3-Day Murchison Falls Safari from Kampala: Big 5 and boat cruise

Three days tracking the Big 5 and hiking to Africa's strongest waterfall

A 3-day safari from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park with private transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and accommodation at Nile breeze lodge. Day one includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary before arrival at the park. Day two combines morning and sunset game drives with a boat cruise to the base of the falls, where you watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo from the water. Day three ends with a final game drive and stops at local markets before returning to Kampala.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Rhino tracking and lodge check-in

• Visit Ziwa Sanctuary
• Rhino tracking for 2 hours
• Travel to Murchison Falls Park
• Check in at safari lodge

Day 2: Game drives and boat cruise

• Morning game drive
• Hike to top of Murchison Falls
• Boat cruise to bottom of falls
• Sunset game drive

Day 3: Morning game drive and return

• Early morning game drive
• Exit park by 6pm
• Visit roadside fruit and vegetable markets
• Travel to Kampala/Entebbe

The experience

The tour starts at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a two-hour tracking experience in the conservation area before you head into Murchison Falls National Park itself. This opening stop sets the pace: you're watching wildlife in their habitat from the start, not driving straight through. Once you reach the lodge, you settle in and the park becomes your focus for the next full day.

Day two is the core of the trip. Morning and sunset game drives put you on the ground where lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, Uganda kobs and elephants move through the savanna. The boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is where the scale hits you. The falls are the strongest in the world, and from the water you see crocodiles, water lizards, hippos and more buffalo and elephants lining the riverbanks. Later you hike to the top of the falls and stand above the gorge called the devil's cauldron, the landmark that defines this park.

The return journey on day three includes one more game drive through the park at dawn, when antelope herds and buffalo cluster along the roadsides. You stop at local fruit and vegetable markets on the way out, a chance to taste what grows here and see how the communities around the park live. Private transportation means the route and timing stay flexible around what you're seeing, and you're back in Kampala or Entebbe by evening.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Kampala.
• accommodation at Nile breeze lodge.
• park entry and all game drives.
• the boat cruise to the base of the falls.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the three days.
• rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary on day one.

Options for this experience

2 options

Safari at The Warthogs AldeaGuide in English · 08:00Red Chilli: This is the favourite of campers, where the daily routine centres on camping or staying in tents in the middle of the park. Pickup is included in the Safari Van.

Three-Day Safari in Murchison Falls ParkGuide in English · 08:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Beverly safaris africa

Is this one for you?Private transportation means the guide can adjust timing and route based on where wildlife appears, and you travel as your own group rather than joining others. The three-day length gives you a full day inside the park for both morning and sunset drives plus the boat cruise, rather than rushing through in a single afternoon.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see on the game drives?

Murchison Falls is home to lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, giraffes and Uganda kobs. Morning and sunset drives are when these animals are most active, and the boat cruise adds crocodiles, hippos and water lizards seen from the river. Rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary on day one is a separate experience before you enter the park.

What happens on the boat cruise?

The boat takes you to the base of Murchison Falls, where you watch hippos, crocodiles, water lizards, buffalo and elephants from the water as they gather along the riverbanks. This is a separate experience from the game drives and gives you a different view of the wildlife and the falls themselves.

Is the accommodation included in the price?

Yes, accommodation at Nile breeze lodge is included for the nights you spend in the park. Park entry, all game drives and the boat cruise are also included in the package.

Do I need any experience with safari or hiking to join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children from age 5 are welcome. The hike to the top of the falls is part of the itinerary, so a basic level of mobility is needed for that portion of day two.