This 3-day safari journeys north across the Nile into Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area for an unforgettable wildlife experience. You will stand at the narrow crest where the entire River Nile explodes through a 7-meter gorge and track the Big Five across open savannah tracks. A scenic boat cruise to the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall rounds out this thrilling, classic wilderness loop
3 Days Murchison Falls Safari
- 3 Days
- Ask for Refund
Adult
Child
Infant
From
$120.00
Per Adult
From
$100.00
Per Child
From
$50.00
Per Infant
Description
Duration
3 Days,
Language
English
Murchison Falls Safari Highlights
Bisected by the historic Victoria Nile, Murchison Falls National Park presents a dramatic landscape of palm-dotted savannahs, dense riverine woodlands, and plunging waters. The absolute crown jewel of this safari is experiencing the sheer, raw power of Murchison Falls from two distinct perspectives: standing directly at the thunderous Top of the Falls where the river compresses into a violent canyon, and cruising upstream past massive pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, and thirsty elephant herds cooling off along the banks. From tracking wild rhinos on foot at the Ziwa Sanctuary en route, to catching lions and leopards on the hunt across the northern delta tracks, this itinerary offers an iconic, high-yield wildlife spectacle.
Included
- All UWA Park Fees & Vehicle Entry Fees ($45 USD per day for foreign non-residents)
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tracking Permit (Includes ranger guides and sanctuary entry)
- Nile River Boat Cruise Ticket (Guided 3-hour launch trip to the base of the falls)
- 2 Nights Accommodation at a safari lodge (Selected tier: Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury)
- All Meals (Full Board) from en-route lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof for wildlife viewing, fuel, and professional driver-guide)
Excluded
- International Flights & Tourist Visa Fees ($50 USD for Uganda E-Visa)
- Optional Activity Fees (e.g., $55 USD Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest or Hot Air Balloon Safaris)
- Tips and Gratuities for your driver-guide, boat captain, rhino trackers, and lodge hospitality staff
- Premium Refreshments (Alcoholic beverages, fresh juices, or sodas ordered at the lodge bar)
- Personal Travel & Medical Insurance (Must include standard medical evacuation coverage)
- Personal Souvenirs and laundry services at the accommodation
Murchison Falls Safari Itinerary
Day 1 - 07:00 AM – Drive to Murchison via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: 7-8 hour journey with tracking
Depart Kampala early heading north through Luwero. Stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a thrilling 2-hour guided bush walk to track wild southern white rhinos on foot. After lunch at the sanctuary, continue through Masindi to enter the park, driving directly to the breath-taking Top of the Falls to feel the ground vibrate before checking into your lodge for dinner.
Day 2 - 06:30 AM – Northern Delta Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise: Savannah tracks & river cruise.
Cross the river or head straight into the northern savannah tracks at dawn to spot lions, leopards, towering Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, and herds of Jackson's hartebeest. Return to the lodge for lunch and a midday rest. At 2:00 PM, board the 3-hour launch boat cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, viewing dense concentrations of hippos and river birdlife along the way.
Day 3 - 08:00 AM – Morning Game Drive & Return to Kampala: Final views & transit.
Enjoy a brief final morning game drive to catch any species you might have missed, or enjoy a relaxed breakfast taking in the river views. Pack your bags and begin the drive back southward across the Karuma Bridge, stopping for a warm local lunch en route and arriving back in Kampala by mid-to-late evening.
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
It is incredibly safe. The passenger launches operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and certified private lodges are large, dual-engine vessels designed specifically for the currents of the Victoria Nile. They are fully equipped with life jackets and managed by experienced captains who have navigated the river for years. The boats maintain a safe, respectful distance from the giant Nile crocodiles and massive hippo pods along the banks. While you get close enough for phenomenal photos, the animals are completely habituated to the boats and pose no threat.
The classic "Bottom-to-Top" hike is currently closed due to historical flooding. Heavy rains in recent years permanently altered the river's shoreline and washed away the safety trails that connected the boat landing site to the crest of the falls. Because of this, you cannot step off the boat at the bottom to hike up. Instead, your guide will drive you directly to the Top of the Falls viewpoint via the road on Day 1 or Day 3, where you can safely step out of the vehicle and walk right up to the thunderous rock canyon.
The park is divided by the Victoria Nile into the Southern Sector (where most budget and mid-range lodges are situated) and the Northern Sector (the open savannah delta tracks where 95% of the big game lives). Historically, missing the fixed hourly ferry across the river would ruin a morning game drive. However, with the opening of the new, permanent passenger bridge at Paraa, vehicles can now cross the river freely at any hour. This has completely eliminated ferry delays, though your driver will still aim to cross the bridge by 6:30 AM to catch predators before they retreat into the shade.
No, it is a relatively easy and highly accessible walk. Unlike the steep, muddy jungle ridges of Bwindi, the terrain at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary consists of flat, dry savannah woodlands and light bush country. After driving near the rhinos' last known location, you will step out of your safari vehicle and walk on foot for about 30 to 60 minutes. You maintain a safe distance of roughly 6 to 10 meters under the strict guidance of armed UWA rangers. The pace is slow, making it suitable for children, seniors, and travelers of all fitness levels.
UWA categorizes Murchison Falls as a premium Category A conservation zone. For foreign non-residents, entry costs $45 USD per 24 hours, which is slightly higher than Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo ($40 USD). Because the park is massive and split by the Nile, the additional revenue directly funds heavy conservation infrastructure, river patrol boats, and intensive anti-poaching units tasked with protecting the park's fragile lion populations and endangered Rothschild's giraffes
From $100.00
Book This Tour
From $100.00
Book This Tour
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