Uganda · Safari

2-Day Murchison Falls Safari from Entebbe with Nile Cruise and Rhinos

2 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Boat ride on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
02 Photograph Murchison Falls near the 'Devil's Cauldron'
03 Sunrise game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau for classic savannah wildlife
04 Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
05 Look out for the rare shoebill stork along the Nile and in the park

Explore Uganda's oldest conservation area on this 2-day shared safari to Murchison Falls National Park. Travel through lovely woods and savannah grasslands, cruise the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls, and witness hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, and a variety of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. An early morning game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau offers the chance to spot Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, lions, leopards, and more. The journey also includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before returning to Entebbe.

The boat pauses only a few meters from the 'Devil's Cauldron' to allow for photographs of the stunning and spectacular Murchison Falls.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Victoria, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Murchison Falls and Victoria Nile Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast at Karibu Guest House, you will depart for Murchison Falls National Park, traveling through lovely woods and savannah grasslands. The journey takes 6-7 hours, and upon arrival, you will have lunch and rest.

At 3:00 p.m., you will take a boat ride upstream on the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. Along the way, you will witness hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, and a variety of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. The boat pauses only a few meters from the 'Devil's Cauldron' to allow for photographs of the stunning and spectacular Murchison Falls.

You will then return to your booked lodge for supper and overnight stay.

Day 02

Sunrise Game Drive, Ziwa Rhino Tracking, and Return to Entebbe

You will get up really early in the morning after breakfast. Then, at 6:30 a.m., you will go on a drive on the Nyamsika Plateau to see animals such as Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, and waterbucks during sunrise.

You might also see oribi, bushbuck, duiker, shy sitatunga, warthog, and bush pig. There are also big cats like lions, leopards, and hyenas in the area. The park has six species of primates, and chimpanzees and olive baboons are at the top of the list.

You can see crocodiles and hippos by the Nile River. You can often spot large birds such as the goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork, and the rare shoebill stork.

Once you arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you will have an early lunch and then be given instructions by a park ranger. After that, you will spend about two hours exploring the sanctuary. Later, you will return to Entebbe at Karibu Guest House.

Where this trip takes you

Victoria Nile cruise, Murchison Falls, Nyamsika Plateau sunrise, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 4 cities · 2 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
Roundtrip 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 Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors: Opt for khaki, beige, or olive to blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects.
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants: Provide protection against sunburn and insect bites.
Warm layers: Include a fleece or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
Rain jacket or poncho: Essential due to unpredictable rainfall, even during the dry season.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes: Necessary for walks and treks; ensure they are well broken-in.
Sandals or flip-flops: Useful for relaxing at your lodge or camp.
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses: For sun protection during game drives and walks.
Swimwear: Many lodges have pools, and there may be opportunities for water-based activities.

Gear and Accessories

Daypack: A small backpack to carry daily essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatching and spotting distant animals.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: Capture the park's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack: Stay hydrated during activities.
Flashlight or headlamp: Useful for navigating campsites or lodges at night.
Power bank: Keep your devices charged, especially in areas with limited electricity.
Universal travel adapter: Ensure compatibility with Ugandan power outlets.

Health and Safety

Insect repellent with DEET: Protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
Sunscreen with high SPF: Essential for sun protection.
Personal medications: Bring any necessary prescriptions, as well as over-the-counter remedies for common ailments.
First-aid kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Maintain hygiene when water is not readily available.

Important Documents

Passport and visa: Ensure they are valid and meet entry requirements.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Required for entry into Uganda.
Travel insurance details: Carry copies of your policy and emergency contact numbers.
Copies of important documents: Keep digital and physical copies separate from originals.

Toiletries and Personal Items

Biodegradable soap and shampoo: Eco-friendly options are preferred.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: Basic hygiene essentials.
Deodorant and personal hygiene products: Pack sufficient supplies for the duration of your trip.
Towel and washcloth: Quick-dry options are convenient.

Optional Items

Notebook and pen: Jot down observations or journal your experiences.
Guidebooks or field guides: Enhance your understanding of the local flora and fauna.
Entertainment: Books, e-readers, or travel games for downtime.

Know before you go

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December-February & June-September): Ideal for wildlife viewing and hiking, as animals congregate near water sources and trails are more accessible.
Wet Season (April-May & August-October): Expect heavy rains, which can make roads and trails challenging. However, the park is lush, and accommodations may offer discounts.

What to Pack

Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight, and breathable attire; avoid bright colors that attract insects.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with hard rubber soles for bush trekking.
Essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Electronics: Power bank for charging devices, especially during game drives.
Photography Gear: Camera with zoom lens, binoculars, and protective covers for dust and rain.

Getting There

By Road: Approximately 4-5 hours from Kampala to the park's southern gates.
By Air: Charter flights are available to Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips within or near the park.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge offers upscale amenities and proximity to the falls.
Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge provides comfortable lodging with scenic views of the Albert Nile.
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp is a popular choice for budget travelers.

Activities & Highlights

Game Drives: Explore the park's diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and various antelope species.
Boat Safaris: Cruise along the Nile to view hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.
Hike to the Top of the Falls: Experience the powerful Murchison Falls up close.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Visit Budongo Forest for a chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Safety & Etiquette

Wildlife Safety: Always maintain a safe distance from animals and follow your guide's instructions.
Health Precautions: Consult a travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before your trip.
Local Customs: Engage respectfully with local communities and support eco-friendly tourism practices.

Logistics