Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda. It is located along the mighty River Nile in the north of Uganda. It covers a wide range of habitats, on the upper side of the Nile are savanna grasslands and acacia woodland which harbor plenty of game, and on the lower side you find the Budongo forest which protects many primates including the Chimpanzees. This 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari is carefully designed to offer the parks big highlights in the shortest time possible. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is located along the route to the park is a great add-on and the Rhinos will complete the possible "big five" with Lions, Leopard, Buffaloes and Elephants in Murchison Falls. This will bring your 3 Day Murchison Falls Big Five Safari and Chimpanzee Tracking tour to an end.

We give you a range of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget, moderate to luxury.

Day 1

Rhino Tracking

Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park with a Stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking on Foot & Optional Stopover at the Top of the Falls (depending on accommodation chosen)

  • Journey Time: 6 - 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Bakers Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison (Midrange & Budget)
  • Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

  • Pick up from Kampala at 7am and head for Murchison Falls National Park. Approximately 3 hours into the journey you will reach Nakasongola where you shall turn off the highway, drive for about five minutes and get to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda that has wild Rhinos that are being bred to re-introduce them into Uganda’s wildlife. Rhinos in Uganda were hunted to extinction during the 1970’s. You shall transfer to the visitor’s center, meet a ranger and set out for a 2-hour trek on the sanctuary to see the Rhinos. There are many other animals that you also spot such as Bushbuck, Oribi, and Monkeys among others.
    Return from the trek and return on the journey, reaching Masindi for a stopover for lunch and thereafter proceed to park. Transfer to the lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 2

Game Drive

Boat Cruise

Waterfall Hike

Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise on River Nile to the Bottom of the Falls & Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

  • Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • You will have a hot cup of tea or coffee with a snack at 6.30am and head out for the morning game drive in the park to observe animals in savannah wilderness of the northern side of the park. Your animal check list will have Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Oribi, Waterbuck, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Bushbuck, and Hyena among others. After four hours, return to the lodge for breakfast and relax. Have lunch, thereafter set out for the Launch ride on the River Nile at 2pm. The Launch set offs from Paraa and heads upstream to the base of the Murchison Falls. You shall see plenty of wildlife along the Nile such as Crocodiles, Hippos, Elephants, Buffaloes and Antelopes. Water birds such as Herons, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, and Pelicans are sighted throughout the ride. It takes nearly 2 hours to reach the bottom of the spectacular Murchison Falls where you disembark from the Launch and partake a 45 minute hike on the rocks adjacent the falls. Enjoy wonderful views of the falls. At the top you shall meet the driver guide and transfer to Budongo Forest and spend the overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge.

Day 3

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee Tracking at Budongo Forest & Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park back to Kampala/Entebbe

  • Journey Time: 6 - 7 hours
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Have early breakfast, meet the rangers for briefing and by 8 am set off for the trek into Budongo Forest to track a community of habituated Chimpanzees. This community has its territory neighboring Budongo Eco Lodge and therefore the trek is mostly short and the Chimps are easy to find. However certain times of the year food will be finished up in this area and the Chimps do move deeper into the forest to find food. This means longer trek to find them and sometimes they can be missed. You shall spend up an hour observing the Chimps, thereafter return to the lodge, refresh and have early lunch. Check out of the lodge and leave for Kampala.

General Tips:

  • OPTIONAL: As an optional activity we highly recommend a HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI to make your safari at Murchison Falls NP to a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

What to bring:

  • Walking boots for the Waterfall Hike.
  • Sunscreen is recommended.
  • Insect repellant is advisable.
  • Binoculars are always useful, especially when booking the Hot Air Balloon Safari.