Murchison Falls Safari: Game Drives, Boat Cruise & Rhino Tracking

Hike above the falls, hunt for rhinos on foot, drift past hippos on the Nile

A 3-day guided safari from Kampala into Murchison Falls National Park combines morning and evening game drives, a full-day boat cruise on the Nile, a hike to the top of the falls, and two hours of rhino tracking on foot at a sanctuary. The tour includes two nights' accommodation, all meals, and transportation from Kampala; a guide speaks English or French and leads the whole route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive and hike at Murchison Falls

• Drive from Kampala to park
• Stop for lunch
• Hike to top of falls
• Evening game drive
• Check in at lodge

Day 2 — Morning game drive and boat cruise

• Enjoy coffee or tea
• Morning game drive
• Boat trip on Nile
• Drive to second accommodation
• Relax at resort

Day 3 — Rhino tracking and return

• Breakfast and check out
• Drive to Ziwa sanctuary
• Rhino tracking briefing
• Rhino tracking experience
• Drive back to Kampala
• Stop for lunch
• Arrive at lodge in Kampala

The Experience

The drive from Kampala takes 5 to 6 hours, with a lunch stop along the way. On arrival in the afternoon, you hike to the top of Murchison Falls—a 30- to 50-minute walk depending on pace—then head out for a short evening game drive in the savannah to catch wildlife as the light fades. You stay overnight at the lodge.

Day two starts at 6:00am with coffee or tea before a morning game drive and a full boat trip on the Nile. During the drive you'll see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; the boat ride includes a packed breakfast you eat at the hippo pool. After the cruise you drive out of the park to your second lodge, where the evening is free to rest or swim.

On the final morning, after breakfast, you drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a two-hour tracking experience on foot. A guide briefs you on rhino behavior before you set out. The return drive to Kampala includes a lunch stop, and the tour ends when you reach your lodge.

What’s included

• Two nights' accommodation at lodges inside and near the park.
• all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day three.
• morning and evening game drives in the savannah.
• a full-day boat cruise on the Nile with packed breakfast.
• a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls.
• rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Sanctuary.
• transportation from Kampala to the park and back.
• a guide in English or French.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Gatsio Safariz

Is this one for you?Three days is the right length to see the falls, the river wildlife and the rhinos without rushing any of them—the schedule holds all three experiences inside a single trip, so you don't have to choose between them or book a second safari later.

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Top questions

What animals will I see on the game drives?

The game drives in Murchison Falls National Park show lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. The park is known for its big five, and sightings depend on the season and where the herds are on the day you visit.

How long is the hike to the top of the falls?

The hike to the top of Murchison Falls takes 30 to 50 minutes depending on your walking pace. It's the first activity after you arrive on day one, and offers a view of the falls from above.

What happens on the boat cruise on the Nile?

The boat cruise is a full-day activity on day two, starting in the morning after a game drive. You'll eat a packed breakfast at the hippo pool during the trip and see wildlife from the water before driving out of the park to your second lodge.

Is rhino tracking included, and how does it work?

Rhino tracking is included on day three at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. After a briefing about rhino behavior, you track on foot for approximately two hours with a guide before driving back to Kampala.

What meals and accommodation are provided?

The tour includes two nights' accommodation—one at Gipir and Labong Lodge and one at Kabalega Resort Masindi—plus all meals throughout the three days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged as part of the package.

Can I book this tour if I speak French?

Yes, the guide speaks both English and French, so you can request a French-language tour when you book.