Activity Description

Murchison Falls is Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, covering an area of 3,840 Km². The park is home to over 451 bird species (including the highly sought after and rare shoebill stork) and 76 different mammal species, including giraffe (which cannot be viewed in Queen Elizabeth National Park). Other game sightings regularly include lion, elephant, hippo, leopard, buffalo, hyena, warthog and various antelope. Arguably the highlight of this trip, however, is the mighty River Nile, which bisects the park and is forced through an 8m wide cleft in the rock at Murchison Falls, plunging into the Devil’s Cauldron below. This trip is perfect for those looking for a classic safari experience on a budget and with limited time! Please note that this safari is jam packed with activities and does not leave much time for relaxation.

Day 1 Travel to Murchison, Nile boat cruise and hike up to the top of the falls
06.45 Please be at the Red Chilli reception by 6.45 am at the latest. Depart at 7.00 am in a customised pop-top safari minibus with driver/guide (max 8 passengers per trip). Take a brief break in Masindi, before proceeding into the park.

14.30 Depart for a 2 hour boat cruise up the Victoria Nile. Along the way, you will be able to view a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including numerous hippos and crocodiles – as well as breathtaking scenery. Cold drinks are for sale on board. Leave the boat at the base of Murchison Falls and hike up to the top (around 30mins – 1 hour), with stunning views of both Murchison Falls and Uhuru, the sister falls created in 1962 when the river burst its banks.

16.30 Travel on to the Red Chilli Rest Camp on the south bank of the Nile at Paraa (approx arrival time 17.30). Accommodation is in safari tents with twin beds, including bedding and shared bathroom facilities (but not towels). Upgrades to en suite bandas with solar hot water are available on request (please enquire for pricing/availability). Look out for our resident warthogs, hippo and other wildlife around the camp! Enjoy dinner and drinks and a camp fire when weather permits.

Day 2 Morning game drive & travel back to Kampala
06.45 Cross over on the bridge to the north bank of the Nile, taking along a packed breakfast from Red Chilli. Enjoy a 4-hour game drive around the Buligi game tracks, which stretch between the Victoria and Albert Niles, and down to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta. Most of the park’s game and birdlife can be viewed from here, but please note – nothing is guaranteed!

11.00 Cross back to the south bank and collect any belongings left at Red Chilli Rest Camp whilst on the game drive. Head back towards Kampala

13:00 On your way back you will stop at Kabalega Diner for a lunch break, before arriving back at around 5.00 – 6.00 pm, depending on traffic

“The best value safari in East Africa!”

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