5 days Murchison falls and Chimpanzee trekking Kibale safari is designed to give travelers a rich and well-paced introduction to Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes by combining rhino trekking, classic savannah game viewing, a Nile boat experience, and chimpanzee trekking. The journey begins and ends in Entebbe and follows a logical route through the northwestern and western regions of the country, allowing guests to experience diverse ecosystems without unnecessary backtracking. Throughout the safari, travelers stay in comfortable lodges and enjoy full-board meals, guided activities, and carefully planned stopovers that make long drives more enjoyable and culturally engaging.
Detailed itinerary for 5 days Murchison falls and Chimpanzee trekking Kibale
Day 1: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and onward to Murchison Falls National Park.
The safari begins early in the morning with a pickup from Entebbe, followed by a briefing from the driver-guide about the journey ahead. The drive out of the city gradually transitions from urban traffic into the greener countryside of central Uganda, offering views of roadside markets, small towns, and local farms. After a few hours on the Kampala-Gulu highway, a short stop is made in the Luweero or Nakasongola area, where travelers can stretch, use restroom facilities, and possibly sample fresh tropical fruits sold by local vendors. The journey continues to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be seen. Upon arrival guests receive a briefing from trained rangers before heading out into the sanctuary.
The rhino tracking experience typically lasts between one and two hours and involves walking through open bushland while following fresh tracks. Once the rhinos are located, visitors are allowed to observe them at a safe but close distance, often within ten to fifteen meters, while learning about conservation efforts to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s protected areas. Lunch is taken at Amuka Lodge within the sanctuary, where guests can relax in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature. After lunch, the journey continues toward Murchison Falls National Park, passing through Masindi town before entering the park. Before heading to the lodge, a stop is made at the top of Murchison Falls, where the River Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge only about seven meters wide. The power and sound of the water crashing below create a dramatic and unforgettable first impression of the park. In the evening, guests proceed to Murchison River Lodge, where they check in, freshen up, and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.
The day begins early with breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the northern sector of the park, particularly the Buligi area, which is known for its high concentration of wildlife. The early hours provide the best chance to see predators such as lions before they retreat from the heat of the day. As the drive continues, guests are likely to encounter Rothschild giraffes moving gracefully across the savannah as well as elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species, including the Uganda kobs. After the game drive, the group returns to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, attention shifts to one of the most iconic experiences in Uganda, a boat cruise along the River Nile toward the base of the falls. The cruise offers a completely different perspective of the park, with large pods of hippos visible in the water and Nile crocodiles resting along the banks. Elephants and buffaloes are often seen coming down to drink, while a wide variety of bird species can be spotted along the shoreline. As the boat approaches the base of the falls, the view becomes increasingly dramatic with mist rising from the crashing water above. After the cruise, guests return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the park in the evening.
Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
This day involves a longer drive but is broken up with well-timed stops that make the journey comfortable and interesting. After breakfast the group departs Murchison Falls and heads southwest towards western Uganda. The landscape gradually changes from savannah to greener hills and farmland. A lunch stop is made in Hoima town, where guests can enjoy a hot meal and take a break from the drive. The journey then continues through scenic countryside, offering views of the Albertine Rift escarpments and rural communities going about their daily life. As the vehicle approaches Fort Portal, the scenery becomes lusher, with tea plantations stretching across rolling hills and crater lakes dotting the landscape. A short refreshment stop is made in Fort Portal town before proceeding to Kibale Forest Camp, where they can relax and enjoy dinner after a long but scenic drive.
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
The day begins with an early breakfast followed by a transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. The guides explain the rules and expectations before leading guests into the forest. Kibale is known for having one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, and the trekking experience offers a unique opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trek can last between two and four hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups. Once they are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing them as they feed, groom each other, communicate through vocalizations, and move through the forest canopy. The experience is immersive and often considered one of the highlights of a Uganda safari. After the trek, guests return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where guests can take a guided walk through a community-managed area known for birdlife and cultural interactions. Dinner and overnight are at the same lodge.
Day 5: Return from Kibale to Entebbe
On the final day, guests enjoy breakfast at the lodge before beginning the return journey to Entebbe. The drive passes through small towns and rural landscapes, providing a final glimpse of Uganda’s countryside. A lunch stop is made in the Mubende or Mityana area, allowing time to rest before completing the journey. Arrival in Entebbe is expected in the late afternoon, where guests are dropped off at their hotel or at the airport for their onward travel, marking the end of the safari.
5 days Murchison falls and Chimpanzee trekking Kibale Inclusions
- Safari vehicle 4×4
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation (4 nights)
- Meals (Full board)
- Park entrance fees
- Rhino trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Game drives
- Boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water
5 days Murchison falls and Chimpanzee trekking Kibale Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda Visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities (Bigodi walk, night drives)
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Chimpanzee permits should be booked in advance due to high demand
- Best travel time: December to February and June to September
- Roads are long but scenic—this itinerary balances experience with travel time