Private • Uganda
2 Days at Murchison Falls and the Nile
A boat to the foot of the falls, the gorge trail to the top, and a morning in lion country
Overview
About this safari
- Region
- East Africa
- Duration
- 2 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
The 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari is a perfect short wildlife adventure for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the mighty River Nile in just two days. This safari takes you to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, famous for its abundant wildlife, scenic savannah plains, and the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below.
During this exciting safari, you will enjoy a thrilling game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, giraffes, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, and other wildlife. You will also take a scenic boat cruise along the Nile, where you can spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds. A visit to the top of the falls offers breathtaking views of the rushing water and excellent opportunities for photography.
Highlights
What you'll experience
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, afternoon boat cruise, and visit to the top of the falls. Day 2: Morning game drive and return transfer to Kampala or Entebbe.
This two-day safari is ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for a memorable Ugandan adventure.
The gorge trail to the top
From where the boat docks, a ranger leads a 45-minute climb along the gorge wall. At the top, the entire Nile disappears into a crack in the rock in front of you.
Northern bank game drive
Some of Uganda's densest wildlife: Rothschild's giraffe moving between borassus palms, buffalo herds raising red dust, and lions on the flats towards the delta.
The Paraa ferry
The small car ferry between the two banks is a five-minute wildlife encounter in itself, with hippos surfacing beside the hull and pied kingfishers rattling past.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Safari?
Murchison Falls is the kind of place where the landscape does the talking. Here is why this two-day circuit works.
One guide, start to finish
Your driver-guide travels with you from the Kampala pickup to the drop-off, so nothing is lost in handovers and the plan can flex around what the river and the light are doing.
Six guests at most
With no more than six in the vehicle, the pop-up roof never gets crowded and everyone has a clear line of sight when something moves in the long grass.
A UWA ranger on every activity
A Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger joins the game drive and the gorge trail. The park requires it, and the rangers are the ones who spot the birds and plants your guide would otherwise drive past.
Itinerary
Your safari, day by day
Day 1
Kampala to the Nile, and a boat to the falls
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by your professional driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will travel north toward Murchison Falls National Park, enjoying views of Uganda’s countryside, traditional villages, farmland, and beautiful landscapes along the way. You will have a stop for lunch before continuing to the park.
Upon arrival, you will embark on an exciting afternoon boat cruise along the River Nile toward the bottom of Murchison Falls. The cruise typically takes approximately two to three hours, offering excellent opportunities to observe hippos in the water, Nile crocodiles resting along the riverbanks, elephants and other animals coming to drink, and a variety of aquatic birds.
After the boat cruise, you will visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile force its way through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging dramatically below. Enjoy the spectacular views, listen to the thunderous roar of the water, and take memorable photographs.
Later, you will transfer to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.
Stay · Sambiya River Lodge Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Morning game drive, then back to Kampala or Entebbe
After an early breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and head into the park for a morning game drive across its beautiful savannah plains. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you will search for wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, oribis, and Jackson’s hartebeest.
The early morning hours offer excellent opportunities to spot animals when they are most active. Your guide will help you identify different species and explain their behavior, habitats, and role in the park’s ecosystem.
After the game drive, you will begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, with a lunch stop along the way. You will arrive later in the day, marking the end of your unforgettable two-day Murchison Falls wildlife safari.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger fees
- All park entrance fees
- Nile boat safari (2 hours) to the base of the falls
- Guided gorge trail hike to the top of the falls
- Paraa ferry crossings
- 1 night accommodation at your booked Lodge
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Mineral water in the vehicle throughout
- Kampala or Entebbe hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, unless listed as included
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Lodges
Lodges on this safari
Sambiya River Lodge
One of 10 private cottages set under the forest canopy inside Murchison Falls National Park, 15 minutes from the Falls.
- Tier
- Mid-range
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Safari Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
6 years. Younger children are welcome on the boat; the gorge trail needs reasonable mobility
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags recommended. Luggage stays at the lodge during activities
First Group Event
Pickup from your Kampala or Entebbe hotel at 06:00 on Day 1
Last Group Event
Drop-off at your Kampala or Entebbe hotel, or Entebbe airport, late afternoon on Day 2
Guaranteed Departures
This is a private safari. Your departure is confirmed once booked, whatever the size of your party.
Alternate Sightseeing
If high water stops the boat, we substitute a game drive along the riverine forest at no extra cost.