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3 Days Tour Murchison Falls

Uganda | Family

The 3-day tour to Murchison Falls National Park provides an unforgettable safari experience that will leave you with lasting memories. The park, established as a game reserve in 1926 and later becoming a national park in 1952, is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and several species of antelope. The main attraction, however, is the stunning Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge before plummeting into the Victoria Nile below.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking to escape into the African wilderness while also being introduced to Uganda’s rich cultural and ecological diversity. The 3-day itinerary is well balanced, allowing you to see the best of the park's wildlife, landscape, and the dramatic Murchison Falls.

Trip Highlights

  1. Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Your journey begins with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll embark on a guided rhino tracking experience.
  2. Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park: The park offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities, with a variety of wildlife, including the 'Big Five,' readily seen on morning and evening game drives.
  3. Boat Cruise on the Nile: A boat cruise along the Nile River offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species, as well as an unforgettable view of Murchison Falls.
  4. Top of the Falls Hike: You will also visit the top of Murchison Falls, where you can marvel at the stunning view of the falls and the power of the Nile as it tumbles over the rocks.
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DAY 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

On the first day, your journey will begin with an early morning departure from Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. You will be greeted by your tour guide who will brief you on the trip ahead. The drive to Murchison Falls National Park takes about 5-6 hours, but the journey will be broken up with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the reintroduction of the endangered white rhino into Uganda’s protected areas.

At the sanctuary, you will have the rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot, a thrilling experience that gives you an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you will walk through the sanctuary's lush landscape while learning about rhino conservation efforts in Uganda. The sanctuary’s open savannah and wetland habitats offer plenty of opportunities to spot other wildlife such as antelopes, giraffes, and various bird species.

After your rhino tracking adventure, you will continue your drive towards Murchison Falls National Park. As you approach the park, the landscape transforms into a beautiful savannah dotted with acacia trees, and you might already start to see some of the park’s wildlife, including buffaloes and elephants. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: You will stay in one of the park's lodges, which range from budget to luxury options. The accommodations provide great views of the surrounding nature and offer a comfortable base for your safari adventure.

DAY 2: Morning Game-Drive and Afternoon Boat-Cruise on the Nile

On the second day, you will rise early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours offer the best chance to spot predators and other wildlife when they are most active. Your experienced guide will take you to some of the park's best game-viewing areas, where you may encounter lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species, such as Uganda kob and hartebeest. The park’s vast open savannah and woodlands make it an excellent location for game drives, with wildlife often visible along the park’s main tracks.

During the drive, your guide will share fascinating facts about the park’s flora and fauna, helping you understand the complex ecosystems that support such diverse wildlife. The highlight of the morning may include spotting a pride of lions lounging in the sun or observing a herd of elephants crossing the riverbank. Birdwatchers will also enjoy this safari, as the park is home to over 450 bird species, including the endangered shoebill stork.

After the morning game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise on the Nile River, one of the tour’s highlights. This scenic cruise will take you to the base of Murchison Falls, offering a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife. The Nile River is teeming with life, and you will have the chance to see large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking in the sun, and various bird species like kingfishers and pelicans. The boat will also take you close to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can marvel at the forceful water as it crashes through a narrow gorge.

The boat cruise is an excellent opportunity to relax, take in the scenery, and capture some incredible photos of wildlife along the riverbanks. The sheer power and beauty of Murchison Falls are breathtaking, and the sound of the water cascading over the rocks will leave you in awe.

Accommodation: You will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 3: Game-Drive, Top of the Falls, and Transfer Back to Kampala

On the final day of your tour, you will enjoy a morning game drive before heading to the Top of Murchison Falls. The game drive will give you one last opportunity to spot more wildlife, especially in the early hours when the animals are most active. You might see elephants bathing in the river, lions hunting, or buffaloes grazing on the open plains. The birdlife is also plentiful, so make sure to keep an eye out for the park’s more elusive species.

After the game drive, you will head to the Top of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the full majesty of the falls. The view from the top is breathtaking, as you stand at the edge of the falls, looking down at the powerful Nile River crashing into the gorge below. The sight and sound of the cascading water is a spectacle that is sure to leave you speechless. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and a perfect way to conclude your visit to this incredible national park.

Following your visit to the Top of Murchison Falls, you will begin your drive back to Kampala, where you will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Inclusions:

  • Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Full board accommodation (3 meals per day)
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Boat cruise on the Nile River
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
  • Park entrance fees
  • Bottled drinking water

Exclusions:

  • International airfare
  • Uganda visa fees (if applicable)
  • Optional activities (e.g., nature walks, additional boat cruises)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs)