2 Days Murchison Falls tour

1. Visiting the top of the falls
2. Game drives
3. A boat cruise at the bottom of the falls
4. Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
5. Birdwatching

Day 1:  Pickup and travel to Murchison falls National park – Visit the top of the falls and head for the launch cruise (5 Hours of driving)

Wake up very early in the morning and prepare to start the journey at 6am. The Guide will pick you up from your hotel after your breakfast and start the journey to the Murchison Falls National Park. You will bypass several towns including Luwero. Luwero has a great history. This is where the current NRM government waged a guerilla war that eventually toppled the government of President Tito Okello. The journey will also allow you marvel at beautiful Uganda countryside with locals tending to their gardens/farms. The Driver  may stop for short periods to allow you buy or sample some tasty local fruits.

Lunch will be at Masindi town before completing the final part of the journey to Murchison Falls. As you enter the dirt road leading to the park, you will start seeing some of the resident creatures like baboons and antelopes. You might even spot giraffes. This is just a tip of the iceberg as you prepare for the main action. The Guide will continue driving up to the very top of the falls. The scenery around the falls is breathtaking. You will know why Uganda is often referred to as the pearl of Africa. The Murchison falls is formed when the river Nile flows through a small gorge before dropping down with a thunderous roar. It then continues its journey to Egypt in a gentle flow. It is one of the best waterfalls in Africa after the Victoria falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

After visiting the falls, you go straight for the 3-hour Launch cruise. The boat goes downstream before ending at the bottom of the falls to allow visitors take great photos of the beautiful Murchison Falls. The river Nile has an amazing collection of fauna and flora. In this particular section, prepare to see elephants, birds, water bucks, crocodiles, the shoebill stork and other amazing creatures drinking/bathing by the river banks. After all is done, you should head for your hotel.

Dinner and Overnight will be at Red Chilli Rest Camp (Budget), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range) and Twiga Safari Lodge (Luxury).

Day 2: Morning Game drive – Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and travel back to Kampala

On this second day of the safari, you will wake up at 6:00am for breakfast in preparation for the morning game drive. Take coffee and a few snacks with you if you like. The Guide will be waiting for you to start the game drive. The Northern section of the park has greater variety of wildlife. As you start the game drive, look out for the early risers and those retreating after a night of hunting. By the end of the game drive, expect to have seen hartebeests, giraffes, lions, hyenas, waterbucks, buffaloes, elephants, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, zebras and primates. You might also spot the elusive Sitatunga, leopards, bush pigs, oribi, reedbucks and bush duikers. After the game drive, you will start the journey back to Kampala but stop at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Rhinos became extinct in Uganda and the only place to see them is at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and now the Ajai Game Reserve. Here you will be able to see more than 25 of them under the guidance of experienced Rangers and trackers. The Rangers will share information about the Rhinos, how they once roamed Uganda’s national parks before extensive poaching left less than 6 in the wild. The numbers have increased as I write this and a few have been re-introduced in Ajai Game Reserve. After seeing enough of the Rhinos, you will continue the journey back to Kampala with a stop in Masindi for lunch. Expect to reach Kampala late in the evening. Book a flight departing at 10PM if you intend on leaving on this day. We can also help you book a hotel in Entebbe so that you depart early in the morning.

The Safari includes:

1. An experienced English Speaking Guide/Driver who will be at your disposal throughout the safari.
2. Transport in a 4 Wheel Drive Car with a pop up roof to allow you spot the animals
3. Fuel
4. Guide/Ranger fees
5. Full board Accommodation (One night)
6. Rhino tracking
7. Game drives and a boat cruise
8. Meals and drinking water in between activities
9. Park entrance fees
10. All activities indicated in the itinerary
11. Government taxes

The safari excludes:

1. International flight tickets and Visas for Uganda.
2. Porters or someone to carry your equipment and tools throughout the trip. Our Guide/Driver may help but only up to a certain extent.
3. Travel/Personal and medical insurance.
4. Gratuities and tips to Drivers, Rangers, hotel staff and porters.
5. Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, alcoholic drinks and souvenirs.

Red Chilli Rest Camp: This budget rest camp is built strategically at the heart of the park and on the southern banks of the river Nile to allow visitors explore all that the park has to offer. Since the camp is so close to the landing dock for the Paraa ferry, It’s easy to cross from here to the Nile Delta for the best wildlife viewing experience. For those interested in sport fishing in Murchison Falls, this is probably one of the best places to choose for the night. Red Chilli Rest Camp has a well-stocked bar and restaurant with amazing views of the Nile. The restaurant caters for both vegetarians and meat/fish eaters. Arrangements can be made to have your food packed as you go out for activities within the park. Other amazing offerings include a bonfire late in the evenings, modern showers and bathrooms.

Pakuba Safari Lodge: Pakuba Safari Lodge is arguably the best mid-range lodge in the Murchison Falls National Park. It is built on the Eastern bank of the river Nile. Pakuba lodge offers amazing scenery, views of the great river Nile and surrounding forests. It is surrounded by vast wilderness hence providing opportunities to spot many of the park wildlife even before going out for a safari. Leopards, elephants and giraffes are frequent visitors to the lodge. Their 46 rooms are furnished with stylish chairs, beds and desks. You can choose to stay in single, twin or double rooms.

Paraa Safari Lodge: This luxury lodge is one of the oldest in Uganda. It was established in 1954 and has a history of excellence in service delivery. The lodge is built close to the banks of the river Nile. Each of their rooms is built to give an atmosphere of relaxation, comfort and serenity. The rooms all have private bathrooms and balconies with a great view of the Nile. Paraa Safari Lodge also has a large swimming pool and a great restaurant serving both continental and local dishes.

Malaria is prevalent in Uganda and while at the Murchison Falls remember to park malaria prophylaxis. You need to be aware of stray wild animals even when within your hotel. Don’t be surprised to spot baboons, antelopes, hippos, warthogs and other creatures strolling outside your accommodation facility. Do not feed them and give a distance. Wild animals are unpredictable. Do not take flash photography. This will only alert the animals with unpredictable results. If you are sleeping in a tent, do not keep food there. If you do, you might attract warthogs, baboons or something bigger.

If you are wondering about what to pack, then think about bringing an insect repellent, a hut, sun screen, a torch, hiking shoes, a towel and light colored clothing’s. You cannot forget to pack a camera and a pair of binoculars.

This private tour is arranged throughout the year. In case the hotels indicated above are fully booked, we will share with you other options which are of similar quality.

For those interested in a longer safari in Murchison Falls, you might want to check out our 6 Days tour of Murchison falls and Budongo forest package.