2 days
2-Day "Primate & Savannah" Safari
This itinerary combines Uganda's famous wildlife experiences: tracking chimpanzees, classic savannah game viewing, and gorilla trekking
From, per personUGX 3,179,637
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile forced through a seven metre gap in Uganda's biggest park, with boat trips and big game.
Overview
Murchison Falls is where the Victoria Nile does something extraordinary. The river, wide and slow above the gorge, is squeezed through a gap roughly seven metres across before dropping about 43 metres and thundering away in a cloud of spray. The park built around it is Uganda's largest, at roughly 3,893 square kilometres.
The Nile splits the park into two parts. North of the river, open savanna hosts giraffes, elephants, buffalo, lions and hartebeest, reached through the famous Buligi circuit. South of it, the Budongo Forest shelters chimpanzees and dense woodland birds. A car ferry links the two halves.
Most visitors do the boat trip, which cruises upstream from the Paraa landing to the base of the falls through a wildlife corridor of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and remarkable birdlife. Another popular option runs downstream toward the delta, where shoebill storks have long been an attraction.
The park has a long history as a hunting and conservation area, and it is famous for a small plane crash that hurt the writer Ernest Hemingway in 1954. Today it is one of Uganda's most complete wildlife stops, though its distance from the south-west means it works best as a stand-alone leg or as part of a north-western circuit.
Top experiences
Boat trip to the base of the falls
A launch cruise from Paraa upriver with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds on the banks, ending with the falls thundering in the gorge.
Hike to the top of the falls
Walk the trail beside the gorge to stand where the Nile squeezes through its narrow channel. The noise and mist are memorable.
Game drives north of the Nile
Early morning drives across the savanna to find giraffes, lions, elephants and antelopes. Take the ferry across at Paraa first.
Delta and shoebill trips
A launch to the river delta with a focus on water birds, including the shoebill for lucky visitors.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
Walk into the forest near Kaniyo Pabidi to find chimpanzees, with birds and monkeys along the trail.
Nile sport fishing
For anglers, licensed guides run fishing outings targeting Nile perch below the falls.
Best time to visit
The drier months of December to February and June to August give the best game viewing, with animals gathering at the river. The wet seasons are green and quieter, and the boat trips and falls are impressive throughout the year. Road conditions vary, and some savanna tracks close after heavy rain.
How to get there
Murchison Falls lies in the north-west, across Buliisa, Nwoya, Kikuube and Masindi districts. The southern approach passes through Masindi, and the northern approach through Gulu and Pakwach. A ferry crosses the Nile at Paraa.
From Mbarara
This is a long journey, best taken as a full day or split over two, since you first travel to Kampala or across country toward Masindi. Plan a night en route or fly if time is limited.
Where to stay
Budget
Red Chilli Rest Camp
South bank, near Paraa
A backpacker-friendly camp on the south bank of the Nile, about 500 metres from the Paraa jetty, with bandas, safari tents and camping.
Mid-range
Pakuba Safari Lodge
North bank, Murchison Falls National Park
A mid-range lodge overlooking the northern Nile bank, with wildlife gathering nearby in the evening.
Luxury
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa, north bank of the Nile
The park's original luxury lodge, established in 1954, set on a hill above the Nile with a large pool and balconies on every room.
Luxury
Chobe Safari Lodge
Karuma Wildlife Reserve boundary
An upmarket lodge beside the Nile among savanna woodland, with river views and easy access to game drives.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Murchison Falls worth the journey from western Uganda?
Yes, if you have at least three days to give it. It is a very different landscape from the south-west, with big game and the dramatic falls.
Can I see the falls without a boat?
Yes. You can drive to the top of the falls and walk to the viewpoint. The boat gives a different angle from below.
Are there rhinos?
Not in Murchison itself. Rhinos in Uganda are found at a sanctuary elsewhere, so do not expect them here.
Can I fly instead of driving?
Domestic flights serve nearby airstrips, and we can arrange them for time-limited guests. Flight schedules and prices change, so we quote them separately.
Safaris to Murchison Falls National Park
2 days
Tour Uganda exclusively
Experience the wild, untouched landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Northern Uganda on this immersive adventure. From the dramatic cascades and iconic wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park to the rugged, pristine wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park—renowned for its sweeping savannahs, vast buffalo herds, and majestic apex predators—this journey offers an uncrowded, authentic African safari experience. Along the way, track wild white rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, discover the sacred cultural sites of the Acholi and Karamojong communities, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Mount Morungole ranges. Perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration, stunning photography, and deep cultural connections in Uganda's northern frontier.
From, per personUGX 4,956,889