3-day Murchison Falls safari from Kampala: Wildlife and the Nile

Game drives and river wildlife across three days in Uganda's largest national park

A 3-day safari from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park combines early morning game drives, a Nile River boat cruise, and a visit to Zziwa rhino sanctuary. The tour includes park fees, airport pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and overnight accommodation at Pakuba Safari Lodge. A live guide in English or French leads the group through the park's wildlife and to the top of the falls, where the Nile drops 43 meters through a narrow gorge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls Park

• Pick up from airport or lodge
• Stop at Zziwa rhino sanctuary
• Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
• Hike to top of Murchison Falls
• Relax at safari lodge

Day 2: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

• Early morning game drive
• Rest and lunch at lodge
• Afternoon boat cruise on Nile River
• View wildlife along river banks

Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

• View falls early morning
• Leisure breakfast
• Stop at top of falls for rainbow view
• Lunch in Masindi
• Drive back to Kampala

The experience

Murchison Falls National Park sits three hours north of Kampala, and this safari reaches it over three days with a guide who picks you up from the airport or your lodge after breakfast on Day 1. The route stops first at Zziwa rhino sanctuary to see the endangered white rhinos, then continues into the park. That afternoon you hike to the top of the falls: a 150-foot drop where the Nile forces through a 7-meter gorge with enough force to shake the ground and throw up a rainbow visible from the rim.

Day 2 splits between two game drives: an early morning run through the savanna along Lake Albert's delta, where you watch crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and antelope in the open, and an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile itself. The river brings animals to the banks to drink (hippos, giant crocodiles, more elephants and buffalo), and the boat passes directly under the falls as the water crashes down. Day 3 returns you to Kampala with a final stop at the top of the falls at sunrise before the drive back, arriving in the late afternoon.

The package includes park fees for non-residents, all activities, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle throughout. Accommodation is at Pakuba Safari Lodge for two nights. A guide speaks English or French and travels with the group. You choose the language at checkout.

What’s included

• Park entry fees for non-residents.
• early morning game drive and afternoon Nile River boat cruise on Day 2.
• hike to the top of Murchison Falls on Days 1 and 3.
• visit to Zziwa rhino sanctuary.
• two nights at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
• bottled drinking water throughout.
• air-conditioned vehicle and roundtrip airport transfer.
• all activities mentioned in the itinerary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 19 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rumara Safaris SMC Ltd

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose the language that fits your group when you book. The three-day length keeps the drive manageable: long enough to see wildlife across two full game drives and a river cruise, short enough to fit into a week-long Uganda trip without eating up the whole itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 19 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals will I see on the game drives at Murchison Falls?

Murchison Falls is home to water buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, Uganda kob, antelopes and oribi. The early morning game drive on Day 2 offers the best chance to spot them in the savanna. The Nile boat cruise brings you close to crocodiles, hippos, buffalo and elephants gathered at the water's edge.

How much time do I spend at the top of Murchison Falls?

You hike to the top on Day 1 in the afternoon and return there on Day 3 at sunrise before heading back to Kampala. Both visits give you time to stand at the rim where the Nile drops 43 meters and to photograph the rainbow created by the water spray.

What is Zziwa rhino sanctuary and when do we visit it?

Zziwa rhino sanctuary is a stop on the drive north from Kampala on Day 1, between the airport and Murchison Falls. It is a protected area where you meet the endangered white rhinos of Uganda before continuing into the national park.

Does the tour include airport pickup and accommodation?

Yes. A guide picks you up from Kampala airport or your lodge after breakfast on Day 1. You stay two nights at Pakuba Safari Lodge, a comfortable lodge with friendly staff inside the park. The tour ends in late afternoon on Day 3 back in Kampala.