4 days Murchison Falls National Park Safari takes you to you to North-Eastern Uganda and one of Uganda’s two most visited national parks. The Murchison Falls is one of the few national parks in Africa where tourists get to see all of the big 5 mammals (Rhinos are spotted at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary which was established close to the park). The park gets its name from the Murchison Falls. These falls are formed when the river Nile squeezes its way through a narrow gorge as it flows towards South Sudan. The result are spectacular falls accompanied by thunderous roars and amazing rainbow colors. Thousands of international and local tourists visit the park only to see the waterfalls.
The Murchison Falls National park 
has 76 different species of mammals. The vegetation consists of mostly savanna grasslands, woodlands, forests like Budongo and swampy grasslands on the Albert Nile. The Murchison Falls National Park is made up of several sections/sectors where wildlife can be spotted. They include Paraa, Buligi, Nyamiska, Pakuba, Chobe, Rabongo forest, Karuma Wildlife Reserve, Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo forest. Rabongo, Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo forest areas are home to chimpanzees and other smaller primates. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is very popular with visitors to the park and is an opportunity to observe a creature that has a similar DNA to humans.
Another great attraction while visiting the Murchison Falls National Park is the Nile. The river passes right in the middle park of the park as it makes its way to North Africa leaving behind waterfalls and other remarkable geological features. Because of the Nile, tourists can take part in sport fishing and a launch cruise along the Nile to observe aquatic creatures. You can also check out our 3 days Murchison falls safari package or the 5 days tour of Murchison falls if you are interested in a longer tour. We even have the 2 days Murchison falls tour package for those who are constrained by time.
Main activities
- Hiking to the top of the falls
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo
- Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives
- A boat cruise
Highlights
Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit the top of the Falls
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Boat Cruise along the Nile (Upstream)
Day 3: Boat Cruise Along the Nile Delta (Downstream) – Afternoon game drive
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo – Drive back to Kampala
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit the top of the Falls
A driver will show up at your hotel or airport for pickup and a briefing. During the briefing, the driver/Guide will share with you details about the trip and how to prepare. You can agree with him on any minor changes that you would like as long as it doesn’t deviate much from the programme. After the briefing, you will start the journey to Murchison Falls National park via Kampala. The journey takes you past Luwero District and then to Nakasongola where you will branch off to visit the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary was established to protect the last remaining rhinos and start a breeding programme to increase their numbers.
A Ranger will take you to observe the large mammals moving around as they graze. While observing the white rhinos, the Ranger will also share a short story about each of them and how they were introduced in the sanctuary. It will be a highly educative experience in which you will learn a lot about the facility 
and what is being done to protect rhinos worldwide. The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary sits on a large piece of land with incredible biodiversity. Apart from white rhinos, expect to spot antelopes, smaller primates and birds.
After spending times with the rhinos, you will have lunch at a hotel within the sanctuary or in Masindi town. After the lunch break, you will drive to the park and go straight to the top of the Murchison falls. The Murchison falls is one of the most exciting and eye catching waterfalls in Africa. It is a great place for photography and sightseeing as you marvel at the force of the Nile. You will then proceed to your hotel for check-in, a shower and evening relaxation.
Accommodation plan: Paraa safari lodge(High-end), Pakuba safari lodge (Standard) and Murchison river lodge(Budget).
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Boat Cruise along the Nile (Upstream)
After enjoying your breakfast, you will head for a morning game drive at the Nyamsika area. The purpose of this morning game drive is to observe the early risers (birds and mammals) while also looking out for nocturnal animals going back to their dens. The Nyamsika track is thought to be the best game viewing area in Murchison falls national park. It has a wide collection of animals including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, elands, warthogs and reedbucks among others. You will also observe birds like the grey-crowned crane, goliath heron, yellow billed stork and Senegal thick knee among many others. While on the game drive, you will have many opportunities to take photos as you listen to commentary from either the park ranger or the company driver/guide. The game drive will take about 3 to 4 hours. After completing it, you will go back to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will drive to Paraa dock for the boat cruise along the Nile. This particular boat cruise will be one of the major highlights of your safari. The boat cruise starts downstream and ends at the bottom of the falls. As the boat moves slowly upstream, you will be rewarded with great views of aquatic animals like Nile crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks, elephants and buffaloes drinking on the shores. The boat ride starts at 2pm and end at 5pm.
Accommodation plan: Paraa safari lodge (High-end), Pakuba safari lodge (Standard) and Murchison river lodge(Budget).
Day 3: Boat Cruise Along the Nile Delta (Downstream) – Afternoon game drive
After breakfast, you will be taken for another boat cruise along the Nile. This time you will be heading downstream to the Nile Delta and near Lake Albert. This remote area is characteristic by vast wetlands 
and pristine wilderness. The area is rarely visited by other tourists because most of them book shorter safaris. It is an excellent area for bird-watching and game viewing. Expect to see more hippos and crocodiles. The birds to look out for are king fishers, flamingos, egrets, flycatchers, geese, plovers and the elusive shoebill stork. By the end of this boat cruise, you appreciate the remarkable biodiversity in the park. The driver will be waiting to take you back to your lodge for relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon, the drive will take you for a final game drive at the Buligi game track to experience what this part of the park has to offer. Here you will encounter animals like elephants, leopards, hyena, antelopes, bush pigs, mongoose, oribi, reedbucks and singing birds.
Accommodation plan: Paraa safari lodge (High-end), Pakuba safari lodge (Standard) and Murchison river lodge(Budget).
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo – Drive back to Kampala
This will be the last day of the tour but could turn out to be the most memorable. Wake up early, eat something and wait for the driver to take you to Budongo forest for the early morning briefing. The 
briefing covers topics like what to expect, the packing list, history of the forest and how to handle yourself once you encounter the chimps. You will them head out into the forest to search for the primates. Chimpanzees are very agile and vocal primates. Unlike gorillas, they spend much of their time on top of trees. Finding them is easy because of their loud cries and barks. Once you find them, you will have to very attentive and observant to fully enjoy the one hour with them. Chimps are very intelligent and playful animals that will wow you right from the start. Take as many photos as you can whenever a chance presents itself. On completion of this activity, you will begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The company driver will drop you at a suitable spot or the airport.
End of tour
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The 4 days Murchison falls safari includes: –
- Chimpanzee permits
- Park entrance fees
- Vehicle entrance
- Ferry crossing fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Refreshments and meals while traveling
- Boat cruises
- Ground transportation and English speaking safari driver
- Park ranger fees
Exclusions: Travel/personal insurance, air tickets, visas and personal expenses (beverages, tips, curios, mobile phone bills).
Important Notes
Travelers can book this 4 days Uganda wildlife safari package at any time of the year. The Murchison Falls National Park is open throughout the year. It is only the recent COVID-19 pandemic that forced the government to close it.
The itinerary is open for adjustments or amendments if requested by the client. If a traveler wants to add some other activities or visit other national parks, adjustments can be made. We try ensure that our tour packages are designed to suit the visitor.
This tour package appeals to all persons – including children, luxury and budget travelers. However, for the case of the chimpanzee trekking, persons less than 13 years are not eligible. Children will remain with the driver or at the lodge as the parents go for the activity.
Packing List
A great camera and binocular: A safari in Uganda involves visiting many places, meeting the local people and viewing wildlife. Why should you miss out on capturing every moment of your trip because you had no camera? Your friends and colleagues back home will need proof of the wonderful time you had during your trip. The binocular will help you spot birds, distant animals and primates.
Medication: Don’t be so sure about your physical health because you may be disappointed when you travel for long hours and in a foreign country. Uganda is a tropical country with many diseases like malaria, typhoid, cold, flu and yellow fever. You should visit your personal doctor and seek medical advice before traveling.
Lodges and Hotels
Paraa Safari Lodge: This is the oldest and most popular luxury lodge in Murchison Falls national park. It was built in the 1950’s, around the time when the park was established. The lodge has 
maintained it standards after several renovations and other improvements. It remains an elegant accommodation facility where guests find all the high quality services they would need. There are single, double and twin rooms that are of high quality. Each room is spacious and with a veranda overlooking the Nile river. The food and beverage department prepare both local and continental meals. Book with this lodge if you are looking for the ultimate quality while visiting Murchison Falls National Park. Paraa Safari Lodge is owned by the Madhivani group of companies.
Pakuba Safari Lodge: This amazing mid-range lodge is located in the northern section of the park and on the shores of the Albert Nile. It is one of the best standard lodges to stay while on a tour of Murchison Falls National park. It is a very big accommodation facility with 46 rooms for guests. The rooms are furnished with flush toilets, showers, comfortable beds and ventilated. While at the lodge, guests have a majestic view of the Nile river and also the savanna plains which most of the park animals and birds call home.
Murchison River lodge: This is a basic lodge which targets low budget travelers. It is situated in the southern part of the park – a few meters to the showers of the Nile. The lodge has bandas and tented camps for guests. Most of them are self-contained while others have shared bathrooms and toilets. Murchison River Lodge also caters for guests who have their own camping gear. If you have your own tents and camping equipment, you will be offered space within the premises. What other amenities does the lodge offer? Murchison River Lodge has a very large eating area for guests with a restaurant serving both international and local cuisines. Book with this lodge is you traveling on budget.
