Murchison Falls Safari Review: A Thrilling 3-Day Jaunt From Kampala

So, if you’re looking for an escape that’s bursting with adventure and teeming with wildlife, then a Murchison Falls safari might be just the thing. Like your own private episode of a wildlife documentary, very much unfolding right before your eyes. I recently experienced a 3-day safari from Kampala that included a Rhino trek and it’s almost difficult to capture in words. However, I will try my best to give you all of the important details from my experience.

Setting Off From Kampala: The Beginning Of This Wild Ride

We started quite early; still, around 6:00 AM seems reasonably humane for something described as the trip of a lifetime. Right from the pickup, the vibe was very exciting. The drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls gives you, in a way, a preview of Uganda itself. Think green rolling hills, small towns with vibrant markets, plus people going about their daily routines. That is, life happening all around you. The ride itself could be rather lengthy, nearly 6 hours, that being said, it’s a fantastic introduction to Uganda’s diverse landscapes.

Oh, and then there’s the excitement. You might start to notice it very soon into the drive, or a bit later, just simmering quietly like anticipation personified. The promise of seeing some seriously incredible animals and nature very, very soon makes those hours slip away. I mean, at the end of the day, who doesn’t get pumped thinking about seeing an elephant strolling or perhaps a giraffe gracefully munching on a treetop?

Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Getting Up Close

Anyway, before even getting close to Murchison Falls, the safari includes a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, plus it is almost a fantastic way to sort of break up the long drive. The opportunity to track rhinos on foot feels truly magical, as I was saying. Like stepping into another nature television show, but now with an actual chance to make a cameo. Walking through the bush, guided by rangers, just a little closer to those stunning creatures felt remarkably special.

Actually, watching these amazing rhinos in their natural habitat is definitely an experience you won’t soon forget. These bulky animals, that’s right, living a quiet existence. Plus, getting within what feels like just arm’s reach is simultaneously scary and exhilarating. The rangers there were also amazingly knowledgeable, also they gave us, more or less, insights into the conservation efforts that are helping protect these awesome animals.

Game Drives: Wildlife Encounters In The Park

The real adventure gets going with the game drives in Murchison Falls National Park. So, hopping into an open-roof vehicle to scour the grasslands and the savannah definitely gave things that classic safari experience feel. And yes, this part didn’t disappoint one bit. Anyway, over the next couple of days, the park presented us, seemingly, with some memorable wildlife sightings.

That is, picture herds of elephants wandering majestically, plus giraffes stretching to reach those oh-so-tasty treetops. I mean, lions lounging rather lazily in the sun, and perhaps even a leopard slinking around the shadows. And so on, everything unfolds before you. Also, the sheer abundance of wildlife can be a little overwhelming, yet at the end of the day, that’s a good problem, isn’t it? Every corner seemingly offered up a new discovery, a new chance to grab your camera, and of course, new things to post on Instagram. Like, seriously though, your friends will get jealous, so prepare for it!

The Boat Cruise on the Nile: Approaching Murchison Falls

One of the high points had to have been the boat cruise on the Nile River. Alright, you get to calmly float down one of the world’s most famed rivers. Also, keep an eye out for hippos chilling in the water. We also spotted crocodiles basking on the banks, plus a bunch of crazy beautiful birds flitting about.

Finally, the cruise heads straight for the base of Murchison Falls, basically providing probably the best view possible. Seeing the mighty Nile thunder down from that height is pretty awe-inspiring, that’s for sure. The raw strength of nature gets to you, yet in a very soothing, satisfying kind of way. You’re getting splashed with just a light spray. Anyway, that is the feeling of a totally refreshing, natural air conditioning blowing. very highly recommended.

Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls: The Panoramic View

Yeah, the adventure keeps going, I swear. Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is one of the best parts. After the boat trip, then that is a walk up to the top of the falls to see where all that water squishes into a narrow gorge, and in that case, goes plummeting down.

Standing there, really feeling the power of the falls right under your feet and seeing this amazing view of the river flowing away, well, it is nothing short of breathtaking, to be honest. Also, you have the option of going by way of the “easier” route, however the rocky climb seems much more fun. It also comes complete with seriously mind-blowing sights to see. Anyway, it’s an awesome spot for some unforgettable selfies!

Where To Stay In Murchison Falls National Park

Actually, when you have your safari happening here, picking the right spot can take the experience to the next level. I would have to recommend Paraa Safari Lodge as a great place. In that case, the spot brings history and fancy accommodation together. They also bring an amazing location close to where your tour activities might be. It is also a super experience with high guest scores from online reviews. So if the lodge option isn’t working for you, Baker’s Lodge comes in as a fantastic eco friendly option.

However, not as big as Paraa it also includes amazing Nile views, giving great proximity to nature watching right from where you are. For any of your friends looking for affordable accommodation, then Red Chilli Rest Camp gives nice private bandas in a much more basic campsite setting, yet pretty darn affordable to be certain. Of course you can usually change plans anytime, talk about fun! But still you should think this through quite clearly ahead of booking. That should happen no matter the choice you end up picking.

Some Important Packing Considerations

First off, you should think to carry a versatile selection of clothing in your pack that helps for those hot days plus those cooler evenings that you might just run across here. Consider that you have lightweight and breathable clothing. So be certain you’ve taken those moisture wicking fabrics, in fact it could totally take your level of enjoying all this to new highs. You really are going to have to protect yourself in a way against sunburn too and so get high SPF sunscreen protection.

We strongly urge getting that super effective kind of product to keep sunburn risk away because even on the cloudy days you’re still totally going to be burning out there. Then it will definitely be sunglasses with strong protection together. That really should cover just about everything regarding heat protection so no harm from that going through to your vacation planning now! Always think to carry binoculars with you, this will help. At the end of the day it takes sightings during game drives. It gets much more enhanced once you feel as though you were given extra zooming power!

The Takeaways From This Trip To Murchison Falls

• Wildlife Viewing: That is something that’s so fantastic, even breathtaking if you think.
• Rhino Trekking: Walking with those powerful yet gentle big animals! Very inspiring plus respectful.
• The Boat Cruise on Nile: See a movie scene of wild Uganda while peacefully sliding right along!
• Landscapes: A great variety from savannah down low all those tall thundering waters up where they hit first, something awesome!