Three days is enough time to experience Murchison Falls National Park through this flying safari. The park is the largest in Uganda, covering about 3,840 square kilometers in the northwest of the country. Book this 3-day Murchison Falls flying safari to see four of the Big Five animals along with chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
Lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants can be seen during the trip. Game drives also bring chances for bird watching, photography, and spotting butterflies and plants across the park. Other activities include a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, a visit to the top of the falls, and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. This package includes accommodation, meals, transport, guides, and all listed activities, starting and ending in Entebbe.
3-Day Murchison Falls Flying Safari Highlights
- Fly from Entebbe to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip for quick access to the park
- Visit Murchison Falls National Park, the largest park in Uganda
- Possible sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes
- Enjoy a guided game drive in the northern part of the park
- See other animals such as giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, and Uganda kobs
- Take a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
- Watch hippos and crocodiles along the riverbanks
- Visit the top of Murchison Falls to see the River Nile pass through a narrow rock gap
- Go chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest at Kaniyo-Pabidi
- Spot birds such as Abyssinian ground hornbill, long-crested eagle, and secretary bird
- Stay in selected lodges with meals included
- Travel with a professional guide and all activities arranged
- Start and end the safari in Entebbe
Brief 3-Day Murchison Falls Flying Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly to Pakuba/Chobe Airstrip and visit the top of the falls
- Day 2: Morning game drive, boat cruise, and transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve
- Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and return flight to Entebbe
Detailed 3-Day Murchison Falls Flying Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Pakuba/Chobe Airstrip and Visit the Top of the Falls
On the first day, you are met by a representative at your hotel or at Entebbe International Airport. You receive a short briefing before boarding a domestic flight to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip.
The flight takes about one hour, with views of the land below along the way. On arrival, your driver-guide takes you to your booked lodge to freshen up and have lunch. In the afternoon, you drive to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through narrow rocks. You stand at a safe viewpoint to watch the water, with rainbows sometimes forming in the spray. Afterward, you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve
After breakfast, you head to the northern part of the park for a morning game drive. You spend 2 to 3 hours in an open-roof safari vehicle, spotting lions, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants.
The park is also strong for bird watching, with species such as the Rüppell’s vulture, Abyssinian ground hornbill, common bulbul, long-crested eagle, secretary bird, and black-headed lapwing. You return to the lodge for lunch after the drive.
After lunch, you check out and head to Paraa for the afternoon boat cruise. You receive a life jacket and safety instructions before boarding. The cruise gives a different view of the park, with crocodiles, hippos, and buffaloes often visible along the riverbanks. The boat stops at a safe distance from the base of Murchison Falls, giving you time for photos and birdwatching before heading back to the jetty. From there, you drive to Budongo Forest Reserve for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Return Flight to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, you check out of the lodge and head to Kaniyo-Pabidi ecotourism site. Around 7:00 a.m., a ranger briefs you before chimpanzee trekking begins. With the help of experienced guides, you track a group of chimpanzees through the forest.
Once found, you spend one hour watching them in their natural environment. The full trek usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on how far the chimpanzees have moved and your walking pace.
After the trek, your driver takes you back to Pakuba Airstrip for the return flight to Entebbe, arriving in the evening around 5:00 p.m. in time for your international departure.
Book this 3-day Murchison Falls flying safari to combine game drives, a Nile boat cruise, and chimpanzee trekking with quick access by air.
