4 Day Murchison Falls safari
Safari Overview
4 Day Murchison Falls Safari
This 4 Day Murchison Falls safari takes you to Uganda’s biggest national park. The trip begins with a visit to Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gap only 7 meters wide, then drops about 45 meters with great power. It is one of the strongest waterfalls in the world! You will walk to the top of the falls to see the water rush through the rocks — a truly amazing sight. After that, enjoy your first game drive and look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, and lions.
On the second day, go for a morning game drive to see animals when they are most active. Later, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Nile River. You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, colorful birds, and sometimes elephants coming to drink. The boat takes you close to the bottom of the powerful falls, where you can feel the spray and hear the loud roar of the water.
On the last day, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can walk with wild white rhinos. You will get up close while a guide keeps you safe and shares fun facts. After the rhino walk and a tasty lunch, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Gallery
Trip highlights
- Walk at the top of Murchison Falls
- Boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls
- Game drives spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and more
- Rhino tracking walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Optional bush camping experience in the wilderness
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
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls, Visit the Top of the Falls & Game Drive
Your 4-day Murchison Falls safari begins with a 5–6-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda. When you arrive, you’ll walk to the top of the powerful Murchison Falls — where the Nile River squeezes through a small 7-meter gap and crashes 40 meters down with a loud roar. You’ll enjoy amazing views from different spots, and if time allows, walk down a short path to see the whole waterfall.
After the falls visit, you’ll go on a game drive through the park’s open savannas and forests. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s biggest national park, split by the Nile and home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and many other animals. The beautiful mix of green rainforest and wide plains makes it a perfect place for wildlife.
In the evening, check into your lodge and relax while listening to nature. If you want more adventure, you can sleep in a bush camp near Lake Albert. You’ll have camping gear, a guide, a cook, and a ranger with you for safety. As night falls, you might hear hyenas calling and see hippos coming out of the river — a perfect end to your first day in the wild.
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
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and a Boat Cruise along the Nile
Today is all about exploring the animals and beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. After breakfast, you will head out for a game drive in the cool morning air. This is the best time to see animals like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and maybe even lions. At the Nile River, you may spot hippos resting in the water and other animals nearby.
The open plains and soft morning light make for an amazing wildlife experience. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Nile River. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys, and colorful birds. Many animals come to the river to drink and cool off. The cruise takes you to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls, where the river crashes down through a narrow gap — a breathtaking sight! The boat ride lasts about 3 hours, and sitting on the left side gives the best views.
For a more intimate experience, you can choose to book a private boat safari. This smaller boat allows you to get closer to the wildlife and gives you the freedom to set your own pace. Sharing this special journey exclusively with your group makes the experience even more memorable. At the end of the day, you will be taken back to your accommodation to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
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
Day 3: Safari & relaxing afternoon on the Nile
Start your last day in Murchison Falls National Park with a morning game drive. You’ll explore different safari tracks to cover new areas of the park and increase your chances of spotting any animals you may have missed earlier — especially predators like lions or leopards. After the game drive, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak in the peaceful beauty of the Nile. You can lounge by the pool, enjoy a drink at the bar, read a book with a river view, or simply sit back and listen to the sounds of nature. It’s the perfect way to end your safari — with quiet moments in the wild, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
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
Day 4: Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Return to Kampala/Entebbe.
After an early breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, starting with a short morning game drive through the scenic landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. This final safari offers a chance to spot any animals you may have missed and to enjoy the park’s natural beauty one last time.
On your way back, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — the only place in Uganda where you can track wild white rhinos on foot. With the help of a trained guide, you’ll walk safely through the bush to observe these rare and endangered animals up close. The rhino trek takes about an hour and offers a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
You’ll also learn about the sanctuary’s important work to protect and reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s wild. After the trek, relax with a tasty lunch at the sanctuary’s peaceful rest area. Then continue your drive to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Accommodation: Not Included
Included Meals:
- Breakfast
- Diner
Trip Information
Difficulty
Although going on safari is not physically strenuous, it can be very tiring. You will spend long hours inside your safari vehicle, often in hot weather, and to have the best chance of spotting wildlife, early mornings are essential. You do not need to be highly fit, but you should be prepared for some long, hot days of travel and activity. Some walking will be involved, especially when visiting sites like the top of Murchison Falls and during the rhino trek at Ziwa Sanctuary.
Food And Drink
All safari lodges are booked on a full or half-board basis, where you can enjoy local Ugandan dishes such as matoke, cassava, chicken and beef stews, fresh fish, and millet bread. Western meal options are also usually available. Drinks beyond the basic meals are paid separately and settled upon check-out. On days with long drives, packed lunches may be provided. Any dietary requirements noted at booking will be communicated to the safari team, but please remind your guide of any special needs during the trip. Accommodation in Entebbe is usually on a bed and breakfast basis, with meals available for purchase at the hotel or nearby restaurants offering both local and Western cuisine.
Bottled mineral water will be provided during your time in the safari vehicle to keep you hydrated throughout your excursions.
Accommodation
Your detailed itinerary shows the accommodation and meal basis for each day. Pre- and post-trip stays in Entebbe or Kampala can be arranged upon request and usually on a bed and breakfast basis. Meals and snacks can be purchased on site, with payments accepted in Ugandan Shillings or US Dollars. Upon arrival, familiarize yourself with the hotel’s safety procedures, including fire escape routes. Uganda is a developing country, and occasional power and water outages may occur. Safari accommodations include comfortable lodges or camps with en-suite rooms featuring either double or twin beds, set in stunning natural environments.
Your guide
A guide from Choose Uganda Safaris will meet you on Day 1 to provide a full briefing and will accompany you throughout the safari until you are safely dropped off at the airport or your hotel at the trip’s end.
Transport
Travel throughout the safari is by comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs for excellent wildlife viewing. While driving distances may seem short on the map, expect several hours of travel between destinations like Entebbe, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Murchison Falls, offering a chance to see Uganda’s scenic countryside but usually without game sightings during transit.
How do I get there?
Safaris in Uganda usually begin and end in Entebbe, near Kampala. Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), served by airlines such as KLM, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta, and Uganda Airlines (direct from London). Transfers from the airport to your hotel will be arranged regardless of your flight time, with a 30-minute drive typical. Due to late-night arrivals, it’s advisable to include a rest day before your safari starts. Allow at least three hours between connecting flights for luggage and terminal transfers.
Budget and Money
Ugandan Shillings cannot be obtained outside Uganda, so bring clean, undamaged US Dollar notes less than 10 years old for easy exchange. We can assist with ATM or bank visits in Entebbe if needed. Notify your bank about travel plans to ensure card usage abroad. Some hotels may not accept cards, so having cash on hand is advisable.
Tips
Tipping is optional but appreciated. It is a way to thank for good service without replacing fair wages. Guides and staff are paid fairly by Choose Uganda Safaris. Suggested tips are approximately five US dollars per person per day for your safari guide and driver, and two to five US dollars per person per day for tracking guides or park rangers. Plan to bring around 80 to 100 US dollars in total for tipping during your trip.
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