1. Can I see all of the Big Five on this safari?

The itinerary gives you the opportunity to search for all five. Rhinos are tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, while lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes can be encountered in Murchison Falls National Park. However, wildlife sightings in the national park cannot be guaranteed.

2. Why is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary included?

Rhino tracking at Ziwa is essential to the Big Five theme because free-ranging rhinos are not currently part of the normal wildlife viewing experience inside Murchison Falls National Park.

3. Is rhino tracking done on foot?

Yes. Rhino tracking at Ziwa is a guided walking experience conducted under the supervision of trained sanctuary guides.

4. How long does rhino tracking take?

The duration varies depending on the rhinos' location and conditions on the day. Allowing roughly 1.5–2.5 hours within the day's schedule is sensible for the overall tracking experience and briefing.

5. What animals can we see in Murchison Falls?

Common sightings can include elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, warthogs, hippos, Nile crocodiles and various antelopes. Lions and leopards are also present but are less predictable.

6. Is the Nile boat safari included?

Yes. An afternoon boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the bottom of Murchison Falls is included

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari – Amazing Big Five Adventure

3-Day Murchison Falls & Big Five Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari Overview

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari takes you to Uganda’s largest national park for an exciting wildlife adventure featuring rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, a Nile boat cruise and a visit to the spectacular Top of the Falls.

The safari begins with a drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. This experience provides the rhino component of Uganda’s Big Five before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park, where you have opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants and African buffaloes.

Inside Murchison Falls, enjoy a game drive across the northern savannah, a boat safari along the Victoria Nile and a visit to the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream.

The trip is suitable for couples, families, friends and first-time visitors looking for a short Uganda safari with a strong combination of wildlife, scenery and river experiences.

Highlights

Search for Uganda's Big Five
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Victoria Nile boat safari
Spectacular views of Murchison Falls
Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles
Chance to spot lions and leopards
Private 4×4 safari experience
Budget, mid-range and luxury lodge options

Day 01 :

Entebbe/Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Tracking – Murchison Falls National Park

Your 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari begins with an early morning pickup from Entebbe or Kampala by your professional driver-guide. Travel north through Uganda's countryside towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

On arrival, meet an experienced sanctuary ranger for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot. The sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity to observe southern white rhinos while learning about rhino conservation in Uganda. After rhino tracking, continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, stopping for lunch along the way.

Depending on arrival time and road conditions, proceed to the Top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Victoria Nile is compressed through a narrow rocky gorge, creating one of Uganda's most powerful natural spectacles.

Continue to your selected lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight.

Main activities: Rhino tracking and Murchison Falls visit
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: (Budget) Parkside Safari Lodge

(Mid-Range) Pakuba Safari Lodge

(Luxury) Nile Safari Lodge

Day 02 :

Murchison Falls Game Drive & Victoria Nile Boat Safari

Begin the day with an early breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park.

The park's northern savannah provides some of Uganda's best opportunities for viewing large mammals. Look out for lions, elephants, African buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, oribis, warthogs and various antelope species. Leopards are also present, although sightings depend on luck.

Return for lunch before proceeding to the Nile for an afternoon boat safari towards the bottom of Murchison Falls.The cruise provides excellent wildlife viewing from the water. Large numbers of hippos are commonly encountered, while Nile crocodiles can be seen along the riverbanks. Elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and other animals frequently approach the Nile to drink.

As the boat approaches the falls, enjoy spectacular views of the Nile surging through the gorge and descending into the river below.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main activities: Morning game drive and Nile boat safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: (Budget) Parkside Safari Lodge

(Mid-Range) Pakuba Safari Lodge

(Luxury) Nile Safari Lodge

Day 03 :

Murchison Falls – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out and beginning your return journey towards Kampala and Entebbe.

Depending on your schedule, there may be opportunities for wildlife sightings while driving out of the conservation area.

Stop for lunch en route before continuing south through Uganda's countryside.

Your driver-guide will drop you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or at Entebbe International Airport where appropriate, marking the end of your 3-Day Murchison Falls & Big Five Safari.

Main activity: Scenic return transfer
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
End point: Kampala or Entebbe