Uganda · Safari

5-Day Murchison Falls Safari with Nile Cruises and Chimp Trekking

5 Days Round trip from Murchison falls national park Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Marvel at the Nile squeezing through a 6-meter canyon at the top of Murchison Falls
  • 02 Search for lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, antelopes, and other wildlife on game drives in Paraa
  • 03 Cruise to the base of the falls and spot hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and animals along the riverbanks
  • 04 Take a delta cruise on the Nile for more wildlife viewing and a chance to see the rare shoebill stork
  • 05 Track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest with an experienced ranger guide

Explore Uganda's largest national park on a 5-day safari through Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty River Nile cuts through dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife habitats. This journey combines game drives, a boat cruise to the base of the falls, a delta cruise on the Nile, and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest. Along the way, look out for lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and the rare shoebill stork. It is an exciting safari for travellers who want to experience both classic wildlife viewing and primate encounters in one trip.

Marvel at the Nile compressing from 50 meters to squeeze through a 6-meter canyon before dropping 40 meters with a thunderous roar.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Transfer to Murchison Falls and Visit the Top of the Falls

You will be met by your guide at your hotel for a short briefing about your Murchison Falls safari before driving 4-5 hours to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you will stop for en-route lunch in Masindi or Kabalega.

Proceed into the park and visit the top of the falls, where you can see the Nile's beauty perfected. Marvel at the Nile compressing from 50 meters to squeeze through a 6-meter canyon before dropping 40 meters with a thunderous roar.

Afterward, enjoy a game drive as you continue to the lodge for your overnight stay.

2
Day 02

Morning Game Drive in Paraa and Boat Cruise to the Falls

You will cross the ferry to the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park for your early morning game drive. This northern section, known as Paraa, is rich in wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, elephants, several antelopes, leopards, and much more. The delta region is also rich in water animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and the rare shoebill stork.

Afterward, you will drive back to your lodge for lunch and then head out for the afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls. This boat cruise is seen as the highlight of all activities at Murchison Falls National Park, since many water and land animals can be sighted along the way.

Expect to see lots of buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles, and many water birds as you cruise upstream to the base of the falls, where the water squeezes itself into a narrow gorge before exploding downward. Return to the lodge for your overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Delta Cruise on the Nile and Afternoon Game Drive

Depart early in the morning from the lodge with a picnic lunch and transfer to catch the morning boat at the jetty point. While on this delta cruise, you can spot several herds of buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson's hartebeest, giraffes, elephants, and several other wild animals that flock to the River Nile to drink water.

Do not forget the several bird species that can also be spotted while on the boat.

In the afternoon, you will have a game drive as you head back to the lodge for relaxation and your overnight stay.

4
Day 04

Chimp Trekking in Budongo Forest

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the ferry crossing point, where you will cross on the 7:00 am ferry and proceed to the Budongo head offices for a briefing on how the tracking is done.

You will then be led by an experienced ranger guide who will take you through the tracking. You are advised to carry bottled water and snacks just in case the tracking takes long. Once the chimpanzees are found, you will be given a maximum of 1 hour with them to enjoy this thrilling experience.

This chimp tracking experience also gives birdwatchers the opportunity to sight different bird species in the forest, especially in Budongo Forest. Afterward, you will return to your lodge, where lunch will be served, and you can relax a little after your amazing chimpanzee trekking experience.

5
Day 05

Transfer Back to Entebbe

End of the tour with a transfer to the airport or to Entebbe.

Murchison Falls National Park, River Nile gorge, Budongo Forest

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls National Park, River Nile gorge, Budongo Forest

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Murchison falls national park 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • Drinking water (on all days)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
  • International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Essential Packing List for Your Ugandan Safari

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers: ideal for sun protection and minimizing insect bites.

  • Neutral-colored attire: opt for khaki, olive, or brown to blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects.

  • Warm layers: pack a fleece or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude areas like Bwindi.

  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho: essential for unpredictable showers, particularly in rainforest regions.

  • Comfortable hiking boots: sturdy, waterproof boots are crucial for gorilla trekking and navigating uneven terrain.

  • Gaiters or long socks: protect against mud, insects, and thorny vegetation.

  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses: provide sun protection during game drives and boat trips.

  • Swimwear: for relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi or lodge pools.

Gear and Accessories

  • Daypack: a small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and personal items during excursions.

  • Binoculars: enhance wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatching and spotting distant animals.

  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.

  • Headlamp or flashlight: useful in areas with limited lighting or during nighttime activities.

  • Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

  • Insect repellent: preferably containing DEET or picaridin to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

  • Basic first aid kit: include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Important Documents

  • Passport and visa: ensure they are valid for the duration of your trip.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate: required for entry into Uganda.

  • Travel insurance details: covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

  • Gorilla trekking permit: mandatory for participating in gorilla tracking activities.

Know before you go

Key facts to clear up first

  • What's "largest," and how big is it?

    • The park proper is ~3,893 km⊲; and is Uganda's largest national park. Wikipedia

    • The wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) - MFNP plus Karuma & Bugungu Wildlife Reserves - is ~5,072 km⊲. (That's the bigger number you will sometimes see.) Uganda Wildlife Authority

When to go

  • Best wildlife viewing: the dry seasons, Dec-Feb and Jun-Sep (sunny, little rain). brilliant-uganda.commurchisonfallsparkuganda.com

Getting there from Kampala

  • Plan on ~4-6 hours by road (≈305 km) to Paraa, via Masindi and the southern gates (Kichumbanyobo/Masindi South). Northern gates (Tangi/Purongo/Chobe) work too and access good game areas. brilliant-uganda.commurchisonfallsgamepark.com

Fees & what to book (UWA official 2024-2026)

  • Park entry (per 24 hours): US$45 (FNR), US$35 (FR), UGX 25,000 (EAC adult). Uganda Wildlife Authority

  • Launch (boat) trip to the base of the falls: US$30 (FNR). Uganda Wildlife Authority

  • Hike to Top of the Falls: US$15 (FNR). Viewing platform only: US$10. Uganda Wildlife Authority

  • Sport fishing permit: US$50/day or US$150/4 days (permit only; entry extra). Uganda Wildlife Authority

  • UWA's summary page is the most reliable place to confirm last-minute changes before you go. Uganda Wildlife Authority

Must-do activities

  • Classic game drives (best at first light and late afternoon). North of the Nile usually has denser plains game and predators.

  • Boat cruise to the base of the falls (wildlife along the banks; runs daily-many boats depart 9:00 & 14:00). brilliant-uganda.com

  • Delta cruise (downstream from Paraa) for wetland birds including the shoebill-often a morning 07:00 departure. wildfrontiersuganda.com

  • Top of the Falls viewpoints and short hike (allow ~2 hours). Murchison Falls National Park

  • Sport fishing (Nile perch & catfish) with permits as above. Uganda Wildlife Authority

Health, safety & what to wear

  • Yellow fever: vaccination is required for entry into Uganda; carry your card. CDC Travelers' Health

  • Malaria: Uganda has malaria transmission nationwide; talk to your clinician about prophylaxis and bite avoidance. CDC Travelers' Health

  • Tsetse & biting insects: many safari operators advise avoiding blue/black clothing; choose neutral, lightweight long sleeves/trousers. Thomson Safaris

  • Water safety: avoid swimming in the Nile (currents, crocodiles, hippos). Stick to boats with licensed operators (like UWA and established concessionaires). Uganda Wildlife Authority

Packing checklist (short)

  • Documents & cash: Passport, yellow-fever card, cards & some UGX cash for tips/local purchases. CDC Travelers' Health

  • Clothing: Neutral long sleeves/trousers, hat, light rain layer; sturdy shoes if hiking to the top. Murchison Falls National ParkThomson Safaris

  • Sun & bugs: High-SPF sunscreen, repellent, after-bite, sunglasses.

  • Gear: Binoculars, camera with dust protection, dry bag for boat trips.

Practical tips

  • Book activities/permits ahead (boat seats and fishing slots can fill in peak months). Use your lodge or UWA to reserve. Uganda Wildlife Authority

  • Drive times inside the park can be long on dirt tracks-4×4 is recommended; start game drives early to beat mid-day heat. murchisonfallsgamepark.com

  • Shoebill chance is best on the delta cruise; bring binoculars. wildfrontiersuganda.com

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe
Tour start
Murchison falls national park
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Murchison falls national park.

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