5 Day Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimp Trek Safari
5 Day Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Overview
This 5 Day Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimp Trek Safari combines the breathtaking beauty of Murchison Falls National Park with the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. Ideal for travelers with a bit 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 game drives on the savannah, boat cruises to the base of the 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 3,840 km² and boasts diverse habitats, from swamps and savannahs to dense rainforests. The park supports abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and the elusive shoebill stork.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, this trip offers an incredible blend of land, river, and forest experiences.
Safari Highlights
-
Destination: Uganda (starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala)
-
Activities: Game drives, Nile boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking
-
Transport: Pop-up roof 4×4 safari vehicle
-
Group size: Maximum 6 people
-
Departure: Any day, year-round
-
Customizable: Yes
-
Solo travelers welcome
-
Minimum age for chimp trekking: 15 years
-
Accommodation: Included throughout the safari
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
- Chimpanzee Trekking permit
Cost excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
- Items of personal nature such as tips and drinks
Trip Itinerary
Your safari begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. After a short briefing, set off for Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos, part of a vital conservation project reintroducing these animals into Uganda’s ecosystem.
After rhino tracking, continue to Masindi Town for lunch, then proceed to the park. En route, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the valley below—a truly awe-inspiring sight.
-
Drive time: 5–6 hours
-
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
-
Accommodation:
-
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
-
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls, known as Paraa. This area is teeming with wildlife—look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, and perhaps even leopards. Birdwatchers can also enjoy spotting various savannah species.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on a scenic boat cruise to the base of the falls. Along the way, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birds. The climax of this experience is the dramatic view of Murchison Falls from below.
-
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Accommodation:
-
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
-
After breakfast, enjoy a tranquil boat safari to the Nile Delta, where the river enters Lake Albert. This lesser-visited region offers fantastic birding (including possible shoebill sightings) and game viewing. Expect sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and various aquatic life.
Return to your lodge for lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive to explore more of the park and possibly catch sight of any animals you may have missed on your first drive.
-
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Accommodation:
-
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
-
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
-
After breakfast, drive to Budongo Forest Reserve, located in the southern sector of the park. Budongo is home to one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees in Uganda. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and prepare for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience.
Before the trek, a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger will brief you on safety and etiquette when observing the chimps. Then, venture into the forest for a close encounter with our closest primate relatives. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the forest’s ecology, birds, and plant life.
-
Drive time: 1–2 hours
-
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. En route, you may stop for lunch and browse craft shops for souvenirs.
-
Drive time: 5–6 hours
-
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Request a Quote
Recommended Safari Experiences
Looking to extend your journey? These related safaris provide fantastic opportunities to add variety and depth to your trip—combining thrilling wildlife encounters with authentic cultural moments.
