4 Days Murchison Falls Safari

4 Days
Max Guests : 30
Difficulty :5/10
Solitude Lv : 5/10
Distance 260 KM

Gallery

Overview

The 4 Day Safari in Murchison Falls National Park takes you the most popular as well as the largest national park (covering an area of 3,840 sq km) in Uganda which was officially established as a game park in 1926.with the great River Nile flowing through its boundaries, it prides of a diversity of habitats that include wetlands, woodland, acacia savannah, grasslands and borassus palms which support a wide profusion of wildlife including more than 451 bird species like the shoebill stork, the dwarf Kingfisher and the Great blue Turaco and 87 large mammals including the Big Five animals all easily seen.

The ultimate highlight of a safari here will be a chance to see the powerful Murchison Falls after which this park was named found on the River Nile (the longest River in the world). these waterfalls which are the most significant milestone of the river are such as spectacle as you will see large volumes of water squeeze through a narrow gorge about 7 meters wide before dropping over a 43 meter cliff with an ear deafening sound as the roaring waters drop in a pool below to form a rising water-spray. You will also get a chance to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will get a chance to track rhinos.

Tour Features and Inclusions

Hot Air Balloon Safari: A unique aerial perspective of the park, including a bush breakfast. Cost: Approximately $380-$400 per person.
Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Sanctuary: Guided on-foot tracking of white rhinos, supporting conservation efforts.
Game Drives: Morning and evening drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, led by an expert driver-guide, targeting the Big Four and other wildlife.
Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls: A 2-3 hour cruise on the Victoria Nile, with a hike to the top of Murchison Falls.
Delta Boat Cruise: A half-day cruise to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, ideal for shoebill tracking and birdwatching.
Nature Walks and Forest Hikes: Guided walks in Budongo Forest, offering intimate encounters with flora, fauna, and primates.
Birdwatching: Opportunities to spot over 450 bird species, including the shoebill, with expert guides.
Cultural Visits: Immersive experience at Mubako Village, supporting local communities through crafts and cultural activities.
Accommodation: Options for luxury (Baker’s Lodge), mid-range (Murchison River Lodge), or budget (Heritage Safari Lodge), all with Nile or savanna views.
Meals: Full-board meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner) except on Day 4 (breakfast and lunch only).
Transportation: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide, including park fees, ferry crossings, and bottled water.
Sustainable Tourism: Tours designed to minimize environmental impact and support local conservation and communities.

Exclusions

International flights and visas (East African visa: $100 for Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya).
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs).
Travel insurance.
Optional activities not listed (e.g., sport fishing).

Packing List

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (long-sleeved shirts, trousers, scarf for dust).
Durable hiking boots for the falls hike and nature walks.
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife and birdwatching.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle and a small backpack for day trips.
Light sweater for cool evenings and early mornings.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate and valid passport.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Seasons (December-February, June-August): Ideal for game drives and hiking, with clear skies and less vegetation for better wildlife sightings. Hot air balloon safaris are optimal during these months.
Rainy Seasons (March-May, September-November): Best for birdwatching, especially for spotting the shoebill stork in the delta, though some trails may be muddy.

Notes

The itinerary can be customized to include chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest (requires an additional permit and half-day activity) or extended to other parks like Kibale or Bwindi.
Book activities like the hot air balloon safari and boat cruises in advance through your tour operator to secure spots.
Ensure you have a valid visa and yellow fever certificate, as these are checked at entry points.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Rhino Trekking, and Evening Game Drive

Departure from Kampala/Entebbe: Start your adventure with a 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive northwest through the Luwero Triangle and Masindi town, with a brief stop for refreshments.

Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 3 hours from Kampala) for a 1-2 hour guided rhino trekking experience. Track the endangered white rhinos on foot, accompanied by expert rangers, and learn about conservation efforts to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda’s parks. Spot other wildlife like bushbucks and Uganda kobs, and enjoy a light lunch at the sanctuary’s restaurant.

Afternoon:
Arrival at Murchison Falls National Park: Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, entering through the southern gate. Check in at your accommodation, such as Baker’s Lodge (luxury), Murchison River Lodge (mid-range), or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget).

Evening Game Drive: After settling in, head out for a 2-3 hour evening game drive in the northern sector, crossing the Nile via the Paraa ferry (aim for the 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM crossing). Explore the savanna grasslands, spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and possibly leopards. The golden hour light enhances photography opportunities.

Evening:
Dinner and Overnight: Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner featuring local and international cuisine. Relax by the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African night.

Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge (Mid-range), or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Game Drive, and Nile Boat Cruise with Hike to the Top of the Falls

Morning:

Hot Air Balloon Safari: Rise early (5:00 AM) for a magical hot air balloon safari, launching near Paraa Safari Lodge. Float 1,000 feet above the park, enjoying panoramic views of the savanna, the Nile River, and Murchison Falls at sunrise. Spot herds of elephants, giraffes, and possibly lions from above. The 1-hour flight concludes with a bush breakfast served in the park, complete with ranger security.
Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, embark on a 3-4 hour game drive in the northern sector’s Nyamsika Plateau and Delta circuits. Search for the Big Four (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes), Uganda kobs, and Jackson’s hartebeests. Birdwatchers may spot the Abyssinian ground hornbill.

Afternoon:

Nile Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls: After lunch at your lodge, join a 2-3 hour boat cruise (starting at 2:00 PM) from Paraa upstream to the base of Murchison Falls. Glide along the Victoria Nile, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants bathing, and waterbirds like the African skimmer. The cruise offers close-up views of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through an 8-meter gorge, creating a thunderous roar.
Hike to the Top of the Falls: Disembark at the base of the falls and take a guided 45-minute hike to the top, following the Baker Trail. Feel the mist and marvel at the Nile’s power as it plunges 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron, often accompanied by rainbows. Your guide and vehicle will meet you at the top for stunning photo opportunities.

Evening:

Return to Lodge: Drive back to your lodge for dinner and relaxation. Share stories of the day’s adventures under the stars.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Birdwatching, Nature Walk in Budongo Forest, and Cultural Visit

Morning:

Birdwatching in Budongo Forest: After an early breakfast, head to the Budongo Forest (southern sector) for a 3-hour guided birdwatching walk. With over 450 bird species in the park, seek out the rare shoebill stork (best near the Nile Delta), African fish eagle, kingfishers, and Albertine Rift endemics like the yellow-footed flycatcher. Bring binoculars and a camera for this paradise for birders.
Nature Walk in Budongo Forest: Continue with a 2-hour guided nature walk in Budongo, exploring riverine forests and spotting primates like baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Learn about medicinal plants and the forest’s ecosystem from your ranger guide.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Lodge: Return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch and some downtime, enjoying views of the Nile or the savanna.
Cultural Visit to Mubako Village: In the afternoon, visit the Mubako Village near the park for a 2-hour cultural experience. Engage with the local community, watch traditional dances by the Mubako dancers, and learn about their crafts at the Boomu Women’s Group handicraft shop. Participate in activities like cooking local dishes or exploring traditional huts, supporting sustainable tourism.

Evening:

Dinner and Overnight: Enjoy dinner at your lodge, reflecting on the day’s blend of nature and culture.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Delta Boat Cruise, Morning Game Drive, and Return to Kampala

Morning:

Delta Boat Cruise for Wildlife and Shoebill Tracking: Start with a 4-hour morning boat cruise (7:00 AM departure) downstream from Paraa to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, a prime spot for spotting the elusive shoebill stork, especially during the rainy season. Observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and rare wetland birds like the papyrus gonolek. The delta’s serene landscapes and papyrus reeds make this a photographer’s dream.
Final Morning Game Drive: Return to the lodge for a quick refreshment, then head out for a 2-3 hour game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed, such as hyenas, warthogs, or the park’s 35,000 Uganda kobs. This drive focuses on the northern sector’s open savanna for optimal sightings.

Afternoon:

Lunch and Departure: Enjoy a final lunch at your lodge, check out, and begin the 5-6 hour drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Make a brief stop in Masindi for souvenirs or refreshments.
Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe: Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, with drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.

Map

Wish List

Price

Murchison Falls Safari

From$1,450

Booking Form

Enquiry Form

4 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Rhino Trekking, and Evening Game Drive

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Game Drive, and Nile Boat Cruise with Hike to the Top of the Falls

Day 3: Birdwatching, Nature Walk in Budongo Forest, and Cultural Visit

Day 4: Delta Boat Cruise, Morning Game Drive, and Return to Kampala

Map

Murchison Falls Safari

Book With Confidence

Need Help?

4 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Rhino Trekking, and Evening Game Drive

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Game Drive, and Nile Boat Cruise with Hike to the Top of the Falls

Day 3: Birdwatching, Nature Walk in Budongo Forest, and Cultural Visit

Day 4: Delta Boat Cruise, Morning Game Drive, and Return to Kampala

Map

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Already A Member?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Murchison Falls Safari

Proceed Booking

Already A Member?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or Continue As Guest

Book With Confidence

Need Help?

Related Tours

7-Day Uganda Cultural Tour Package

4-Day Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Expedition

3-Day Kalangala Island Escape

4-Day Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Expedition