3 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda
Safari Overview
2 Day Safari To Murchison Falls National Park
This 2 Day Murchison Falls National Park Safari gives you the chance to witness one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, located in Uganda’s largest and oldest park. The mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gap just 7 meters wide and crashes down a cliff 45 meters high with thunderous force. During the safari, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Nile, spotting hippos resting in the water, huge Nile crocodiles lounging on the riverbank, and African bush elephants coming to drink along the shore. Both from the boat and on game drives, you’ll have the opportunity to see lions, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and if you’re lucky, even leopards.
Murchison Falls National Park is also a true paradise for bird lovers. The park is home to over 450 species of birds, including striking ones like the African fish eagle and rare birds such as the shoebill stork. On the second day, you’ll visit the top of the falls, where the roaring waterfall and stunning views of the river and surrounding cliffs create an unforgettable scene. It’s an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking photos and soaking in the beauty of this natural wonder.
Trip highlights
- See the world’s strongest waterfall
- Take a boat ride to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
- Go on game drive to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffaloes.
- Visit the top of the falls for amazing views and photos.
- Optional walk to see wild rhinos up close at Ziwa.
What's included
- Park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities (unless marked optional)
- Accommodation (as listed in the itinerary)
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- All taxes and VAT
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Itinerary
Day By Day
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Your adventure begins early in the morning when your friendly driver-guide picks you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 7:00 am. As you set off on this exciting 2-day safari, your guide will brief you on the incredible experiences ahead at Murchison Falls National Park. The drive covers about 300 kilometers and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, passing through beautiful Ugandan countryside filled with rolling hills, farmland, and small villages.
Along the way, you will pass through towns like Luwero and Nakasongola, where you can glimpse everyday life and the rich culture of rural Uganda. The road winds past open savannahs and green landscapes, giving you a real taste of the country’s natural beauty. Midway through your journey, you’ll stop in Masindi town to relax and enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant or café, refueling before the afternoon’s activities.
Around 1:00 pm, you will arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, where your adventure truly begins. You will set out on a relaxing boat cruise along the majestic Nile River. As you glide upstream, watch for crocodiles basking on the banks, hippos resting in the water, and playful monkeys who often alert each other—and you—to your approach. Colorful water birds will be busy fishing nearby, while elephants and other wildlife frequently come down to the river’s edge to drink. The boat ride lasts about three hours and brings you right to the base of the spectacular 45-meter-high Murchison Falls. For the best views, we recommend sitting on the left side of the boat, as you’ll be cruising along the left riverbank.
If time allows, you will finish the day with a short evening game drive in the northern part of the park. This is a great chance to spot lions, giraffes, antelopes, and other animals as they become more active in the cooler hours before sunset. By 7:30 pm, you will arrive at your lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you. After a day full of travel and adventure, you will settle in for a comfortable overnight stay, ready for the exciting day ahead.
Accommodation Options
Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping
Middle class: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Tents
Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge
Included Meals:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive, Top of the Falls & Return to Entebbe/Kampala.
At about 6:30 AM, you will start your day with an early morning game drive. This is the best time to spot predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas as they become active in the cool morning air. You’ll also see elephants, giraffes, and Uganda kobs grazing peacefully. The soft light at this hour makes it perfect for taking beautiful photos.
At about 9:30 AM, you will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and then prepare to check out. At around 10:30 AM, you will set off to visit the top of Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll watch the Nile River squeeze through a narrow gorge and plunge 43 meters into the “Devil’s Cauldron.” The view at this time of day is breathtaking, and the roar of the water is unforgettable. You will have plenty of time to explore and take photos. In the afternoon, at about 1:00 PM, you will begin your journey back to Kampala. You will stop for lunch in Masindi or at another convenient location along the way. At about 6:00 PM, you will arrive in Kampala, where your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or any other location you choose.
Optional Activities:
At about 7:00 AM, you can opt for on a private morning cruise along the Nile River. This peaceful three-hour cruise takes you to a unique area where the Nile widens into a lush wetland before flowing into Lake Albert. This wetland resembles a smaller version of Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta—wild, tranquil, and teeming with life.
During the cruise, you will have a chance to see hippos splashing in the water, crocodiles basking in the sun, and elephants cooling off along the river. However, the true highlight is the abundant birdlife. This area is one of the best bird-watching spots in Murchison Falls National Park. You could encounter the striking Saddle-billed Stork, the impressive African Giant Kingfisher, and, if you are fortunate, the rare and unusual Shoebill Stork. Known for its large, shoe-shaped bill, the shoebill appears almost prehistoric, as if it came from the age of dinosaurs.
On your way back to Kampala or Entebbe, you can choose to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. During a guided two-hour walking safari, you’ll get a rare chance to see these impressive animals up close in their natural environment. While rhinos are found only at Ziwa, the other Big Five animals—lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes—can be seen during your Murchison Falls safari. This makes your trip a perfect opportunity to experience almost all of Africa’s famous wildlife before you return.
Accommodation: Not included
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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