5 Day Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimp Trek Safari
5 Day Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimp Trek Safari
Overview
This 5 day murchison falls & budongo chimp trek safari adventure combines the breathtaking beauty of Murchison Falls National Park with the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. Ideal for travelers with more time, this itinerary allows you to fully explore Uganda’s largest national park—home to a wide array of wildlife and the dramatic Nile River.
Highlights include exciting game drives across the savannah, scenic boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls and into the Nile Delta, and a memorable encounter with chimpanzees in the tropical rainforest of Budongo.
Located in northern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park spans approximately 3,840 km² and features diverse habitats ranging from swamps and savannah to riverine forests and woodlands. The park supports abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and the elusive shoebill stork.
Whether you’re visiting Uganda for the first time or returning for another adventure, this safari offers an incredible blend of wildlife viewing on land, water, and in the forest.
Tour at a Glance
- Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Top of the Falls visit
- Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
- Day 3: Nile Delta boat cruise and afternoon game drive
- Day 4: Transfer to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee trekking
- Day 5: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
Trip Itinerary
Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala by your professional driver-guide. After a short briefing, begin the scenic journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild white rhinos on foot. Accompanied by trained rangers, you will walk through the bush to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
After the rhino tracking experience, continue to Masindi Town for lunch before heading to the park. On arrival, visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the valley below.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, especially around the Paraa savannah. This region offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kobs, and possibly lions or leopards.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out for one of the highlights of the safari—a boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls.
During the cruise, watch for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species including African fish eagles and kingfishers. The cruise ends near the base of the falls, offering spectacular views of the powerful cascade.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
After breakfast, set out for a Nile Delta boat safari, a quieter and less-visited part of the park where the Nile flows into Lake Albert. This area is particularly known for birdlife, and with some luck you may spot the elusive shoebill stork.
The delta also attracts elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife coming to drink along the riverbanks.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive to explore more of the park and search for animals you may have missed earlier.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart for Budongo Forest Reserve, located in the southern section of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo is one of Uganda’s most important chimpanzee habitats and also home to many bird and plant species.
On arrival, check in at your lodge before attending a briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will then head into the forest for your chimpanzee trekking experience.
During the trek, follow forest trails in search of chimpanzee communities. Once located, spend time observing them as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural environment.
Drive Time: 1–2 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rural Uganda and stop for lunch and optional craft shopping.
You will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo Forest
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit and rhino tracking
- Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
- Nile Delta boat cruise
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Airport or hotel transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in meals
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged on request)
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