Discover Uganda’s premier wildlife destination where the Victoria Nile meets pristine wilderness. Murchison Falls National Park spans 3,840 square kilometers of diverse habitats, from riverine forests to open grasslands, supporting East Africa’s largest elephant population and healthy lion prides.
Your safari experience combines evening and morning game drives through acacia woodlands where giraffes browse alongside Uganda kob, and afternoon boat excursions on the Victoria Nile. Navigate past basking crocodiles and hippo pods while observing elephants and buffalo at drinking points. The park’s 451 recorded bird species include the rare shoebill stork and Goliath heron.
The highlight awaits at Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous 43-meter cascade. Hike to the falls’ summit for commanding views across the Albertine Rift Valley.
This carefully curated adventure includes professional wildlife guides, comfortable accommodations, and sustainable tourism practices that directly support local communities and conservation initiatives protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
Day 1: Drive to Murchison falls and Going for an Evening Game Drive
Our journey begins from Entebbe, Kampala or Jinja to Uganda’s largest and most historic protected area, Murchison Falls National Park. We will enter the park and travel through the Budongo Forest, which is home to numerous primates and birds, after eating lunch in Masindi. We will drive to the top of the falls to take in the expansive views of the Nile and its surroundings. Here, you will witness the spectacular sight of Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges 45 meters into a roaring pool. The scenery is breathtaking as you observe while the Nile waterfalls sprays you in the face and soaks you.
We then will head into the National Park for an evening game drive where you will see amazing wildlife come out to feed on the Savanah before the sunset. This will be by the help of the local tour guide. You will later check in your booked accommodation, then you can unwind with dinner and a breathtaking view of the Nile river and night sounds from the forest nearby.
Day 2: Explore the Wild Side of the Nile in the morning game drive and Boat ride on the Nile
We will get up early and savor a delectable breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive in the park’s northern region. Here, you can see some of Murchison Falls’ magnificent wildlife, such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and more. As you drive through the savannah and woodland habitats, keep an eye out for the rare patas monkeys.
You’ll later board a boat after the sight seeing activity and cruise along the Nile River, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a wide range of birds. This is an excellent chance to capture breathtaking images and videos of the surroundings and wildlife.
After returning to your accommodation, enjoy a hearty lunch and take some time to relax. In the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Shakes Travel’s “Let’s Go Green Uganda” initiative—a tree-planting activity aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute positively to the local ecosystem and leave a lasting impact.
Following this, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Mubaku community. Engage in interactive cultural activities that provide insight into their traditional lifestyle, culminating in a vibrant local dance performance. As the evening unfolds, embark on a serene community nature walk, observing daily life and soaking in the breathtaking sunset views over the Nile River. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and unwind beside a cozy campfire, reflecting on the day’s meaningful experiences.
Day 3: Check out and Drive back to the Drop off point
We will check out of our accommodation after an early breakfast on the final day of your safari. We will drive back to your preferred drop off points in either kampala, Jinja or Entebbe, where your safari ends. While on the drive back, you will have an opportunity to see the country side of this beautiful country Uganda
Murchison Falls: This is where the name originates. This is one of the main highlights where you get to have sight views of Murchison Falls, a spectacular sight where the mighty Nile River plunges 43 meters through a narrow gorge. You will hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views, or take a boat trip to the bottom for a closer look at the power of the water.
Wildlife viewing: Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippopotamuses. From this highlight, you will be able to see these animals on game drives through the park’s savannas and woodlands.
Boat Ride: Taking a boat ride on the Victoria Nile will be a great way to see wildlife up close, as well as hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. You might also see a variety of birds, including the rare shoebill stork.
Chimpanzee trekking: In the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest is an optional highlight activity, you can go chimpanzee trekking and see these habituated chimps in their natural habitat.
Bird watching: Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds to see. Some of the most common birds include the grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, and lilac-breasted roller.
Trip Inclusions:
Trip Exclusions:
Your 3-day adventure to Murchison Falls National Park offers more than just breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife; it also allows you to contribute a tree seedling. Additionally, the adventure provides an optional opportunity to actively participate in environmental conservation through our ‘Planting Green Paths‘ tree-planting initiative. This activity is aimed at restoring degraded areas within the park.
By planting indigenous tree seedlings, you actively combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and promote environmental sustainability in the region. This hands-on experience not only allows you to leave a positive impact on the park’s ecosystem but also aligns your adventure with sustainable tourism practices.
Engaging in this tree-planting activity complements other responsible tourism choices, such as selecting local tour guides and opting for accommodations that employ local staff and source produce from nearby villages. These decisions inject revenue directly into the community, empower residents, and foster a sense of ownership over the park’s success, encouraging future generations to be stewards of this natural treasure.
By integrating conservation efforts into your travel experience, you help ensure that the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Murchison Falls National Park are preserved for years to come.
QN1. When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls?
Murchison Falls offers a great safari experience year-round, but the prime viewing times fall within the dry seasons: December to February and June to September. These months offer clear skies, easier game viewing as animals congregate around water sources, and minimal disruptions from rain. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and potentially larger crowds.
QN2. What wildlife can I expect to see?
Murchison Falls boasts a diverse range of wildlife. You’ll have a high chance of spotting the “Big Four” – lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard – alongside giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, an abundance of birdlife, and even the rare Shoebill stork. Boat trips on the Nile offer a unique perspective for viewing these animals.
QN3. What are the park entrance fees and activity costs?
Park entrance fees vary depending on your residency status. Foreign non-residents typically pay around $45 USD for a 24-hour pass. Activities like boat cruises, hikes to the top of the falls, and viewing platforms all have separate fees, usually ranging from $10 to $30 USD per person.
QN4. What kind of accommodation is available?
Murchison Falls caters to a range of budgets. You’ll find luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps, and budget-friendly guest houses both inside and outside the park. Consider your desired level of comfort and proximity to park activities when choosing your accommodation.
QN5. Are there any additional activities besides game drives?
Absolutely! Boat trips on the Victoria Nile are a highlight, offering stunning views of the falls and opportunities to see wildlife up close. You can also go for chimp trekking in the nearby Budongo Forest, explore the top of the falls with a hike, or visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see these critically endangered animals.
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