The Unforgettable 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Experience

2-Day Murchison Falls Safari

A 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari is a 2-day Murchison Falls adventure that whisks you from Kampala into Uganda’s oldest national park for thrilling game drives in search of The Big Five, a scenic boat cruise on the Nile up to the roaring falls. Take an adrenaline-pumping 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari and discover why it is not an Experience to be missed by international budget travelers. Spend your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari driving from Kampala to Uganda’s biggest park, embark on a boat cruise down the Nile in the afternoon to the foot of the falls, and hike up to the edge of the mighty waterfall’s rim on this Short Safari.

This affordable 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari packs in exotic game drives (with elephants, giraffes, lions and more), river launch, and the world’s most spectacular waterfall – all at an affordable price. There’s all but a guarantee of spotting wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles on the river to buffalo and Kobs on the savannah. With responsible planning, budget-friendly lodging, and Budget Friendly African Safari Tours, even beginners can experience this amazing 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari without breaking the bank.

Summary of 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to the Park and Nile Boat Cruise
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala

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Detailed 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to the Park and Nile Boat Cruise

Early morning departure from Kampala/Entebbe: Your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari will being with an early departure and head to north (about 300 km, 5–6 hours by road). Along the Kampala–Luwero–Masindi road, stopping whenever required for snacks or refreshments (roadside market stands and fresh fruits are usual on the way).
Optional: take a side trip along the way to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (40 min from Masindi) to see Uganda’s white rhinos ($20 admission).
Lunch in Masindi: Grab a quick local lunch (e.g. chapati, beans, rice) in Masindi prior to driving the last bit to Murchison Falls NP.
Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise: Be at the park’s Paraa area early for the afternoon launch (typically 2:00pm). The Nile boat cruise takes you upstream towards the falls. Watch for dozens of hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and catch sight of water birds like African fish-eagles, kingfishers and bee-eaters. As the launch approaches the base of the falls, you’ll see the Nile being squeezed into a 7 meter gap before plummeting 43meters – an unforgettable sight
Top-of-the-Falls Hike: Hike following the cruise up the short but steep path to the top of Murchison Falls. The 1 km hike is up the thundering waters (watchful steps!). Top of the Falls viewpoint offers an excellent view of the waterfall from above – a must photo stop. (Note: there is a fee of around US$15 per foreign adult)
Evening at Campsite or Lodge: Register in your budget accommodation in the Paraa/Pakwach district. These range from simple tented campsites to basic lodges or if you choose some bit of luxury. Dine at your lodge or a cook-out at a campsite.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala

Early morning game drive: Rise before dawn for a 2–3 hour game drive in the park’s northern savanna. In the cool hours, wildlife is most active. Look for Rothschild’s giraffes, herds of elephants and buffaloes, lions (if lucky), and even elusive leopards. You’ll also see plenty of antelopes (Uganda kob, hartebeest), warthogs, baboons and colorful birds. Follow the same 4×4 route north of the river that offers wide-open plains and Acacia woodland.
Late breakfast and breaking camp: Return to the lodge or camp for a large breakfast, then pack up.
Midday departure through Masindi: Return south, with lunch stop in Masindi. If you did not do Ziwa on Day 1, you might take the opportunity to visit here now (20 USD admission) to break up the trip.
Afternoon drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison: Complete the 5–6 hour drive. Approximate arrival in Kampala late afternoon or evening, depending on breaks. This marks the end of the 2-day Murchison Falls safari.

End of 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Budget Accommodation Options on this 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Mama Washindi Lodge (Pakwach East): A friendly, budget riverfront lodge just outside the park. Has simple rooms, huts with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and equipped-out safari tents (all with bathrooms and river vistas). Solar-powered electricity and a basic restaurant make it a good budget option.
Budongo Eco Lodge: Wooden cabin, community-owned and operated forest canopy lodge near the south park gate. Dorms and private rooms in the wooden cabins, and a restaurant at the lodge. Good for families or backpackers.
Boomu Women’s Community Lodge: A very basic campsite/lodge run by a local women’s group outside Paraa (near the southern entrance). There are huts and dorm tents and breakfast is included. A good choice for backpackers who want to support community projects.
Masindi Hotel (Masindi town): Uganda’s oldest colonial hotel with enormous green grounds and campsite in the back of the main building. About 45 minutes from the park, but very low cost. Rooms (or campsite) have hot showers and access to town markets for provisions.
New Court View (Masindi): Masindi budget guesthouse with separate rooms, pool and restaurant. For your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari, Reserve game drives or boat trips in advance via the hotel
Public Campsites (UWA): The park has UWA-run campsites (e.g. Paraa or Chobe areas) for those in tents. Prices are extremely low (of the order of UGX36,000, about $10 per person per night). Facilities are limited (pit latrines, showers). Talk to us for more budget tips on this 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Want to Go Luxury on this 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari?

Paraa Safari Lodge: Nestled on a bluff above the Victoria Nile, Paraa blends colonial charm with modern comforts. Its 54 rooms, tents, suites, and Royal Cottages offer stunning river or savannah views. During the 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari, you’ll enjoy an elegant pool, The Captain’s Table restaurant, and easy access to boat cruises and game drives. Rates start from US $120/night (single room B&B).
Chobe Safari Lodge: Perched on the northern Nile bank, Chobe is a five-star retreat that elevates your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari to true luxury. Its 36 rooms, 21 luxury tents, and Presidential cottages. Each accommodation has private balconies overlooking wildlife-rich savannah and river. Facilities include an infinity pool, Jacuzzi baths, fine dining, and direct boat-launch access. Rates begin at US $180/night (standard room B&B).
Baker’s Lodge: Intimate and solar-powered, Baker’s Lodge offers just 10 open-plan suites on raised platforms along the Nile’s south bank. Handcrafted furnishings, river-view decks, and en-suite bathrooms create a secluded luxury vibe. On-site activities include guided game drives, boat cruises, birding, and nearby chimp treks. All-inclusive rates are US $1,500–$2,500 pp/night.
Pakuba Safari Lodge: Located in the park’s northern sector, Pakuba Lodge is a perfect base for your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari adventures, its 30 raised cottages and tents with river or savannah vistas. Highlights include an infinity pool overlooking the Nile, nightly fire-pit gatherings, and a menu featuring grilled Nile perch. Complimentary nature walks and launch trips make it an ideal base for your falls adventure. Rates start at US $180/night (standard cottage B&B).

Transportation: Transportation to Murchison Falls

Private 4×4 (self-drive or rented): A private 4×4 vehicle (SUV) from Kampala or Entebbe is the most comfortable choice. The road is approximately 300 km and takes about 5–6 hours on mostly tarmacked roads. Four-wheel drive is recommended for park dirt roads. Local rentals are around $50 per day (e.g. in Masindi), with extra fuel. Spread among travelers, this is very budget-friendly.
Scheduled bus + taxi: For a real low-budget option, take a public bus or shared van from Kampala to Masindi (about UGX 30,000, or $10). From there, take a taxi or share a car to the park (~90 km, about $45–60 one way). This is cheaper but not as comfortable and requires coordination.
Tour van (shared group transfer): Mpenzi Safaris Africa offers daily shuttle vans from Kampala ($30–50 per person). This involves small-group travel with a guide, and possibly park fees.
Domestic flight: It is about 1–1.5 hours and $150–$250 each way from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba or Chobe, close to the park. This is quickest but less “budget.” You can fly and arrive directly in the park (skip the drive) and then have a locally run boat and game drive to save time during your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari.

Park Entry Fees & Activity Costs during 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Park Entrance: Murchison Falls NP entrance for foreign non-resident adults costs approximately US$45 per person per 24 hours. (Foreign residents $35, East African citizens UGX25,000.) Note: a vehicle permit is about $11. With a 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari, budget ~$90 per person for two days of entrance fees.
Game Drive Permit: For Self-Drive or own game drive, a day permit costs $30 (FNR). We include game drive fees in our guided tours and packages in lodges.
Boat Cruise on the Nile: The 2–3 hour launch trip down to the bottom of the falls is approximately US$30 per person (foreign non-resident rate). A tour highlight.
Top of the Falls Hike: The fee to hike to the Top of Falls viewpoint is US$15 per person. (This is an optional add-on after the boat trip.)
Other Activities: Murchison offers white-water rafting ($50), bird-watching tours ($30), fishing ($50) and night drives ($40), but these are extra. For a 2-day budget trip you’ll likely just cover the boat cruise and falls hike.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (optional): If you stop over at Ziwa, admission is $20 for tourists (and extra approx. $30 if you arrange a guided rhino walk).

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Clothing: Lightweight, neutral-colored, breathable clothing is best for game viewing (khaki, olive). Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection during the day, and a light sweater or jacket for early morning/night cool. A raincoat comes in handy during rainy seasons (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Closed-toe, sturdy shoes or hiking sandals are necessary, especially for the Falls hike.
Gear: Bring along a decent camera with spare batteries/memory on this 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari. Wildlife photography. Binoculars will enhance your game drive and boat tour. Don’t leave behind insect repellent and, preferably, malaria prophylaxis – Murchison Falls NP is a malaria zone. (Bring along any personal medications and a small first-aid kit.)
Essentials: Pack a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated. Bring small amounts of cash in USD and UGX for park fees, tips, snacks or souvenirs (ATMs are only in Masindi). Remember a flashlight or headlamp if you’ll camp.
Camera: Protected waterproof casing or dry bag can be useful on the boat cruise. Also pack sunscreen and lip balm.

Phase the gear as though on a Budget-friendly African Safari Tours adventure – camera, safari hat and binoculars are all part of the adventure as much as the wildlife is.

Safari Highlights: Big Five Uganda & Majestic Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is a gem of Ugandan Safari. In fact, it boasts four of Africa’s renowned Big Five animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard)

The only missing one is the rhino. On your game drives you’ll likely see large herds of elephants and buffalo, family groups of warthogs and kobs, towering Rothschild’s giraffes, and possibly lions or leopards. Birdlife is abundant too (Kingfishers, bee-eaters, fish-eagles, and the rare shoebill). The launch/boat ride showcases the Nile’s wildlife – pods of hippos lie in the water and Nile crocodiles sunbathe on sandbanks.

The pièce de résistance is the Murchison Falls themselves. Here at this chasm the entire Victoria Nile is funneled into a 7-meter-wide gorge and then plunges 43 meters. Above or below, the thudding of water is incredible. (Pro tip: going to the Top of the Falls promises the best panorama of the cascade.) Overall, the combination of open savanna game drives and powerful waterfall makes this 2 day Murchison falls Safari Destination unforgettable.

Let's Plan With You

Ready to experience Murchison Falls on a budget? Plan your 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Itinerary now, choose simple camps or lodges, lock in your boat cruise on the Nile and game drives for the Big Five, and all this for around $800 per person. Don’t wait—Reserve your spot today and make memories that will last a lifetime!