6 Days in Murchison Falls and Budongo Chimpanzees
The departure is early in the morning from Kampala with expected lunch enroute at the top of a Sisal Plantation. Arriving at Murchison Falls and Budongo Lake Grove with expected afternoon game viewing in the park down to the big falls. Late game viewing and sundowners at a nearby viewpoint just before dinner. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.
Dawn game drive to follow this after breakfast to the delta beside the Gulf of Victoria into game viewing on the way back. Afternoon drive down the gorge of Murchison Falls with sundowners at sunset and cocktails. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.
After Breakfast, the group goes to the park off the Koite Chimpanzee Research Center where they will drive through local farmland for a few hours. Return to Paraa late in the afternoon for sundowners and dinner.
Breakfast after the drive at the park. The departure will be in the direction of Budongo Forest. The drive is scenic, taking the travelers across serene savannahs and grasslands alongside the mighty River Nile into the ancient tropical forest, where elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and chimpanzees roam at liberty. A contrast of Uganda’s many ecosystems, ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventurers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime safari. Chimpanzee tracking will be the focus of this day.
Day 1: Early pickup of clients from their respective Kampala hotels, transport by road to Murchison Falls National Park with stop at Paraa for a delicious lunch. Arrive at Paraa Lodge, embark on game drive down to the Murchison Falls, witness the setting sun with cocktails before dinner and retire for overnight at Paraa.
Day 2: Sunrise game drives towards the Delta and back to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon Game drive to the base of the falls to watch the sun set with hot & cold cocktail, the sunset drinks will be shared with dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: Lunch will be served on arrival at the Boite Gorge Waterside Lodge for a short while, before setting out to the bush.
Day 4: After breakfast at the lodge, depart for a scenic drive to Budongo Forest, which takes travelers across serene savannahs and grasslands alongside the mighty River Nile, into the ancient tropical forest, where elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and chimpanzees roam freely. A contrast of Uganda’s many ecosystems ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventurers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime safari. Chimpanzee tracking will be the focal point for this day.
Tour Overview
Excluded
Tour grades and responsible tourism
Tour Grades
Responsible Tourism
Essential Tour Information
This 6-day safari itinerary is a unique series of game drives, river cruises, and primate treks. Murchison Falls National Park, the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda, is known for its incredible altitudinal variation and the mighty waterfall for which the park is named. On the other hand, Budongo Forest, in the southern sector of the park, accommodates more than 600 chimpanzees and has a spectacular bird population.
The itinerary starts with scenic drives through the countryside and goes on to wildlife viewing, boat safaris on the Nile, and guided chimpanzee treks in Budongo. Each day reveals a new side to the wild heart of Uganda.
Accommodation
The accommodation handpicked for this safari combines comfort with nature:
Paraa Safari Lodge – This classic lodge offers luxury in the wilderness and has a swimming pool located on the cliffs overlooking the Nile with views of brilliant sunsets from the rooms.
Murchison River Lodge – A cute eco-lodge amidst the flora and fauna, especially appealing for leisure seekers who want the real safari experience.
Budongo Eco Lodge-Set in the middle of the rain forest, giving an atmosphere of the tranquility of the cabin lodge, the calm, and opposite energy of chimpanzee tracking.
Warm hospitality, tasty food, and total immersion in an experience that brings you in proximity to mother nature without compromising comfort.
Safari Highlights
Murchison Falls, where the River Nile explodes through a narrow 7-meter gorge.
The game drive on the savannah plains of the park through lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
Boat cruise at the base of the falls and along the Nile next to crocodiles and hippos glancing in the sun.
Experience the excitement of chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest: one of East Africa’s oldest mahogany forests.
Head to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see Uganda’s rhinos, and then proceed to the northern parts.
Sunset photograph over Nile and golden light towards wildlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Arrival in Entebbe shall be an occasion for your safari guide to meet and greet you and begin the journey north for Murchison Falls. En route would be a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only rhinos. Walk with the guide close to the creatures peacefully grazing on the savannah. The drive continues on to Masindi for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kabalega Resort Hotel (Mid-Range) or Amuka Lodge (Luxury)
Day 2: Proceed to the Top of Murchison Falls National Park
After breaking fast, drive into Murchison Falls National Park via the Kichumbanyobo Gate. You visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile River makes its way through a narrow gorge and plummets 45 meters below, creating a spray with rainbows. It’s really breathtaking and humbling. Proceed to relax and have dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
Early morning is the game drive on the northern banks of the Nile. Dawn wildlife is super appreciated: elephants, giraffes, buffalos, oribis, possibly lions, and leopards. Come back for lunch before an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, including shoebill storks, make their sighting prominent with movement along the Nile.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 4: Morning Delta Boat Cruise and Evening Game Drive
An early morning expedition cruises through the quiet wetlands where the Nile separates into Lake Albert. This place is ideal for bird watching-Afrique fish eagles, herons, and bee-eaters grace this region. The evening game drives through the woodlands will use the last hour of daylight for another opportunity to see predators or much wildlife moving about in the park.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge
Day 5: Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
After breakfast, transfer into Budongo Forest, lying in the southern flank of Murchison Falls National Park. Together with your ranger guide, get very deep into the rain forest for a memorable chimpanzee trekking experience. Hear their hoots and drumming before meeting them face-to-face, watching them play, feed, or groom high up in the trees. Also present in the forest are monkeys, butterflies, and over 300 species of birds. Rest in the afternoon or explore some nature trails.
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Day 6: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
The day starts with a leisurely breakfast in the calm air of the forest, before one embarks on a scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Somewhere en route, you shall put your feet down for lunch and reminisce about memories that filled your safari: the roaring waterfalls and the mischievous chuckles from the chimps. Arrive in the evening and be dropped off at your booked hotel or the airport.
The 6 Days Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimpanzee Safari is unarguable a world in celebration of wild life. It pulls at your soul to Uganda’s heartbeat where the roar of waterfalls and the stir of ancient forests resound. Standing next to the power of Murchison Falls or looking into the eyes of a wild chimp would remind you of something timeless, an idea of the harmony between mankind and nature.