3-Day Murchison Falls National Park & Big Five Safari.

Introduction

This 3-day safari to Murchison Falls National Park offers a perfect blend of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and the chance to experience the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in their natural habitat. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and abundant wildlife. This itinerary includes game drives, a boat cruise along the Nile, and a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Morning: Departure and Travel

• Pick-up: Your safari guide will meet you in Kampala or Entebbe in the early morning (around 6:30 am) for a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, covering approximately 300 km.
• En route stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: On the way, you’ll visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to see rhinos. This sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild, completing your Big Five checklist.
  • Duration: The rhino trek takes about 1-2 hours, allowing you to get up close to these magnificent creatures with an experienced ranger.

Afternoon: Entering Murchison Falls National Park

• After the rhino tracking experience, continue driving to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the afternoon.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch either en route or upon arrival at your lodge.

Evening: Top of the Falls Hike

• After settling in, head to the top of Murchison Falls. This short hike offers panoramic views of the Nile River as it squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
• Photography opportunity: Capture the dramatic scenery as the water crashes through the rocks and cascades into the river below.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Morning: Game Drive in the Northern Sector

• Early Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before setting off on an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park, across the Victoria Nile.
• Game Viewing: This region of the park is home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and Uganda kobs. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are also commonly sighted, especially in the early morning.
  • Your guide will help you track down the Big Five, with rhinos already checked off from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit.
• Duration: The game drive typically lasts 3-4 hours, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the vast savannah.

Afternoon: Boat Cruise on the Nile

• Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch before your afternoon activity.
• Boat Cruise to the Bottom of Murchison Falls: In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River. This 2-3 hour cruise takes you to the base of Murchison Falls, offering close-up views of the waterfall and a chance to spot more wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including the rare shoebill stork.
  • Elephants and buffalo are often seen drinking by the river, making for excellent photography opportunities.

Optional Evening Activity:

• If you’re up for more adventure, you can take a sunset game drive or a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.

Accommodation:

• Same as Day 1 (Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, or Red Chilli Rest Camp)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Departure – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Morning: Optional Game Drive or Chimpanzee Trek

• Optional Game Drive: For those eager for one last chance to spot wildlife, an optional morning game drive can be arranged before breakfast.
• Alternatively: You can opt for a chimpanzee trekking experience in Budongo Forest, located at the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park. This experience offers a chance to track wild chimpanzees through the rainforest.

Late Morning: Return Journey

• After breakfast, you’ll check out and begin the return drive to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside, passing through rural villages and lush landscapes.

Afternoon: Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe on a 3-Day Murchison Falls 

• You’ll arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 3-day Murchison Falls and Big Five Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions:

• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Accommodation (full-board)
• Game drives and boat cruise
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit
• Park entrance fees

Tour Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visa fees for Uganda
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities (chimpanzee trekking, night game drives)
• Personal expenses like souvenirs and beverages

Conclusion

This 3-day Murchison Falls & Big Five Safari offers an action-packed adventure through one of Uganda’s most famous national parks. With opportunities to track the Big Five, witness the dramatic Murchison Falls, and experience a Nile River boat cruise, this short safari is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Uganda’s incredible wildlife and scenic landscapes in just a few days.