Baker's Lodge
Riverside lodge on the south bank of the Victoria Nile, a short drive from the Paraa ferry.
View the lodge# LTM-UG-MF3|3 days, 2 nights
3-Day Murchison Falls Luxury Safari
Starts & endsKampala or EntebbeRouteKampala › Murchison FallsA private trip: it starts on any day you choose, and every quote is all-inclusive.
A private Murchison Falls safari in two nights
Murchison Falls is where the Victoria Nile, close to 50 metres wide upstream, forces itself through a gap of about seven metres and drops some 43 metres into the gorge below. The park around it is Uganda's largest. The north bank is open grassland where Rothschild's giraffe, elephant, buffalo, Uganda kob and Jackson's hartebeest graze within sight of the river, and lions hunt the kob herds on the Buligi tracks.
This private luxury safari covers the park properly in two nights. On the way north you track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa, the only place in Uganda to see them. You spend a full morning on the north bank, take the afternoon launch to the foot of the falls and stand at the top before driving home. The vehicle and guide are yours alone, so timings follow the animals rather than a group schedule.
Highlights
- Track southern white rhinos on foot with a ranger at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- A full morning game drive on the Buligi and Albert Nile tracks of the north bank
- The launch cruise upstream to the foot of the falls, past hippos, crocodiles and elephants
- Stand at the top of the falls, where the whole river forces through the rock
- Two nights in a luxury lodge overlooking the Nile
Day by day
- Kampala
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Murchison Falls
- Kampala
Day 1Kampala › Ziwa › Murchison Falls
Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls
Your guide collects you from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at around 7:00. The road heads north for about three hours to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where a ranger leads you on foot to the rhinos. The walk usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and you can often get within 30–40 metres. After lunch you continue through Masindi into Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the top of the falls before reaching the lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 2Murchison Falls
North bank game drive and the launch to the falls
An early start takes you on the first ferry across the Nile at Paraa. The morning is spent on the north bank, where the grass is shortest from December to March and June to September. Giraffe, elephant, buffalo, kob, oribi and hartebeest are seen on most drives, and your guide will check the usual lion areas along the Buligi tracks. After lunch at the lodge, the 14:00 launch leaves Paraa for a three-hour cruise upstream to the foot of the falls.
Day 3Murchison Falls › Kampala
Optional delta cruise, then back to Kampala
If you want to look for the shoebill, an early boat trip downstream to the Nile delta can be added. Otherwise you have a relaxed breakfast before the drive south through Masindi, arriving in Kampala in the mid-afternoon or Entebbe by early evening. A flight from Pakuba airstrip to Entebbe can replace the road journey.
Where you stay
Two nights at one of these lodges on the south bank of the Nile, or one of the same standard if both are full on your dates. We confirm which before you pay.
Nile Safari Lodge
Raised chalets and a pool above the Nile, where hippos come ashore below in the evening.
Ask about this lodgeThe Mavens difference
Private 4x4 and guide
A Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide, for you alone.
Lodges on the Nile
Two nights full board at a luxury lodge overlooking the river.
Every fee included
Park entry, rhino tracking, the launch cruise and Paraa ferry crossings.
Door to door
Pick-up and drop-off at your Kampala or Entebbe hotel, or the airport.
Included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and charging points
- English-speaking driver-guide for all three days
- 2 nights at a luxury lodge, full board
- Murchison Falls National Park entry fees
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Launch cruise to the foot of the falls
- Paraa ferry crossings
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Drinks at the lodge other than water, tea and coffee
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Optional extras such as the Nile delta cruise
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Fitness
Easy to moderate. The rhino walk at Ziwa is on flat ground and takes one and a half to two hours.
Best time
December to February and June to September for game drives; the launch runs all year.
What to bring
Binoculars, a hat, sun cream, a light jacket for the early ferry and insect repellent for the river.
Make it longer
Add a night for the Nile delta, or continue to Kidepo, Kibale or Bwindi.
Dates & availability
This is a private trip, so it starts on any day you choose. Choose a month to carry it into the quote request.
What every quote includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and charging points
- English-speaking driver-guide for all three days
- 2 nights at a luxury lodge, full board
- Murchison Falls National Park entry fees
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Launch cruise to the foot of the falls
Quotes depend on your dates, the size of your group and the lodges you choose. Green-season months are often better value, and Christmas and New Year can carry lodge supplements.
Reviews from this trip
Verified reviews appear here once guests are home.
Questions travellers ask
Is three days enough for Murchison Falls?
Three days covers the essentials: a full game drive on the north bank, the launch cruise to the foot of the falls and a stop at the top of the falls, plus rhino tracking at Ziwa on the way. A fourth day adds the Nile delta cruise for shoebill and a second game drive.
Can the safari start in Entebbe?
Yes. Pick-up is from any hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or from Entebbe International Airport. Starting in Entebbe adds about one hour to the first day's drive.
When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls?
December to February and June to September are the driest months, when grass is short and animals gather near the Nile. March to May and October to November bring rain, greener scenery and lower lodge rates.
Can we fly instead of driving?
Yes. Scheduled and charter flights connect Entebbe with Pakuba and Bugungu airstrips inside the park. Flying back on day three saves about five hours on the road and costs extra.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 60 days before travel and you get the deposit back, minus any permit costs already paid. From 60 to 31 days, the deposit is kept. Within 30 days of travel, the full price is due. Travel insurance that covers cancellation is strongly recommended.
Is the rhino tracking safe?
Yes. Rangers lead every walk and keep the group at a safe distance from the rhinos.
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Something made for you
Any trip can be lengthened, upgraded or combined across both countries. Send your dates and the number of travellers, and you'll get a costed plan within a day.