Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, is a true gem for wildlife lovers. Located in the northwest of the country, this park is renowned for its breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the mighty Victoria Nile thunders through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The park’s diverse landscapes include savannah, woodland, and wetlands, offering rich habitats for a wide array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and an abundance of birds.
A key highlight of the region is Budongo Forest, which lies to the south of Murchison Falls. Budongo is famous for its chimpanzee trekking experiences, offering one of the best chances to see these intelligent primates in their natural forest habitat. The Budongo Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located in the heart of this tropical rainforest and is home to over 600 chimpanzees, making it a must-visit for any primate enthusiast.
This 5-day itinerary allows you to explore both the wild beauty of Murchison Falls and the fascinating chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, offering a perfect blend of safari experiences, waterfalls, and primate encounters.
| Destination | Murchison falls |
|---|---|
| Depature | Yes Required |
| Departure Time | 07.00AM |
| Return Time | after 4 days |
| Included |
|
| Excluded |
|
 Travel With Safari Van / Jeep 4WD |
|
Morning:
7:00 AM – Depart from Kampala/Entebbe
Start your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to the park takes approximately 5-6 hours. As you travel, you’ll pass through the beautiful Luweero Triangle and the scenic Masindi town.
12:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in at Lodge
Upon arrival, check into your lodge near the park, such as Paraa Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the park.
Afternoon:
2:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
After a light lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park. You’ll have the chance to see animals such as giraffes, buffaloes, antelope, and perhaps even lions. The open savannah and wooded areas offer great opportunities for wildlife sightings.
6:30 PM – Return to Lodge and Dinner
Return to your lodge for dinner. Enjoy the evening and relax, watching the sunset over the Victoria Nile.
Morning:
6:00 AM – Early Morning Game Drive
Begin your day with an early morning game drive, which offers the best opportunity to spot predators such as lions and leopards. You’ll also encounter large herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes as they forage in the cool morning hours.
9:00 AM – Return to Lodge for Breakfast
After the game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast and relax as you prepare for the day’s activities.
Late Morning:
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at your lodge, surrounded by the natural beauty of Murchison Falls.
3:00 PM – Boat Safari on the Nile
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile. This serene cruise allows you to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife, including kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. The boat ride offers excellent photographic opportunities as you get up close to the wildlife.
Evening:
Morning:
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Departure to Budongo Forest
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and embark on a scenic drive to the Budongo Forest. The drive takes around 1-2 hours, passing through rural Ugandan villages and lush landscapes.
9:30 AM – Arrival at Budongo Forest
Upon arrival at the Budongo Chimpanzee Sanctuary, you’ll be briefed about the chimpanzee trekking rules and what to expect during the hike.
Late Morning:
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Lunch at Budongo Forest Lodge
After your trek, return to the Budongo Forest Lodge for lunch. Relax and reflect on the unforgettable experience of encountering wild chimpanzees.
3:00 PM – Nature Walk or Forest Exploration
In the afternoon, you can take a nature walk through the forest trails, guided by an expert who will explain the ecosystem and highlight various plant and animal species in the area.
Evening:
Morning:
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Lunch at Lodge
After arrival and check-in, enjoy lunch at your lodge near the park.
3:30 PM – Evening Game Drive
After lunch, embark on another game drive to explore parts of the park you haven’t yet seen. This is a great opportunity to spot more wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, and various bird species.
Evening:
Morning:
7:00 AM – Breakfast at Lodge
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
1:00 PM – Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe
You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the afternoon, marking the end of your Murchison Falls & Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking adventure.
Write Your Review