2 Days Murchison Falls Safari
2 Days Murchison Falls Safari: A Comprehensive Itinerary
A 2-day Murchison Falls Safari offers an incredible adventure into one of Uganda’s most renowned national parks. With its vast savannas, scenic boat rides, thrilling game drives, and the iconic Murchison Falls, this trip guarantees unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, this safari provides a packed, yet rewarding experience. Below is a detailed itinerary for a 2-day Murchison Falls Safari, tailored for those who want to experience the best of the park in a short time.
Day 1: Drive from Kampala, Visit Murchison Falls, and Enjoy a Boat Safari
5:00 AM: Depart from Kampala
Start your journey early from Kampala. The drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. Departing early allows you to maximize your time in the park. The route takes you through scenic rural landscapes, including vibrant villages and lush greenery, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, your guide will give you insights into the culture, history, and conservation efforts in the park.
12:35 PM: Arrive at Murchison Falls and Visit the Top of the Falls
Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll head straight to the top of the Murchison Falls for a thrilling hike. The Murchison Falls are a must-see, as they are one of Uganda’s most spectacular natural wonders. The mighty Nile River narrows as it plunges through a gorge, creating a powerful waterfall with a thundering roar.
The hike to the top is short but steep, lasting about 30-40 minutes, and rewards visitors with stunning views of the falls from various vantage points. The lush vegetation and rocky terrain add to the adventure, and birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the grey-crowned crane and other local birds. The falls’ power and beauty create a sensory experience you won’t forget. It’s an ideal stop to take memorable photos and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
2:00 PM: Take a Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile
After visiting the top of the falls, it’s time to enjoy a boat ride on the Victoria Nile. The boat safari takes you downstream towards the base of the falls, where you can witness the river’s remarkable power from a different angle. Excursion offers a closer view of the animals along the riverbanks, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, such as the African fish eagle.
Relax and take in the scenery while keeping an eye out for wildlife. You may also spot elephants and buffaloes coming to drink from the river or bathing in the cool waters. Your guide will provide informative commentary about the park’s wildlife, geology, and the Nile River. This is the perfect way to explore the river’s beauty while staying close to nature.
5:30 PM: Short Game Drive
After the boat ride, take a short game drive through the park. This evening game drive offers a chance to spot wildlife as they begin to become more active during the cooler hours. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and antelope species. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 450 species of birds calling it home.
The game drive takes you through the park’s varied terrain, from savannah grasslands to riverine forests. Your guide will help spot animals and offer interesting facts about their behavior and the ecosystem. As dusk approaches, the light is perfect for capturing stunning photographs of the wildlife and landscapes.
Dinner and Overnight at Pakuba Lodge
After the game drive, head to Pakuba Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Located along the Nile River, the lodge offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding wilderness. Pakuba Lodge provides a comfortable and relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding after an exciting day in the park.
The lodge offers a variety of meals featuring both local and international cuisine, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner before retreating to your room. After a long day of exploration, you can rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala
5:30 AM: Breakfast at Pakuba Lodge
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at Pakuba Lodge. The early start is necessary to catch the wildlife while it’s most active, and it will give you the opportunity to enjoy the park’s beauty during the morning hours. The lodge offers a variety of breakfast options, from continental to traditional dishes, ensuring you’re fueled up for the day ahead.
6:00 AM: Start Morning Game Drive
After breakfast, embark on your morning game drive, which is one of the highlights of a 2-day Murchison Falls safari. The early hours of the morning are ideal for spotting wildlife, as many animals are more active during the cooler temperatures. This is a great time to observe predators such as lions and leopards, as well as herbivores like elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
The park’s diverse habitats ensure that you’ll encounter a variety of animals during the drive. From the open plains to the dense forests, Murchison Falls offers an incredible array of wildlife. As you travel through the park, your guide will point out the various species and share fascinating information about their behavior, the park’s ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts.
10:00 AM: End Game Drive and Depart Murchison Falls
After a morning of game viewing, your game drive will end around 10:00 AM. You’ll then return to the park’s entrance and check out. The drive out of the park provides one last chance to spot animals, so keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife sightings. As you leave the park, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters you’ve experienced over the past two days.
Return to Kampala
After exiting Murchison Falls, begin your journey back to Kampala. The drive back will take about 5 to 6 hours, giving you time to reflect on your safari experience. If you depart early, you should arrive in Kampala by late afternoon, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park
During your 2-day safari, your accommodation plays a key role in your overall experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Pakuba Lodge: This lodge offers comfortable rooms with great views of the Nile River and is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure. Pakuba Lodge is a mid-range option that provides both luxury and affordability.
- Paraa Safari Lodge: If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, this lodge is an excellent choice. It offers spacious rooms, beautiful views, and excellent service, making it ideal for those who want to splurge on their safari accommodation.
- Murchison River Lodge: For a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, Murchison River Lodge is a great option. Located near the river, it provides cozy accommodations and an authentic safari experience.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons, which typically run from December to February and June to September. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot, as animals congregate around water sources. The dry season also makes the roads within the park more accessible.
However, the park is open year-round, and even during the rainy season (March to May and October to November), Murchison Falls is still a beautiful destination, with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
Express to Trip
A 2-day Murchison Falls Safari is the perfect way to explore one of Uganda’s most iconic national parks in a short time. From the top of Murchison Falls to the thrilling boat safari and the exciting game drives, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the park. With comfortable accommodation and knowledgeable guides, your safari is set to be an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re visiting for the wildlife, the scenery, or the unique experiences, Murchison Falls offers an incredible adventure you’ll cherish forever.
Costs:
- Budget: $280 per person; the minimum number of people 5
- Midrange: $710 per person, the minimum number of people 2
- Accommodation: $860 per person; the minimum number of people 2
What’s included:
- Transportation
- A boat safari on the Nile River
- Packed lunch
- Park entry fee
- 1-night Accommodation
- Dinner
Overall, the cost of the 2-day Murchison Falls safari would be approximately $280 per person. This excludes additional expenses such as tips, personal expenses, or other activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is a waterfall in the Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. The world’s longest river, forces its way through a narrow gorge in the rocks and drops 43 meters (141 feet) before continuing its journey towards Lake Albert.
The Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s most significant national parks and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more than 450 species of birds. Visitors can take game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks to explore the park and see the wildlife.
The waterfall and the national park are popular tourist attractions in Uganda that you will visit.
The source of the river Nile
The source of the Nile River has been a subject of fascination for explorers and geographers for centuries. Two main tributaries contribute to the Nile River: the White Nile and the Blue Nile.
The White Nile originates in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The White Nile flows northward from Lake Victoria through Uganda and South Sudan until it merges with the Blue Nile in Khartoum, Sudan.
The Blue Nile, on the other hand, originates in Ethiopia’s Lake Tana, which is located in the Ethiopian highlands. From there, it flows westward and then northward, joining the White Nile in Khartoum to form the Nile River.
Overall, the Nile River basin covers an area of about 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles) and spans 11 countries, including Burundi, Congo-Kinshasa, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
Wildlife
The most popular activity for tourists in Murchison Falls National Park is the game drive. During our game drive, we spotted a number of wildlife during our two game drive sessions. Some of the most prominent ones were giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, oribis, elephants, and lions!
“The elephants were everywhere, including the chance to see a large male elephant in its prime. The giraffes were mainly in the open savannah grassland and the path we took with our guide brought us quite near to the giraffes. The Uganda Kob is a type of antelope that is only found in Murchison Falls National Park. Maybe because of that, we saw Uganda kob in every part of the park we went to, including the Nile delta. Just before the end of the first session of the game drive, we had our first sighting of lions, resting lazily in the under the bush.
It was such a moment to see them there, as if they posed briefly and then just carry on with their rest. Also, we spotted a lone buffalo standing in the woodlands, who was also resting. Then we had a chance to see one of the rarest animals in the park – the Hartebeest. The Jackson’s hartebeest is one of the three subspecies of hartebeest and only found in Uganda. Next, we headed back to the lodge for our lunch and a short rest away from the sun.
On the way to the lodge, we saw one of tanks used during the Second World War; it was just left at the side of the road, overgrown with grass. The first session of the game drive was great, and I had already witnessed so much wildlife! Then we continued with our second game drive session from 4 pm until evening, which covers more of the area. There were lots of elephants, and they were really everywhere! We saw a big group of elephants and some were swimming across the river.
After a while, we managed to find two female lions resting under a wooden structure. Further down the path, we saw some monitor lizards that were resting on an anthill. Good thing we got to see the Monitor. Then we headed to the ‘top of the falls’, a place where you can view the majestic Murchison Falls. Along the path, we saw some baboons and also bushbucks. And on the right, we saw a lone Cape buffalo!
At the end of the day, we managed to see a wide range of wildlife during the game drive, and it was such a touching moment to see these animals living happily in their own natural habitat. By evening, we wrapped up our journey and went back to the lodge. This amazing experience of encountering Murchison Falls and the numerous wildlife was indeed a memorable journey.”
Mammals
Mammals such as lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes abound in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. It is advisable for visitors to engage the help of experienced guides in order to locate lions found in grasslands. Their counterparts, the leopards, love residing in dense and bushy riverbanks even though they can also be found in the northern region. Elephants are the prime attractions of the park. A variety of these huge beasts can be seen in their natural habitat during the game drives.
Waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, and baboons are normally seen by tourists during the game drives. Buffaloes and waterbucks can be commonly found along the northern river bank region. The commonest is the Uganda Kobs and more of them can be found in the northern region. The other animal that can usually be seen is the giraffe and only the Nubian species, which is a different species from the Maasai giraffe found in Lake Mburo National Park.
The giraffes are normally seen during the game drives in the palm tree savannah in the northern region. Hey! Hogs can be found in the areas with patches of grassland because they like living in such places. It is very likely that tourists will always see different species of antelopes and Uganda Kobs since they are found in different parts of the park. Crocodiles and hippos are abundant in the 3-meter Victoria Nile as you go to the top of the falls.
The secluded and mesmerizing world of Murchison Falls National Park offers a fascinating wildlife experience. Resilient wildlife survives among towering termite mounds, rocky outcrops, open savannah grasslands, and riverine woodland along the Nile and its tributaries. This is a true African wilderness with giraffe, elephant, and lion, to name but a few. The park is home to over 76 species of mammals and 451 birds. Via the action-packed launch trip spots the massive aquatic residents, the Nile crocodile and schools of hippos, the elegant giraffe, and bushbuck sway in the woodlands, and the top of the food chain sit at the mighty lion reigning at the entrance to the Nile.
Birds
As an addition to your safari in Uganda, birding is an activity that is becoming a necessity for any birder. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best places for birding in Uganda. Provides the best opportunities to see the incredible and unique birdlife that this East African country has to offer. With a bird list of around 450 species – the largest of any National Park in Uganda. Including the rare shoebill stork, the Goliath heron, the white-thighed hornbill. The great blue turaco, the variety and quantity of birds that can be seen are truly breathtaking.
Whether you merely want to enjoy the view with the binoculars or indulge in some serious photography. Murchison Falls is a birder’s paradise and even if you are not a birder at the start of your game drive, and boat trip. Our expert birding safari guides will help you see the scope of the park’s variety. From the prize birds on the riverbanks to the myriad of small but brightly colored species found as you travel through different habitats. Birding in the northern section will provide the opportunity to see the shoebill stork.
We offer boat trips to the delta and shoebill viewing, or alternatively. Please seek further information on birding from your local safari operator. All the birding walks and treks in Murchison Falls are done in the company of tour guides. Who are ready to share their knowledge of the local birds and environmental interpretation.
By the end of the birding experience, many guests leave Murchison Falls National Park. As seasoned birders after having gained new knowledge from the experts. Birding in Murchison Falls is a fantastic experience and no matter what your level of interest. The birds and the view make it a truly memorable expedition. Please remember to bring your binoculars and plenty of spare memory cards.
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that have scales on their bodies. They include three main groups: crocodiles, tortoises and turtles, and lizards and snakes. In Murchison Falls National Park, reptiles are not a common sight because they tend to be secretive. Hiding from both predators and people, and keeping their energy levels stable. However, given the park’s size, diverse habitats, plentiful food sources. Protection from poaching, one might expect to find a higher variety and number of reptile species.
To date, there are 48 reptile species in the park. Furthermore, reptiles are not as popular as the big cats among safari tourists. There has not been as much commercial interest, investment and scientific research in the country regarding reptiles. One would say reptiles are the least studied group of animals in Uganda.
Similarly, as a prey species, reptiles provide a food source for many predators such as birds of prey and mammals. Through their activity, migration and feeding, reptiles also help to spread seeds and pollinate flowers, keeping habitats healthy. Moreover, conservation on a wider scale often prioritizes big, attractive, and significant or endangered animals like elephants and lions.
This can mean that lesser-known but equally threatened species, like some of the reptiles in Murchison Falls National Park. Miss out on conservation protection. Most reptiles in the park are harder to find. But luck and patience will offer a few sights of the famous Nile crocodile. One of the world’s largest and most dangerous living reptiles, as well as the leopard tortoise. At night, you may come across one of the 15 python species found here as they hang out in trees and thick bushes.
Else, there are possibilities that you will come across the chameleon, the most well-known lizard that changes its skin colours. With 80 days spent in the park, these reptiles became popular and got many visitors’ attention. Look out for the West African soft-fingered gecko too; though it is small and well camouflaged. Also, the flap-necked chameleon is common throughout the park, in the northern parts and delta. Its resting colour is usually brown with darker markings and bands. But when threatened, the chameleon opens its mouth and displays brighter colours.
