Uganda · Safari

5-Day Uganda Safari with Murchison Falls and Tree-Climbing Lions

5 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track endangered white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
02 Witness the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge
03 Cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls for wildlife sightings and striking views
04 Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and birdlife on guided game drives
05 Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rich wildlife and prolific birdlife
06 Enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel alongside hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and waterbirds
07 Drive through Uganda's scenic countryside of tea plantations, savannah landscapes, and Ankole long-horned cattle
08 Look for the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector

Experience the best of Uganda on this immersive 5-day safari, from the roaring Murchison Falls to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, witness the Nile River force its way through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls, and enjoy game drives in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and more. Cruise along the Nile and the Kazinga Channel for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, then travel through scenic countryside dotted with tea plantations and Ankole long-horned cattle. The journey ends in the Ishasha Sector, where you search for Uganda's rare tree-climbing lions before returning to Entebbe.

Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, witness the Nile River force its way through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls, and enjoy game drives in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and more.

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, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Have an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Entebbe.
Begin your journey towards Murchison Falls National Park, passing through the Luwero Triangle.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience.
Proceed to Kabalega Diner for a lunch break.
Continue the drive to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls.
Witness the powerful Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge to create the dramatic Murchison Falls.
Check in at your lodge and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 02

Game Drive, Nile Cruise, and Hike to the Top of the Falls

Wake up early for breakfast at the lodge.
Head into the park for a morning game drive to spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch or carry a packed meal, depending on logistics.
Embark on an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of aquatic birds along the riverbanks.
Hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the Nile crashing through the gorge.
Rejoin your driver at the top and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03

Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park on a scenic drive of approximately six hours.
Pass through verdant countryside featuring tea plantations, rolling hills, and Ankole long-horned cattle.
Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in, and relax.

Have dinner and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Day 04

Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up at 6:00 AM for tea or coffee and depart for a 6:30 AM game drive.
Spot wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, leopards, Uganda kobs, and various bird species.
Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and enjoy leisure time by the swimming pool.
Have lunch at the lodge.
Head to the Kazinga Channel for a 2:00 PM boat cruise.
View large herds of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and an abundance of birdlife along the water's edge.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Return to Entebbe

Have breakfast at the lodge and check out.
Drive through the Ishasha Sector in search of the rare tree-climbing lions.
Stop at the Uganda Equator for a photo opportunity and souvenir shopping.
Enjoy a delicious lunch en route at a local restaurant.
Continue the six-hour drive to Entebbe while enjoying views of tea plantations, Ankole cattle, and savannah scenery.
Arrive in Entebbe in time for your international departure or check in to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls National Park gorge, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary rhino tracking

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Roundtrip 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 per person per day)
International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Secure your gorilla trekking permit well in advance.
Ensure permits are non-transferable and required for all participants aged 15 and above.
Prepare for treks that can vary from 2 to 6 hours through dense forest and steep terrain.
Maintain a moderate to good level of physical fitness.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
Bring waterproof clothing and a rain jacket.
Pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors.
Carry gloves for handling vegetation.
Apply insect repellent and sunscreen.
Use a walking stick or trekking pole for balance and support.
Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas.
Avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements.
Follow the guidance of your ranger at all times.
Hire a local porter to support the community and ease your trek.
Tip guides and porters as a gesture of appreciation, though it is not mandatory.
Visit Ishasha for sightings of lions that climb and rest in fig and acacia trees.
Travel during the dry seasons from June to September or December to February for optimal sightings.
Look for tree-climbing lions during the hottest parts of the day.
Join guided game drives with experienced trackers.
Exercise patience, as sightings may take time and require keen observation.
Enjoy a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and birdlife.
Choose from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya Safari Lodge cruises priced between $28 and $50.
Opt for community-run cruises at Katunguru Bridge for a more intimate and budget-friendly experience.
Wear neutral-colored, long-sleeved clothing for protection against sun and insects.
Bring binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
Choose afternoon cruises for better chances of wildlife viewing near the water's edge.
Travel in the dry seasons from June to September or December to February for the best trekking and wildlife viewing conditions.
Visit during the wet seasons from March to May or October to November for lush scenery and fewer tourists, though trails may be challenging.
Pack light but include essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and a flashlight.
Carry sufficient cash in small denominations for tips and local purchases, as ATMs are limited in remote areas.
Stay hydrated and bring any required personal medications.
Respect local customs and wildlife, and always follow your guide's instructions.
Embark on a safari that offers unforgettable encounters with gorillas, tree-climbing lions, and diverse wildlife across Uganda's rich landscapes.

Know before you go

Secure your gorilla trekking permit well in advance.
Ensure permits are non-transferable and required for all participants aged 15 and above.
Prepare for treks that can vary from 2 to 6 hours through dense forest and steep terrain.
Maintain a moderate to good level of physical fitness.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
Bring waterproof clothing and a rain jacket.
Pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors.
Carry gloves for handling vegetation.
Apply insect repellent and sunscreen.
Use a walking stick or trekking pole for balance and support.
Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas.
Avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements.
Follow the guidance of your ranger at all times.
Hire a local porter to support the community and ease your trek.
Tip guides and porters as a gesture of appreciation, though it is not mandatory.
Visit Ishasha for sightings of lions that climb and rest in fig and acacia trees.
Travel during the dry seasons from June to September or December to February for optimal sightings.
Look for tree-climbing lions during the hottest parts of the day.
Join guided game drives with experienced trackers.
Exercise patience, as sightings may take time and require keen observation.
Enjoy a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and birdlife.
Choose from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya Safari Lodge cruises priced between $28 and $50.
Opt for community-run cruises at Katunguru Bridge for a more intimate and budget-friendly experience.
Wear neutral-colored, long-sleeved clothing for protection against sun and insects.
Bring binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
Choose afternoon cruises for better chances of wildlife viewing near the water's edge.
Travel in the dry seasons from June to September or December to February for the best trekking and wildlife viewing conditions.
Visit during the wet seasons from March to May or October to November for lush scenery and fewer tourists, though trails may be challenging.
Pack light but include essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and a flashlight.
Carry sufficient cash in small denominations for tips and local purchases, as ATMs are limited in remote areas.
Stay hydrated and bring any required personal medications.
Respect local customs and wildlife, and always follow your guide's instructions.
Embark on a safari that offers unforgettable encounters with gorillas, tree-climbing lions, and diverse wildlife across Uganda's rich landscapes.