Tour Overview

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari – A 3-day safari in Murchison Falls National Park is the perfect way to experience the highlights of Uganda’s largest national park, including game drives, a boat cruise on the Nile River, and a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. Below is a suggested itinerary for a memorable 3-day safari in Murchison Falls.

 

Tour Highlights

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Morning:

• Arrival in Kampala or Entebbe, where you’ll meet your safari guide or tour operator. If you’re coming from Entebbe, you can fly directly to Pakuba Airstrip or drive to Murchison Falls (approx. 5-6 hours).
• Drive to Murchison Falls National Park: If you’re driving from Kampala, you’ll begin your journey by heading towards Masindi, and then continue to the park, entering through either Kichumbanyobo Gate (south) or Tangi Gate (north), depending on where you’re staying.

Afternoon:

• Check-in at your lodge or camp. There are several options, from luxury lodges like Paraa Safari Lodge to more budget-friendly options such as Red Chilli Rest Camp.
• After settling in, enjoy a late afternoon game drive in the park. The game drive will take you through areas like the Buligi Circuit and Delta Area. This is the best time to see wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelope, and possibly lions.
• If you’re lucky, you might spot predators or other big cats around this time, as they are more active during the cooler parts of the day.

Evening:

• Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Some lodges may offer night game drives (depending on the lodge and availability), which are a great way to spot nocturnal animals like hyenas and leopards.

Day 2: Boat Cruise on the Nile & Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

Morning:

• Early Breakfast, then head to the Nile River for a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. The boat ride typically starts at around 8:00 AM.
  • The boat cruise offers great opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including kingfishers, African fish eagles, and perhaps even the rare Shoebill Stork. The ride will take you up the Victoria Nile as you approach Murchison Falls, where the river forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks before plunging over a 43-meter drop.
  • The boat will get close to the base of the falls, and you can feel the power of the water as it thunders down. This is an amazing spot for photographs.

Late Morning:

• After the boat ride, take a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. The hike is about 1.5 km (1 mile) uphill, with some steep sections, but the effort is well worth it. The view from the top is spectacular, and you’ll get an up-close view of the falls as the Nile crashes into the gorge below. Spend some time enjoying the scenery and capturing photos.
  • You’ll also see the incredible force and power of the river as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at the lodge or at a picnic spot near the falls, depending on your schedule.
• After lunch, head out for a second game drive. In the late afternoon, head to the Delta area or the Rabongo Forest to look for more wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, and possibly lions. This is also a good time to spot baboons, monkeys, and various species of birds. Depending on the time of year, you may also catch sight of migratory birds during the wet season.

Evening:

• Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after an exciting day of wildlife and adventure.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking (Optional) or Final Game Drive and Departure

Option 1: Chimpanzee Trekking (Kaniyo Pabidi)

• Early Morning: After breakfast, head to the Kaniyo Pabidi forest area (within Murchison Falls Conservation Area) for chimpanzee trekking. This is a unique experience where you’ll hike through the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. The trek typically lasts between 1-3 hours, and although the chimpanzees are not always easy to spot, your guide will help you track them, providing information about their behavior and habitat.
  • The Kaniyo Pabidi area is known for its relatively smaller crowds compared to other parks in Uganda, and it offers a peaceful trek through the forest, where you may also spot other primates like red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Option 2: Final Game Drive and Departure

• If you’re not interested in chimpanzee trekking, you can enjoy a morning game drive around the park before heading back to the lodge for breakfast. This will be your last opportunity to spot wildlife like elephants, lions, and more. Alternatively, you could do a boat cruise along a different section of the river.

Late Morning:

• After the game drive, return to your lodge, pack up, and check out.
• Begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, with an optional stop in Masindi for lunch if you’re driving. The drive back typically takes 5-6 hours by road. If you’re flying out, you can catch a scheduled flight from Pakuba Airstrip to Entebbe.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury:
  • Paraa Safari Lodge (near the northern entrance and close to boat cruise departure point)
  • Nile Safari Lodge (on the southern side, great for both game drives and boat cruises)
• Mid-Range:
  • Murchison River Lodge (comfortable lodge with views of the Nile River)
  • Chobe Safari Lodge (another high-quality option on the southern bank of the Nile)
• Budget:
  • Red Chilli Rest Camp (affordable and friendly with both camping and lodging options)
  • Budongo Eco Lodge (a good mid-range to budget option near the forest)

Summary of the 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Day	Activities	Highlights
Day 1	Arrive, Game drive in the afternoon	First wildlife sightings, scenic drive
Day 2	Boat cruise on the Nile, Hike to the top of Murchison Falls	Powerful falls, wildlife sightings, incredible views
Day 3	Chimpanzee trekking or final game drive, Departure	Optional chimp trek or last game drive, return to Kampala

This 3-day safari allows you to experience the highlights of Murchison Falls National Park—from exhilarating game drives and boat cruises to stunning hikes and chimpanzee trekking. Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure or a more relaxed wildlife experience, this itinerary covers the best of the park in a short, well-rounded safari.

Park Managed By: Uganda wildlife Authority

Getting There

The trip will start from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe international airport after the trip.

Fill in and send the safari request form, we shall respond as soon as we receive your message.
You can also reach us on Whats-app Number: +256753750983 for urgent requests.