of the falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge before dropping dramatically below. This tour is ideal for wildlife and nature enthusiasts looking to experience Uganda's remarkable landscapes and animal life.

You will also visit the top of the falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge before dropping dramatically below.

From the itinerary

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 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

Arrive at the airport or hotel and meet your tour driver and guide for the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. One of Uganda's largest and most popular national parks, Murchison Falls is recognized for its rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, and several bird species. It is also home to the Nile River and the world-famous Murchison Falls, where the river rushes through a tight valley before plunging 43 meters below. Along the way, enjoy close-up views of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

You will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to Murchison Falls National Park for your first Big Five encounter, including an hour of rhino tracking. Continue to the park and check in to your accommodation.

Day 02

Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

After breakfast, head out on a morning game drive in the park in search of animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and hartebeests. There are also many bird species to spot along the route, including the secretive shoebill stork, white-thighed hornbill, and dwarf kingfisher, among others.

Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy lunch. After lunch, take a boat journey to the bottom of Murchison Falls, where you will have the chance to see more wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Return to your lodge and unwind.

Day 03

Top of the Falls Visit and Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, board the truck and travel to the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile squeezes into a narrow valley below, creating a tremendous roar and a stunning rainbow. If you prefer, you may instead spend the morning on a transfer game drive to spot additional animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants.

On the final day of your journey, travel back to Entebbe with an en-route lunch break.

Where this trip takes you

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Nile River

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

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (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 at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Essential Travel Documents

Passport: ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Ugandan visa: obtainable online or upon arrival, depending on your nationality.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: required for entry into Uganda.
Travel insurance: covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
Photocopies: keep copies of all important documents in a separate bag.

Clothing & Footwear

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing: long-sleeved shirts and trousers help protect against sun and insects.
Warm layers: early mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack a fleece or light jacket.
Rain gear: a waterproof jacket or poncho is useful during unexpected showers.
Sturdy footwear: comfortable hiking boots or shoes for walks and treks.
Sandals or flip-flops: ideal for relaxing at the lodge.
Swimsuit: some lodges have swimming pools.

Health & Hygiene

Personal toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and similar essentials.
Sunscreen: high SPF to protect against sunburn.
Insect repellent: preferably with DEET to ward off mosquitoes.
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes: useful when water is scarce.
First aid kit: include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Anti-malarial medication: consult your doctor before traveling.

Safari Gear

Binoculars: essential for wildlife viewing.
Camera: with extra batteries and memory cards to capture memories.
Flashlight or headlamp: useful in areas with limited lighting.
Power bank: to charge devices on the go.
Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated during excursions.
Daypack: carry essentials during daily activities.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal periods to visit Murchison Falls National Park are during the dry seasons:

December to February
June to August

During these months, wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making animal viewing more rewarding. Birdwatching is particularly fruitful from January to March, coinciding with the low tourist season.

Accommodation Options

Murchison Falls National Park offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets:

Luxury lodges: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge.
Mid-range options: Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Murchison Bush Lodge.
Budget-friendly: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Global Village Guest House.

It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Know before you go

Best Time to Visit

The park is accessible year-round, but the optimal periods are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to September. These months provide better wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals congregate near water sources and the roads are more navigable. Bird enthusiasts may prefer January to March, when bird activity peaks.

Wildlife Highlights

Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 70 mammal species, including four of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. While rhinos are absent within the park, they can be observed at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The park also boasts the world's largest population of Rothschild's giraffes and over 450 bird species, such as the elusive shoebill stork.

Getting There

By road: approximately a 5-hour drive from Kampala via Masindi, entering through the Kichumbanyobo or Mubako Gates.
By air: chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrips take about 45 minutes.

Accommodation Options

The park offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets: