Murchison Falls Safari: 3-Day Wildlife Tour with Guide & Pickup

Summary

Wildlife encounters & river hikes in Uganda’s Murchison Falls park

You’ll travel deep into Murchison Falls National Park with a local guide, spotting lions and giraffes on game drives, cruising past hippos on the Nile, then hiking up beside roaring falls before returning each night to lodge comfort. Expect real wildlife moments and warm Ugandan hospitality you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the animals — it was the sound of water crashing somewhere far off, behind a haze of green. We’d just crossed into Murchison Falls National Park after a long drive from Entebbe (the road gets bumpy, but you sort of get used to it). Our guide, Moses, met us at the gate with this easy grin and a story about John Speke searching for the Nile’s source. He pointed out Karuma Falls on the way — I could smell wet earth and something sweet from roadside fruit stalls. Lunch was simple but good; I still remember the taste of fresh chapatti and beans eaten under a tin roof while trucks rumbled by.

That evening game drive felt like stepping into someone else’s dream. We saw Rothschild’s giraffes moving slow and silent through the trees (they’re taller than you think), buffaloes flicking their tails at flies, even a lion stretched out in the grass like he owned the place. Moses knew every bird call — he’d stop mid-sentence to point out a squacco heron or some antelope I’d never heard of. The sun dropped fast and suddenly everything was gold and shadowy. Dinner back at Parkside Safari Lodge tasted better than it should have after all that dust.

The next day started early — birds yelling outside our window before dawn. After breakfast we set off for another game drive, this time along the Nile’s northern delta. There were hippos grunting in the distance and baboons sitting right on the road like they were waiting for us (one tried to grab my bag; Moses just laughed). The highlight was definitely the boat cruise: three hours drifting close to crocodiles sunning themselves on muddy banks, elephants splashing at the edge, and that moment when we got close enough to feel spray from Murchison Falls itself — honestly louder than I expected. The hike up from the bottom left my legs shaky but there was this wild energy in the air at the top where the Nile squeezes through rock and explodes downwards. Hard to describe unless you’re standing there.

On our last morning we packed up slowly — nobody wanted to leave yet — and watched local staff balancing trays of fruit with one hand while waving goodbye with the other. The drive back toward Kampala was quieter; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or maybe just tired in that good way you get after real adventure. I keep thinking about those giraffes moving through morning mist, how small I felt next to that river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Evening Game Drive

• Arrival and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
• Stopover at Karuma Falls
• Evening game drive at Parkside Safari Lodge

Day 2 — Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Hiking

• Morning game drive on Northern Delta Nile
• Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile
• Hike from bottom to top of Murchison Falls

Day 3 — Return to Kampala and Local Exploration

• Travel back to Kampala and transfer to Entebbe
• Visit Kampala markets and arts & crafts village

Top questions

How do I get from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park?

Your tour includes pickup from Entebbe airport or your hotel; you’ll be driven across several districts directly to Murchison Falls National Park.

What animals can I see on this safari?

You may spot lions, buffaloes, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, leopards, antelopes, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species during game drives and boat cruises.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is provided each day—either en route or at your lodge—with both local and international dishes available.

Are boat cruises part of this safari?

Yes—a three-hour boat cruise on the Nile is included on day two for wildlife viewing near Murchison Falls.

Is this safari suitable for families or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Where will we stay during the safari?

You’ll stay at Parkside Safari Lodge inside or near Murchison Falls National Park each night.

Do I need special fitness levels for this trip?

The tour suits all physical fitness levels; hiking up to Murchison Falls is optional but recommended if able.

What is included in this 3-day safari package?

Your package covers hotel pickup/drop-off, guided game drives, boat cruise tickets, meals (including lunch), accommodations at Parkside Safari Lodge, entry fees, and support from a local guide throughout your stay.

What’s included

Your trip includes airport or hotel pickup in Entebbe or Kampala with private transport across Uganda’s countryside; all park entry fees; two nights’ accommodation at Parkside Safari Lodge; daily meals featuring both Ugandan favorites and international options; guided game drives plus a three-hour Nile boat cruise; an optional hike up Murchison Falls; and support from knowledgeable local guides every step of the way before returning you safely for your onward journey.