Roaring Falls & Golden Plains

Some places have a way of making you feel completely alive and Murchison Falls National Park is one of those places. A land of thundering waterfalls, endless savannah and amazing wildlife. I recently spent three days exploring Murchison Falls national park and while I went expecting breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters, the experience turned out to be so much more. Every moment was a reminder of how wild and beautiful Uganda truly is. From standing at the top of the world’s most powerful waterfall to gliding along the Nile past hippos and crocodiles.

Here is my 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari itinerary recounting everything I did, what I saw, and why this trip left me with unforgettable memories.

Day 1: The Road Trip and Viewing Top of the Falls

We set off in the morning at around 10 a.m. from Kampala excited for the adventure ahead. The 6 hour drive to Murchison Falls was long but the changing scenery from busy towns to open countryside made it interesting.

En route, we made a stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Masindi town. Masindi is a common stopover for travelers heading to Murchison Falls. It is a great place to stretch, refresh and enjoy a good meal before entering the park.

I went for a plate of pasted beef stew (beef in gnut sauce) with matoke, rice and chappati while others opted for chicken. The meal was delicious and definitely just what we needed before continuing our journey.

After lunch, we drove to the southern gate of Murchison Falls National Park where paid entrance fees. Our first stop inside the park was the top of Murchison Falls and let me tell you, nothing prepares you for this place.

The entire Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, then crashes down with so much power that the ground trembles beneath your feet. The mist fills the air and a rainbow constantly hovers over the falls. This is a sight that I guarantee will leave you in awe.

I stood there for what felt like ages, just watching the water explode through the rocks. It is so powerful, you can feel the energy of the falls in your chest.

After soaking in the falls, we continued our drive to our lodge, Gipir and Labongo Safari Lodge This lodge is located just outside the park on the northern bank of the Nile. The lodge is quiet and scenic, offering beautiful river views and the perfect place to unwind after a long drive.

Upon arrival, we checked in and had dinner listening to the distant grunts of hippos. It was the perfect start to our adventure.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile

We were up by 6:30 AM for a morning game drive hoping to catch a glimpse of many wildlife species. But first, we had breakfast at the lodge before driving into the park.

As we drove through the savannah, the world around us was just waking up. The first hints of sunlight painted the horizon in soft oranges casting a warm glow over the endless grasslands.

The silence of dawn was only broken by the distant calls of birds and the occasional rustle in the grass. Somewhere in the distance, a lone elephant moved slowly, its massive silhouette dark against the morning sky. Giraffes stood tall with their long necks outlined against the rising sun while herds of Uganda kobs and hartebeests grazed peacefully bathed in the golden light.

Along the way we spotted some vultures, eagles, and plenty of other birds resting in the trees.

As we continued our game drive, we came across olive baboons along the road, patus monkeys darting into the bushes and buffaloes in groups watching us cautiously. Just as we were scanning the bushes for more animals, we saw a herd of elephants in the shrubs browsing.

No lions this time, but that’s the beauty of safaris. You never know what you will see. However, we got to see a leopard which is one of the most elusive animals in the park. Our guide even told us that it is considered luck to spot a leopard.

We continued driving through the park as we headed for lunch at a local restaurant within the park. We had local food and I got to try Boo, a popular sauce in northern Uganda.

After lunch, we had an hour of relaxation before going for a boat safari on the Nile. This 2 hours boat safari is one of Murchison’s most popular experiences because it takes you to the bottom of the Murchison Falls.

As we cruised down the river, we saw pools of hippos bobbing up and down in the water, crocodiles lying still on the riverbanks and elephants cooling off by splashing themselves with water and mud. We also got to see many bird species including the Pied Kingfisher, Grey heron and African Fish Eagle.

We made a stop at the Nyamsika cliffs which were once inhabited by the Fajao people. These people used the cliffs as a place for traditional sacrifices to their gods and also as a judging place where law breakers were executed and thrown into the river as a punishment. The Nyamusika cliffs are now breeding grounds for the red throated bee-eaters.

From the Nyamsika cliffs, we continued to the real star of the show, the Murchison Falls. As we approached the falls from below, the sound of rushing water grew louder, and suddenly, a thunderous explosion of white water crashing down the cliffs. This was such a sight to behold. We spent some time taking in the beauty of the falls before heading back.

As we made our way back, the sun began to set painting the river in warm shades of gold. It was one of those moments that soak you in the beauty of nature.

After the boat safari, we headed back to our lodge for dinner and shared stories around the campfire. I mean what’s a safari without campfire stories, right?

Day 3: Falls, Rhinos and The Journey Home

On our last day, we made one final stop at Murchison Falls (because once just wasn’t enough!) Seeing the falls in the early morning light with fewer people around made it even more special.

After taking in the view one last time, we left the park and began our journey back to Kampala with one more adventure planned along the way.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild on foot. We made a stop at the sanctuary for a rhino tracking experience.

We began with briefing from the rangers and then walked through the sanctuary in search of the rhinos.

In a few moments, we were just a few meters away from massive white rhinos grazing peacefully in the middle of shrubs. It was my first time seeing a rhino in the wild and it was surreal.  These animals are huge, fierce and yet so calm. The sanctuary’s efforts to conserve these animals left us inspired.

After Ziwa, we hit the road back to Kampala tired but grateful for an incredible adventure.

Final Thoughts: Why Murchison Falls is a Must-Visit

If you love wildlife, adventure and breathtaking landscapes, Murchison Falls National Park is a must-visit. Every moment, from standing at the top of the falls to watching elephants by the Nile feels like something out of a dream. If you have ever dreamed of experiencing Uganda’s wild side, Murchison Falls won’t disappoint.

Travel Tips for Murchison Falls

✔ Best Time to Visit: June to August & December to February (dry season = best wildlife viewing)

✔ How to Get There:

Drive from Kampala (5–6 hours)

✈ Domestic flights available

✔ Must-Do Activities:

Visit the top of Murchison Falls

Go on a game drive

Take a boat safari on the Nile

Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

✔ Where to Stay:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Bamboo Village Safari Lodge

⛺ Budget: Gipir & Labongo Safari Lodge

✔ What to Pack: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes