Day 1: From the City Buzz to the Wilderness Roar
The journey began early in the morning with our friendly guide from Early Tour and Travel. After a warm briefing and a cup of coffee, we hit the road heading north toward Uganda’s largest national park—Murchison Falls. The drive was scenic, and about halfway into our journey, we made a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Seeing rhinos up close, calmly grazing in their natural habitat, was both humbling and thrilling—an incredible way to kick off the adventure.
After a delicious lunch nearby, we continued to the park. As we entered, the landscape began to change—vast savannahs, scattered acacia trees, and the dramatic Nile River slicing through the park. Before reaching the lodge, we stopped at the legendary Top of the Falls. The thunderous roar of the Nile as it forced its way through a narrow gorge was breathtaking. I could feel the mist on my face and the raw power of nature vibrating under my feet.
That evening, we arrived at Pakuba Safari Lodge, where we were warmly welcomed. Dinner was served under the stars with the distant sounds of crickets and hippos in the background—a true African bush experience.
Day 2: Into the Wild – Game Drives & River Wonders
Waking up to the sounds of birds and distant trumpets from elephants, we grabbed an early breakfast and jumped into the safari vehicle. The morning game drive was everything I hoped for and more. We spotted large herds of elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and antelopes. A sudden hush fell over our group when we encountered a lioness lounging under a tree—not more than 10 meters away. It was a moment of awe and quiet respect.
Back at the lodge, we had lunch and a short rest before the afternoon boat cruise. Floating down the Victoria Nile, we saw hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous water birds. The highlight was watching elephants drinking and bathing on the riverbank, totally unbothered by our presence. The cruise ended at the bottom of Murchison Falls, giving us a different yet equally powerful view of the roaring cascade we had visited the day before.
Day 3: One Last Glimpse of the Wild
Our final morning began with a slow-paced game drive—a chance to catch a glimpse of any animals we may have missed. Nature didn’t disappoint. We spotted giraffes gracefully walking across the plains, and just before exiting the park, a leopard darted across the road—a rare and lucky sight!
We drove back to Kampala, tired but filled with stories and memories that will last a lifetime. The 3-day Murchison Falls safari gave me not just incredible wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes, but also a deep appreciation for Uganda’s natural beauty.
Highlights Recap:
- Tracking wild rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary
- Standing at the edge of the thunderous Murchison Falls
- Spotting lions, elephants, and even a leopard on game drives
- Gliding along the Nile with hippos and crocodiles for company
If you’re looking for a short yet powerful wildlife experience in Uganda, this is the perfect safari to choose. I’ll definitely be coming back!