About the Safari
This 3-day safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience the highlights of Murchison Falls National Park within a short timeframe. The journey travels north from Entebbe through the Luwero countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you track white rhinos on foot with a trained ranger.
From Ziwa, continue towards Murchison Falls National Park for the spectacular Top of the Falls experience, a game drive across the savannah and a boat safari along the Nile towards the base of the falls. The final morning provides another opportunity to see wildlife before returning to Entebbe.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Entebbe → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls National Park
Begin early at approximately 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel or agreed location in Entebbe. The early departure helps you make good progress through the Kampala area before continuing northwards along the Kampala–Gulu route.
Travel through the Luwero countryside and enjoy views of rural Uganda as the city gradually gives way to farmland and open landscapes.
On-Foot White Rhino Tracking at Ziwa
Arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at approximately 10:00 AM. Before setting off, meet the ranger and receive a safety briefing. You will then explore the sanctuary on foot in search of white rhinos.
The tracking experience normally takes around 1½–2½ hours, depending on the location of the rhinos and conditions on the day. Walking with a ranger allows you to learn about rhino behaviour, habitat, conservation and the importance of protecting Uganda's rhino population.
After the rhino experience, enjoy lunch before continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park. The route takes you towards the Budongo Forest area, where roadside wildlife sightings may include baboons and other forest-edge species.
Top of Murchison Falls
On arrival in the park, visit the Top of Murchison Falls. Here, the powerful River Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream in a spectacular display of water and spray. Your guide will explain the geology, river system and importance of the falls to the surrounding ecosystem.
Continue to your lodge for check-in, dinner and a well-earned rest.
Meal Plan: Dinner & Breakfast | Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in/near Murchison Falls National Park
Day 2 – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Wake early and have breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive. The early hours are one of the best times to explore the park as temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often active.
Drive through the northern savannah, including the Buligi area where conditions allow. Your experienced guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, waterbuck, warthogs and other antelope species.
Take time to appreciate the landscape and the variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on season, weather and animal movement, but your guide will use experience and local knowledge to maximise the opportunities.
Midday Rest & Lunch
Return to the lodge around midday for lunch, relaxation and time to freshen up before the afternoon river experience.
Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise
In the afternoon, board a launch boat for a cruise upstream along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks provide excellent wildlife viewing from the water.
Look for large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds. The cruise also provides a different perspective of the park, with opportunities for photography and peaceful observation of the river ecosystem.
As you approach the base of the falls, the sound and spray of the Nile create a memorable finale to the river experience. Return to the jetty and proceed back to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Meal Plan: Full Board | Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in/near Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3 – Final Morning Game Drive → Entebbe
Enjoy an early breakfast before a final short game drive. This provides another opportunity to look for wildlife that may not have been seen during the previous day's drive.
Depending on your interests and the time available, your guide may focus on areas where recent wildlife activity has been reported. Keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, birds and, with luck, predators.
After the game drive, return to the lodge, check out and begin the journey south towards Entebbe.
Return Journey
Enjoy a lunch stop along the route, with timing adjusted according to traffic and road conditions. Continue towards central Uganda and arrive in Entebbe later in the afternoon.
Drop-off can be arranged at your hotel or, where the flight schedule allows, at Entebbe International Airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast | End of Tour: Entebbe
