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4 days - Murchison Falls and the Nile delta

Murchison Falls, the Nile and the shoebill delta

Four days from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives, a boat cruise to the foot of the falls and a shoebill-spotting cruise on the Nile delta, returning to Entebbe.

1 Country
2 Stops
3 Nights
Medium to Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Murchison Falls and the Nile
Murchison Falls and the Nile Avoid
January Primary window

Dry season. Short grass, animals at the water and the river cruises running in clear light.

Dry season

The route

Entebbe Murchison Falls
01

Uganda

Entebbe, then Murchison Falls National Park and the Nile delta.

This day upon arrival to Uganda, you will meet our safari guide who will thereafter transfer you to a hotel in Entebbe for an overnight stay. You will have a briefing on how the entire safari process will be conducted. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have a short tour of the Entebbe town for an overview of the local way of life in Uganda.
On this day, you will depart from Entebbe to Murchison falls national park for the three days game viewing experience. You will have the first stopover at Luwero for the fresh Ugandan fruits (This place is famous for pineapple growing as well as other fresh Uganda fruits that we recommend that you taste). You will proceed to the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for the Rhino tracking experience, allowing you to track the southern white Rhinos at a close range. Then you will proceed into Murchison falls national park for an overnight stay at a lodge.
After breakfast, you will go for game drives for chances to meet Buffalo, Uganda kob, Elephants, and many animal species residing in Murchison falls national park. We will look out for the African Big Five during the game viewing experience. Later in the afternoon, you will go for a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. In the comfort of your boat, you will encounter several animal species including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many more at the banks of the Nile River. You will proceed to the top of the falls and hike to the point where the Nile River explodes violently, forming a very powerful waterfall. Later in the evening, dinner and overnight stay at a lodge.
This day, you will set off for the morning boat cruise to the Nile delta for a bird-watching safari. The main highlight will be looking for the rare shoebill stork. Many other bird species can be spotted during the experience, as well as several animal species at the banks of the Nile River as it connects to Lake Albert. You will proceed for a transfer back to Entebbe, arriving later in the evening for your outbound flight.

The detail

About this trip

Murchison falls national park is one of the best safari destinations in Uganda, ideal for the game-viewing safari experience (The African Big Five). Blessed with an abundance of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and landscapes, this park offers guests the very best encounter with nature. 

What is included

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

What is not included

  • International flights (From/home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government
  • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we get from Entebbe to Murchison Falls and back?
It is a road trip. On day 1 your safari guide meets you and transfers you to a hotel in Entebbe. On day 2 you drive to Murchison Falls National Park, with a fruit stop at Luwero and a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way, and stay at a lodge in the park. On day 4, after a morning boat cruise, you drive back to Entebbe, arriving in the evening for your outbound flight.
When is the best time for the Murchison Falls tour?
January, February, June to August and December score highest, with short grass, animals at the water and clear light for the river cruises. August is the peak dry season. March and September are alternatives, with rain starting or building late in the month. April, May, October and November are wetter, with muddy tracks and fewer visitors.
What does a typical day look like at Murchison Falls?
Day 3 is the main day. After breakfast you go on a game drive, then in the afternoon take a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls and hike to the top, where the Nile forces through a narrow gap. Dinner and the night are at the lodge. Day 4 starts with a morning boat cruise to the Nile delta for birdwatching, including a chance to see the shoebill stork.
What can be adjusted on the Murchison Falls itinerary?
Your arrival time on day 1 decides whether there is time for a short tour of Entebbe town for an overview of local life. With only four days, the main choice is your travel month, with the dry months best for game drives and cruises. Day 4 ends with a transfer to Entebbe for your outbound flight, so tell us your flight time. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

4-Day Uganda: Murchison Falls Tour
Tourist boat below Murchison Falls, with water thundering through a narrow rocky gorge

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

A fruit stop and rhinos

On the drive north you stop at Luwero, known for pineapples, then visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before driving into Murchison Falls National Park.

The falls from below and above

On your full day in the park, the afternoon cruise takes you to the foot of the falls, then you hike to the top where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge.

Shoebill on the Nile delta

A morning cruise on the last day searches for the shoebill stork along the delta. Bring binoculars and a hat, and start early.

Game drives

Look for buffalo, Uganda kob and elephants, plus lions and leopards if you are lucky. Morning drives are best for cats.

Long drives

The drives to and from Entebbe are long, so keep water and snacks in your daypack.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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