Combining Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth in a Single Trip
Combining Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth in a Single Trip
Combining Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in one trip is one of the best ways to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife that Uganda has to offer. These two parks form a classic safari circuit through western Uganda, making it easy for travellers to enjoy Uganda wildlife safaris, boat cruises, birding, and scenic drives all in one itinerary. This combination will give you an unforgettable experience in the Pearl of Africa, whether you are on a luxury safari or a budget adventurous tour.
Why Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth together?
Both parks are iconic stops on Uganda safaris, each offering distinct attractions. Murchison Falls is renowned for its dramatic waterfall where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, as well as for its vast savannah teeming with wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the other hand, is famous for tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel boat safari, and Uganda chimpanzee tracking opportunities in Kyambura Gorge.
Combining the two, you increase your opportunities of seeing the Big Five and visiting diverse ecosystems, including riverine forests and papyrus swamps, open plains and crater lakes. Many Uganda tours are designed to link these two parks seamlessly, allowing visitors to experience their complementary highlights in one trip.
The Best Track Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth
The parks are separated by a distance of approximately 400-450 kilometres, depending on the route of your choice. The journey between the two normally lasts 6-8 hours and is an experience on its own, winding through beautiful countryside, small traditional villages and tea plantations.
The majority of travellers go via the following route:
• Murchison Falls (southern sector or Paraa area) → Masindi → Hoima → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth National Park
Alternatively, there is a more direct, although a little more rugged, route via Kagadi and Kyenjojo, which bypasses Fort Portal in case you are pressed for time.
Including an overnight stop in Fort Portal is highly recommended, especially if you want to explore Uganda hiking tours around the crater lakes or visit Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking.
Perfect Itinerary to Do the Two Parks
An exemplification of how you can design a combined Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth safari would be as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/ Kampala.
Land in Uganda and drive to your hotel. Relax and get ready to go on safari.
Day 2–3: Murchison Falls National Park
Transfer to Murchison Falls (approximately 5-6 hours by car from Kampala). Take a game drive to see elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards. Take the well-known boat tour to the foot of the falls and climb to the top to enjoy the magnificent panoramas.
Day 4: Fort Portal drive
Leave Murchison Falls and make the drive to Fort Portal via the Albertine Rift Valley. Overnight at Fort Portal.
Day 5: Kibale Forest or Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
Opportunistically, undertake a morning Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari in Kibale Forest. Afterwards, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (about 3–4 hours). Afternoon game drive in the park.
Days 6–7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Take two days to experience Queen Elizabeth. The must-sees are the game drive in Kasenyi Plains, Kazinga Channel boat safari (it is fabulous with hippos, crocodiles, and birds), and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector.
Day 8: Back to Entebbe
Departure flight or continue your Uganda tour by driving back to Entebbe (approximately 6- 7 hours).
Transport Options
The majority of Uganda safari packages are offered based on a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide, which is the most comfortable and feasible mode of combining Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
On a lower budget and travelling independently, one can take public transport (buses and shared taxis) between the major towns, but one needs to be more flexible and do some extra planning to organise the transfers inside the parks.
Accommodation Choices
The two parks accommodate all types of travellers. There are budget accommodations in Murchison Falls around the southern gate near Masindi and in Paraa, and luxury lodges perched on the Nile River.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers everything from budget campsites in Kasenyi and Mweya to mid-range and luxury lodges with views of the Kazinga Channel and crater lakes.
Booking your accommodations in advance is advised, especially during peak Uganda wildlife safari seasons (June to September and December to February).
Other Experiences to Look at
In combining Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, you can add the following experiences to your itinerary:
• Uganda chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest or Kyambura Gorge.
• Uganda hiking safaris around the crater lakes of Fort Portal or the Rwenzori Mountains.
• Local community cultural tours to experience local traditional crafts, dance and way of life.
• Birding tours, since both parks are great birding hotspots with hundreds of species.
Travel Advice for a Comfortable Safari
• Depart early in the mornings to utilise the best of game drives, and do not drive at night.
• Travel light and wise- carry neutral-colored clothes, a nice camera, binoculars and sunscreen.
• Bring some cash because most lodges and local shops do not accept credit cards.
• Book gorilla trekking permits in advance if you want to extend your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after Queen Elizabeth.
A trip that combines Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth in a single trip will provide a well-balanced and highly fulfilling Uganda safari. You’ll witness the raw power of the Nile at Murchison Falls, encounter diverse wildlife across Uganda’s savannahs, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the crater lakes and waterways of Queen Elizabeth. This itinerary is the best of Uganda’s natural wonders, whether you are on a luxury safari or a more adventurous budget trip.
