Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest and most visited national parks. It boasts the country’s most significant wildlife population and is home to four Big Five game species. Located in the northern part of Uganda, the park spans an area of 3,840 square kilometers, making it one of the largest conservation areas in Uganda. The mighty River Nile traverses the park, making it an exciting destination for your Uganda safari.
The park features diverse vegetation types, including grasslands, wooded savannah, tropical forests, wetlands, and open water. These ecosystems provide habitat for various animal species, including lions, hyenas, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, the rare shoebill stork, small primates, and other savannah, aquatic, and forest species. Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park should not miss the spectacular game drives, boat cruises to the base of the falls, and a delta boat cruise that offers rewarding wildlife sightings. Visiting Murchison Falls typically requires 2 to 4 days to explore the park.
Tour Summary
Day 01: Domestic flight to Murchison Falls National Park for an evening game drive.
Day 02: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.
Day 03: Delta cruise, visit the top of the falls, and evening game drive.
Day 04: Domestic flight back to Kampala/Entebbe for your departure flight.
Things to Consider
Accommodation is included.
Small group safari: Maximum of 6 people per group.
Tours can depart any day.
Tours can be customized.
Private tours are available.
Age limit: 15 years and above.
Day 1: Fly-in Safari to Murchison Falls National Park
Your driver-guide will pick you up for your domestic flight to Pakuba/Bugungu airstrips. During the flight, enjoy aerial views of the diverse vegetation, beautiful landscapes, homesteads, and terraced farmlands. After landing at Pakuba/Bugungu airstrip, you will be greeted by another driver-guide who will transfer you to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you can relax and prepare for an evening game drive in the savannah plains, where you may spot various animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and warthogs. Following the game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Full Board (FB)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, you will meet your driver-guide for a game drive starting as early as 6:30 or 7:00 AM to catch sight of predators returning to their hiding places. During the game drive, you will explore different tracks in the park, home to various wildlife species, including bushbucks, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, waterbucks, and Jackson’s hartebeests. After the drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch before preparing for a fantastic boat cruise to the base of the falls. During the cruise, enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfall, take beautiful photos, and observe aquatic animals such as hippos and Nile crocodiles and other wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes along the shores. After the cruise, you’ll return to the lodge for evening relaxation, dinner, and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Full Board (FB)
Day 3: Nile Delta Boat Cruise
After enjoying breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up and transfer you to the Paraa jetty for a Nile Delta boat cruise. This scheduled cruise departs from Paraa jetty, travels to the shores of Lake Albert, and lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. During the boat cruise, you will experience spectacular views of Murchison Falls and observe large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in the water. You may also spot other animals along the shores, such as Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and waterbucks. Birdwatchers will delight in seeing diverse species, including the elusive shoebill stork, goliath heron, African jacana, pied and malachite kingfishers, African skimmer, papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, and saddle-billed stork. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to see fishermen catching fish on Lake Albert in dugout canoes. After the Nile Delta boat cruise, you will reconnect with your driver-guide to return to the lodge for lunch.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Departure
After breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive, allowing you to see different wildlife species you might have missed during the previous excursion. Following the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will check out the lodge and meet with your driver-guide for the transfer to Pakuba/Bugungu airstrip. Your domestic flight to Entebbe International Airport departs at 1:15 PM and arrives at Entebbe Airport at 4:15 PM.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Price Includes:
Domestic flight fares
Boat cruise fees
Hiking to the top of the falls (optional)
Community walks
Professional English-speaking driver guide
Park entrance fee
Full board accommodation
Ground transfers
Bottled water
Price Excludes:
International air flight tickets
Visas
Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, drinks, laundry services, hiring a porter, and tips, among others
Optional activities are not included on the itinerary.