2 days

Murchison Falls Safari

Stand beside the most powerful waterfall on earth, then track lions, elephants and giraffes on game drives and a Nile boat cruise. Uganda's classic savanna safari, in 2 fast days from Kampala.

History

Why this place matters

Murchison Falls is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, gazetted in 1952 and stretching across roughly 3,840 square kilometres on either side of the Victoria Nile. Its centrepiece is the falls themselves, where the world's longest river is violently funnelled through a gorge just 7 to 8 metres wide before exploding into the basin below — once described by Winston Churchill as part of what made Uganda "the Pearl of Africa." Below the falls, the river opens into wildlife-rich plains roamed by lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and over 450 bird species, while the banks teem with hippos and Nile crocodiles. It remains the definitive Ugandan savanna safari.

Day by day

Your 2-day itinerary

1
Drive to Murchison, Top of the Falls & Evening Game Drive
Murchison Falls NP
At 6 a.m. you'll be picked up from your lodge in Kampala and we set off for Murchison Falls National Park, a 5–6 hour drive depending on traffic. Along the way we stop for brunch before continuing to the park for a hike to the top of the falls as our first activity — Murchison is the most powerful waterfall in the world, forcing its way through an 8-metre-wide gorge. After the falls, we continue through the park for a short evening game drive, then head to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
2
Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Transfer Back
Murchison Falls NP
We start the day at 5:30 a.m. with an early game drive and a packed breakfast, offering the chance to spot hyenas, lions, leopards and buffalo. During the drive we stop at the famous hippo pool to enjoy breakfast, then continue the game drive before a two-hour boat ride starting at 11 a.m., where we may see hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds. Once the park activities are done, we drive out toward Kampala or Entebbe, with expected arrival between 6 and 7 p.m.

Lodging

Where you sleep

Day 1 · Eco-Friendly

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba lodge has its own individual style and charm, offering experiences that make it completely unique from any other property. We pride ourselves with high quality management and professional service, attention to detail, delicious culinary creations, prime location and offering first class activities.

What you'll do

Activities included

Top of the Falls hike Evening game drive Morning game drive Hippo pool breakfast stop Nile boat cruise Wildlife viewing

Transparent pricing

What you actually pay for

Per person, in USD. Permits, lodging, transport — itemized. Our fee is a flat 20% on top, never hidden.

Park entrance — 2 days Official UWA Murchison FNR rate, $45/24hrs	$90
Nile boat cruise Official UWA launch rate, per person	$30
Top of the Falls hike Official UWA rate	$15
Game drive guide fee Official UWA day game-drive rate	$24
Lodging — 1 night, full board Mid-range lodge, est.	$130
Private 4×4 with driver-guide & fuel 2-day allocation incl. long transfer, est.	$240
Meals not in lodging, water & snack Brunch & packed meals, est	$39
Vehicle park entry Foreign-registered 4×4 incl. MFNP $10 surcharge, est. split	$30
Subtotal	$598
HIVE service (20%)	$120
Total per person	$718