Experience the magic of Uganda’s largest and most popular national park on this 3-day Murchison Falls & African Big 5 Safari. This tour offers an incredible combination of classic game drives, breathtaking scenery, and a boat cruise along the Nile.
Discover the Big Five—Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos (at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)—as you traverse the savannah plains and riverbanks teeming with wildlife. Witness the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges 43 meters into the abyss, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
This short but action-packed adventure is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Uganda’s rich wildlife and landscapes in just a few days.
Highlights
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
- Tour Type: Shared / Private (on request)
- Accommodation: Mid-range Lodges
- Group Size: Max 6 people per vehicle
- Start/End: Entebbe / Kampala
This 3-day adventure is designed to maximize your safari experience while keeping travel times manageable. You’ll begin your journey with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, continue to Murchison Falls for game drives and a magical boat cruise, and finish with a scenic return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Your safari begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience—your first encounter with one of Africa’s Big Five.
After lunch in Masindi, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. On arrival, you’ll visit the Top of the Falls for a breathtaking view of the Nile as it thunders through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream. Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge / Equivalent
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the northern plains of Murchison Falls. This is the best time to spot wildlife at its most active. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kob, hartebeest, and many other species roaming freely.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. The cruise offers spectacular sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife including the iconic African fish eagle.
Optional: A short guided hike to the Top of the Falls can be arranged for a closer encounter with the falls.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge / Equivalent
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, enjoy another game drive as you exit the park, giving you a final chance to spot any wildlife you might have missed. Enjoy scenic views as you drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation (2 nights, mid-range lodge)
- All meals as per itinerary
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Park entry fees & game drives
- Boat cruise on the Nile River
- Visit to Top of the Falls
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport/hotel transfers in Kampala or Entebbe
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, drinks at lodges)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional accommodation before or after the tour (available on request)
FAQs
The package includes accommodation, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruise, transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, an experienced English-speaking guide, bottled drinking water during the safari, and all activities mentioned in the itinerary.
We recommend packing lightweight clothing in neutral colors, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, a light rain jacket, and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your travel documents and any personal medication.
All our safaris use comfortable 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers or Vans equipped with pop-up roofs for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Every traveler has a window seat to maximize the experience.
Yes, the trip is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, parents should keep in mind that early morning game drives and long drives may require some patience for younger children.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the Big Five — elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes — and you’ll visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to track rhinos on foot, completing the Big Five experience. While wildlife sightings are natural and not guaranteed, our experienced guides maximize your chances.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range lodges with private bathrooms. Meals include a variety of local and international dishes. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best wildlife viewing, but the park is open year-round. During the rainy season, the landscape is lush and beautiful, with excellent birdwatching opportunities.
This safari involves no strenuous activities. Game drives and the boat cruise are suitable for most travelers. A moderate fitness level is helpful for the optional rhino tracking activity.
Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for an e-visa online before travel. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda. We also recommend malaria prophylaxis. Carry your vaccination certificate and consult your doctor before travel.
