The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is world-famous for its breathtaking wildlife and vast…
3 Days Game safaris and falls, Murchison falls.
3 Days Game Safaris & Falls Tour in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Nestled at the foot of the spectacular Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park stands proudly as Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, offering travelers a perfect blend of wildlife safaris, waterfall adventures, river cruises, birding tours, and primate encounters. This iconic destination is best known for its powerful waterfall — the world-famous Murchison Falls — and its incredible array of African wildlife.
Located approximately 305 kilometers northwest of Kampala, Murchison Falls National Park is accessible by road or domestic flights from Entebbe and Kajjansi Airstrip. This makes it a convenient and rewarding destination for travelers seeking a 3 days game safari in Uganda, a 2 days wildlife safari, or a longer Uganda adventure combined with gorilla trekking tours.
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A Rich History & Remarkable Biodiversity
Established as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and later upgraded to a national park in 1952, this extraordinary protected area was once known as Kabalega National Park. Today, it forms part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), together with Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves.
This vast ecosystem is home to over 451 bird species and more than 76 mammal species, making it a prime destination for both birdwatching in Uganda and big game viewing safaris.
Expect to encounter:
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African elephants
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Rothschild’s giraffes
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Cape buffaloes
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Lions
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Leopards
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Kobs
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Oribis (the smallest antelope)
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Hippos and Nile crocodiles
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The rare Shoebill Stork
This biodiversity makes the park one of the best places for big five safaris in Uganda, second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Majestic Murchison Falls – The Park’s Crown Jewel
One of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls, the Victoria Nile narrows from over 50 meters wide into a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. The thunderous roar and misty rainbow that rise from the base of the falls create one of the most dramatic natural spectacles in Africa.
This dramatic section of the Nile is the final rapid in an 80-kilometer stretch before the river transforms into a serene flow that eventually pours into Lake Albert.
Activities around the falls include:
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A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
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A guided hike to the top of the falls
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Photography tours
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Nature walks along the gorge
This area is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers seeking an unforgettable Uganda nature experience.
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Unforgettable 3-Day Safari Experience in Murchison Falls
Visitors can choose between 2-day or 3-day game safaris, which are carefully designed to provide a complete African safari experience at affordable rates.
A typical 3-day wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park includes:
âś… Game drives across the northern savannah
âś… Boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls
âś… Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
âś… Bird watching excursions
âś… Optional hot air balloon safari
âś… Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This is an ideal trip for small groups, couples, families, and solo travelers looking for an authentic African safari without the high cost of more commercial destinations.
👉 Learn more about Uganda safaris here:
https://gorillatrackings.com/
https://gorillatrackings.com/uganda-safaris/
Boat Safari Along the Nile – A Highlight of the Trip
One of the most thrilling and popular activities is the launch (boat) cruise on the Nile River. This gentle yet exciting journey takes you close to large pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, bathing buffaloes, and elephants that come to drink at the river bank.
The area is also rich in aquatic bird species, including kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and the iconic Shoebill.
This boat safari is an absolute must-do and one of the best water-based wildlife viewing experiences in East Africa.
Budongo Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking & Primate Walks
A visit to Budongo Forest Reserve, located on the southern edge of the park, adds another exciting dimension to your safari. This tropical rainforest is famous for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and guided forest walks.
Visitors can track:
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Chimpanzees
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Black-and-white colobus monkeys
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Red-tailed monkeys
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Blue monkeys
This activity complements your wildlife safari perfectly and is ideal for travelers interested in Uganda primate tours.
👉 Discover more about primate trekking:
https://gorillatrackings.com/chimpanzee-trekking/
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Uganda’s Only Wild Rhino Experience
Just south of Murchison Falls lies the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a private non-profit conservation area dedicated to reintroducing the white rhinoceros in Uganda. Due to civil unrest in the 1970s and unchecked poaching in the 1990s, rhinos were completely wiped out in the wild.
Through careful breeding and protection, Ziwa is now home to Uganda’s only free-ranging rhinos. Visitors can take a guided rhino tracking on foot, a thrilling conservation-focused experience.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is now an essential stop on all Murchison Falls safaris in Uganda.Visit Uganda Wildlife Authority: https://ugandawildlife.org
Ideal Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Although Murchison Falls can be visited year-round, the best time for a wildlife safari in Uganda is:
📅 June – September
📅 January – March
During these months, the vegetation is less dense and animals are easier to spot at water sources. The roads are also more accessible for game drives.
Historical Visitors to Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls has attracted many world-famous figures over the years, including:
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Winston Churchill
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Ernest Hemingway
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Theodore Roosevelt
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Members of the British Royal Family
Churchill once described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa”, with Murchison Falls ranking among its most impressive sites.
Vegetation & Landscape
The park displays a wide variety of landscapes, including:
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Open savannah grasslands
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Riverine forests
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Woodlands
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Tropical rainforest
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Wetlands and papyrus swamps
This diversity supports an exceptionally wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of East Africa’s most ecologically rich national parks.
Combine Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking
For travelers seeking an extended adventure, Murchison Falls can be paired with a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — creating the ultimate Uganda safari experience.
👉 Book your gorilla trekking adventure here:
https://gorillatrackings.com/gorilla-trekking-uganda/
Why Choose Murchison Falls National Park for Your Safari?
âś” Largest national park in Uganda
âś” Powerful and iconic waterfall
âś” Excellent wildlife viewing
âś” Combined savannah & river ecosystem
âś” Affordable safari options
âś” Ideal for families and groups
âś” Perfect for photography & birdwatching
âś” Easy to combine with gorilla trekking
If you are dreaming of an unforgettable Uganda wildlife safari, Murchison Falls National Park must be at the top of your list.
Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, this destination promises breathtaking scenery, thrilling game encounters, and lifelong memories.