Updated
A 4-day Murchison Falls safari from Kampala or Entebbe covers Uganda’s largest national park properly: drive north via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on day 1, game drives on the northern savanna and a boat trip up the Nile to the falls on day 2, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest or a boat trip to the Nile delta on day 3, and the hike to the top of the falls before driving back on day 4. It is a great trip on its own or as the northern half of a longer safari that continues to Kibale and Bwindi for gorillas.
Day 1: Ziwa rhinos and the drive north
Leave Kampala or Entebbe early and drive about three hours north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where rangers lead walks to see white rhinos, reintroduced to Uganda from 2005. After lunch, continue through Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park, about 2–3 hours, and check in to a lodge on either side of the Nile. See our guide to rhino trekking at Ziwa.
Day 2: Game drive and the Nile boat trip
Cross to the northern bank of the Nile early for a game drive on the open grasslands of the Buligi area, where Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest and lions are commonly seen, with leopards and hyenas sometimes. In the afternoon, take the boat trip upstream from Paraa towards the base of the falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge and many birds. The boat stops below the falls, where the river churns through the gorge. See our guide to Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3: Chimpanzees or the Nile delta
Choose between chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, at Kaniyo Pabidi on the southern edge of the park, where habituated chimps live among tall mahogany trees, or a morning boat trip downstream to the Nile delta at Lake Albert, one of the better places in Uganda to look for the shoebill. In the afternoon, a second game drive or a quiet evening at the lodge rounds off the day. Read about where to see the shoebill.
Day 4: Top of the falls and return
On the way out, stop at the top of Murchison Falls, where the whole Nile forces its way through a gap about 7 m wide and drops into the gorge with tremendous force. A short trail leads to viewpoints over the spray. Then drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, about 5–6 hours, arriving by early evening; see our Kampala traffic guide.
Adding gorillas
Rather than returning to Kampala, you can drive south from Murchison to Fort Portal and Kibale for chimpanzees, then on through Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi for gorillas, where the permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. Our 12-day safari itinerary follows this route.
When to go
Murchison is good all year. Game viewing is easiest in the drier months of December to February and June to September, when grass is shorter and animals gather near water. The rainy months are green and quieter, though some tracks get muddy. It can be hot at midday, so bring sun protection, and pack insect repellent, as tsetse flies are present in some areas; avoid dark blue and black clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Three to four days from Kampala allows game drives, the boat trip, chimps or the delta, and the top of the falls.
About 5–6 hours by road, or longer with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Yes, in Budongo Forest at Kaniyo Pabidi on the park’s southern edge.
Sometimes, on boat trips to the Nile delta at Lake Albert.
