3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

Embark on a thrilling 3-day wildlife safari to Murchison Falls National Park with Terenga Safaris, where your journey will take you deep into one of Uganda’s most breathtaking and biodiverse ecosystems. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Murchison Falls National Park is not only Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area but also a sanctuary that offers a rare chance to witness the famous Big Five mammals—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos (rhinos may be seen en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

This short but powerful safari experience takes you across a tapestry of woodlands, savannah grasslands, and riverine forests. The park is part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also includes the Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves, and it is home to over 76 mammal species and more than 451 bird species. From the thunderous spectacle of the Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, to thrilling game drives and scenic boat cruises, every moment of this adventure is designed to bring you closer to the wild.

This 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park safari is perfect for first-time travelers to Uganda, photography lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone with a passion for Africa’s iconic wildlife. You’ll stay at Global Village Lodge, a comfortable mid-range facility offering delicious meals, peaceful ambiance, and warm Ugandan hospitality. Let Terenga Safaris take you on this epic 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park journey into the heart of Uganda’s wilderness, where every sunrise brings new discoveries and every encounter leaves lasting memories.

Detailed 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

Day 1: Pickup from Kampala and Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

Pickup from Kampala and Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

Your 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park journey begins in the early morning hours, when a professional guide from Terenga Safaris greets you warmly at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After a short but informative briefing about your upcoming wildlife adventure, you’ll begin your scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Kampala.

The route takes you through the rolling green countryside of central Uganda, dotted with bustling trading centers, lush plantations, and rural homesteads. Midway, you’ll stop at the Kabalega Diner—a popular traveler’s rest point—for a delicious lunch and refreshments. This is a great opportunity to stretch your legs, take photographs, and get energized for the next leg of your 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park journey.

After lunch, you’ll continue your 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park journey northwards. Upon reaching the park’s southern entrance, you’ll cross the legendary River Nile using a bridge or ferry (depending on the route and season). As you enter the park, you may catch early glimpses of baboons, antelopes, or even elephants grazing along the roadside.

Check in at your accommodation, Global Village Lodge, nestled close to the park with views of the surrounding bushland. Spend the evening unwinding and soaking in the tranquil sounds of nature. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for the thrilling activities that await you on the next day of your safari.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise – Evening Leisure

Rise early to the calls of African wildlife. After a quick coffee or tea, carry your packed breakfast and set off for a morning game drive in the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park, known for its high concentration of large mammals and birds.

Your 3-Day Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls National Park game drive will be conducted in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof to maximize viewing and photography opportunities. With the guidance of your experienced Terenga Safaris guide, you’ll explore the open savannah in search of iconic African wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribis, and warthogs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a leopard lounging on a tree or moving stealthily through the bushes.

Around mid-morning, take a short break at one of the designated picnic spots to enjoy your full breakfast amid the park’s natural surroundings. Continue your game drive, covering different sectors of the park to increase your chances of spotting more species. The sheer diversity and density of wildlife in Murchison are truly remarkable, offering one of the best safari experiences in East Africa.

Return to your lodge in the early afternoon for lunch and a brief rest. At 2:00 PM, transfer to the Paraa Jetty for an unforgettable boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The cruise takes you upstream toward the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, stopping a few meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron”—where the Nile violently crashes into the gorge.

As you float along the river, you’ll spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds including kingfishers, bee-eaters, cormorants, goliath herons, Egyptian geese, and pelicans. Occasionally, elephants and other animals wander down to the riverbanks to drink, offering incredible photo opportunities.

After your boat safari, return to your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest. You can enjoy an evening under the stars, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 3: Second Game Drive – Visit Murchison Falls – Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Second Game Drive – Visit Murchison Falls – Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Your final safari day begins with another early morning wake-up call and a hearty breakfast. After checking out of the lodge, embark on a second game drive, giving you another chance to catch any wildlife you may have missed the day before. Morning hours are best for spotting big predators like lions and leopards, as they are more active before the heat of the day sets in.

Take different routes this time for a fresh perspective and new sightings. Your guide will help interpret animal behavior, track footprints, and ensure that you get the most out of this final wildlife experience.

Next, visit the iconic Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plummeting 43 meters into a foamy pool below. The sheer power and beauty of the falls are awe-inspiring. Take time to enjoy the cool mist, listen to the thunderous roar, and snap breathtaking photos.

After your visit to the falls, begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, with an en-route stop for lunch. Depending on your departure schedule, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kampala or directly at Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.

This marks the end of your 3-day wildlife safari to Murchison Falls, but the memories of thundering waterfalls, roaring lions, and serene river cruises will remain with you forever.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included