Overview

This 3-day safari to Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most popular short wildlife experiences in Uganda. The trip combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, exciting game drives, a boat cruise on the Nile River, and a hike to the top of the powerful Murchison Falls. On the final day, the safari includes chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, offering a mix of wildlife and primate encounters in a short time.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park and is home to over 76 mammal species, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and leopards, as well as abundant birdlife.

Safari Highlights

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
• Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
• Hike to the top of the falls
• Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

Safari Summery

• Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking then continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
• Day 2: Morning game drive, lunch, afternoon boat cruise, and hike to the top of the Murchison Falls National Park.
• Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking at Budongo Forest then drive back to Kampala/Hotel

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or residence in Kampala and begin the journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. You will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience, which takes about 2 hours. Afterward, continue with a lunch stop en route before proceeding to the park.

Arrive in the evening and enjoy a short game drive as you head to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
• Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 2: Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Hike to the Top of the Falls

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in search of wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and animals along the riverbanks. After the cruise, hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views of the Nile forcing its way through a narrow gorge. Meet your driver-guide at the top and return to your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest and Return to Kampala

After an early breakfast, transfer to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee trekking. The experience takes several hours as you search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat and observe their behavior.

After the trek, begin the return journey to Kampala with a stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or residence.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Inclusions

• Park entrance fees and taxes
• Rhino tracking experience
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Accommodation and meals as indicated
• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled drinking water

Exclusions

• International flights and visas
• Tips and gratuities
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Optional activities not listed
• Laundry services

End of Safari