3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari (Short Day Tour)

Travel from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, our driver guide will come to pick you at your hotel at 7 am ready to hit the road. He will brief you about this three day to Murchison falls, and then start the Uganda trip. This is a 6 hours trip so you brace yourself for a long exciting journey.

Be free to ask the guide incase of any sighting that needs explanation. You will go through Luwero, and later have a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking. Here you will find both black and white Rhinos

After tracking, we shall immediately hit the road again to catch our plan and the next stop will be in Masindi for lunch. After Lunch we shall proceed to the park, after making payments for the Park entry, we shall drive directly towards the top of the fall, here along the way you will see various animals such as monkeys, baboons, warthogs, birds and many more

At the top of the falls, you will find it so amazing with the picturesque of the river Nile with its hitting falls, this feeling is amazing and breathtaking to experience. Take as many photos as you can, observing the strongest falls in the world. Later your guide will drive you to your lodge to check in and have your dinner and overnight

Recommended Accommodation:

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge
• Budget: Heritage Lodge, Red Chilli

Meal Plan: lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and A Boat Cruise Along the Nile

This is the vital day of the 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari and so on this day, you have to leave as early as 6:30 am in the morning so that by 7 am you start you game drive. This means that you have to take a cup of tea/coffee as early as possible just to keep you going.

During the Early morning game drive, you will be able to sight as many animals as possible such as Lions, Elephants Buffalos, Giraffes, antelopes, waterbucks, warthogs, jacks, jackal and birds of many species and many more

After a game drive, at like at around 11:30 am, drive back to the lodge, relax/freshen up and have lunch as you prepare for the afternoon boat cruise.

On the boat cruise which takes about 2-3 hours, you will be able to see various animals including crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffalos along the banks of the River Nile.

You will also be able to sight different bird species, some singing in the tree such as the bee eaters, coloured kingfisher, shoe billed stork and many more. The boat ride will take you to the bottom of the falls. When you reach here you will be able to see clearly the mighty waterfalls

You could opt to go hiking to the top, where you will meet your driver who will drive you back to the lodge, have dinner and overnight

Recommended Accommodation:

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge
• Budget: Heritage Lodge, Red Chilli

Meal Plan:  full board

Day 3: Return to Kampala

After a heavy breakfast, you will check out and find your driver out ready to pick you up. You will proceed for another game drive in the morning as you drive back to Kampala.

It will be great time as you look out for various animal species though most of them will be seen in the grassland feeding such as the antelopes, buffalos, elephants and Giraffes this includes a number of bird species as well

Leave the Park, have a stop in Masindi for Lunch and continue with the journey reaching in Kampala in the evening

Meals: breakfast and lunch

End of the 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari

Overview of the 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari

Embark on a thrilling 3 Days Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park, with a special stop at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This exciting journey offers travellers a rare chance to experience Uganda’s Big Five safari adventure, blending rhino tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and unforgettable views of the world’s most powerful waterfall. Rich in biodiversity, scenic beauty, and conservation success stories, this itinerary is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic Ugandan safari experience.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Reviving Uganda’s Rhino Population

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can encounter the endangered white rhinos in the wild. Located along the route to Murchison Falls National Park, the sanctuary is a collaborative conservation initiative between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rhino Fund Uganda, and Ziwa Ranchers Ltd. This project aims to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s protected areas, where they were previously extinct due to poaching.

Covering approximately 70 square kilometres and enclosed by a secure 2-meter electric fence, the sanctuary offers a safe habitat where rhinos can roam freely under 24-hour protection provided by over 78 rangers and security personnel. Today, visitors can enjoy guided on-foot rhino tracking, providing a unique opportunity to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural setting.

Beyond rhinos, Ziwa is home to over 40 species of mammals and reptiles, including hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and various antelope species. The sanctuary is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 300 species of birds recorded. Visitors can also indulge in nature walks, canoe rides, and stay overnight at one of the onsite lodges or budget accommodations, which offer meals and warm hospitality.

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s Largest and Oldest National Park

Also known as Kabalega National Park, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda, covering an expansive area of 3,840 square kilometres. Officially gazetted in 1927, it is the oldest national park in the country and forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The park is named after the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

Located in northwestern Uganda, the park stretches across several districts, including Masindi, Kiryandongo, Nwoya, and Buliisa. Its diverse landscapes include savannah grasslands, riverine forests, woodlands, and wetlands, making it one of Uganda’s most biodiverse safari destinations.

Rich Wildlife and Game Viewing in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park boasts a remarkable variety of wildlife, making it a top destination for Uganda wildlife safaris. It is home to over 73 species of mammals, including four of the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes—with rhinos found at Ziwa completing the Big Five experience.

One of the most notable residents is the Rothschild giraffe, with the park hosting about 75% of the global population. Visitors can also spot Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis, warthogs, and other herbivores during game drives. The Budongo Forest section of the park is famous for its chimpanzee tracking experience, where over 610 individual chimpanzees live.

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the park supports more than 451 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the shoebill stork, grey crowned crane, goliath heron, and African fish eagle. The variety of birdlife makes it a haven for bird watching safaris in Uganda.

Activities to Enjoy on a 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari

This short but impactful 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, packed with unforgettable encounters and scenic views. Key activities include:

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Experience the thrill of trekking on foot to observe the endangered white rhinos in their natural habitat, accompanied by experienced guides and rangers.

Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park

Enjoy early morning and evening game drives across the northern savannah plains, where lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless antelope species roam freely.

Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile

Take a scenic boat safari upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and birds like the African fish eagle. This is one of the highlights of any safari in Uganda.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

After the boat cruise, hikers can climb to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the thunderous cascade and the Nile River below.

Bird Watching and Nature Walks

Both Ziwa and Murchison Falls offer fantastic birding opportunities and guided nature walks, ideal for photography and learning more about the flora and fauna.

Conclusion – A Perfect Short Safari in Uganda

The 3 Days Murchison Falls Uganda Safari offers an ideal introduction to Uganda’s diverse wildlife, conservation efforts, and iconic landscapes. With visits to both the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park, this itinerary guarantees memorable encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic species in a relatively short time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this adventure is sure to leave you inspired and eager for more.