
Uganda Wildlife Safari
6-Day Murchison Falls National Park Uganda & Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Experience
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of rich biodiversity, spectacular landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences. For those seeking an adventure that combines majestic wildlife, pristine nature, and immersive cultural encounters, a 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience through Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale Forest National Park is the ultimate journey. This detailed 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience, organized by Renai Venture Safaris, will take you to some of Uganda’s most celebrated natural wonders. Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and community tours.
Detailed 6-Day Murchison Falls National Park Uganda & Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Experience
Journey Begins: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala
The 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience begins with your pickup from either Entebbe or Kampala, the two main entry points to Uganda. Renai Venture Safaris provides comfortable and spacious 4×4 safari vehicles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transfer. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park will take approximately 5-6 hours, with stops along the way to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the scenic Ugandan countryside.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking
Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the endangered white rhino. After being declared extinct in Uganda in the 1980s, rhinos were reintroduced to Ziwa, and today the sanctuary provides a safe haven for these magnificent creatures. You will embark on a guided walking safari to track the rhinos in their natural habitat, learning about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and the importance of protecting rhinos.
Arriving at Murchison Falls: Hiking to the Top of the Falls
Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, check into your accommodation, enjoy a delicious lunch, and prepare for your first excursion—an exhilarating hike to the top of the Murchison Falls. The hike offers stunning views of the falls and provides an opportunity to witness the incredible force of the Victoria Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge. The surrounding scenery is equally spectacular, with lush greenery, wildlife, and the thunderous sound of the falls in the background.
Evening Game Drive: The Thrill of Wildlife Viewing
After the hike, you will embark on an evening game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The cooler evening temperatures make this an ideal time to spot wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. The park is home to a variety of species, and your 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience guide will ensure you get the best possible viewing opportunities. As dusk falls, you may even have the chance to spot nocturnal predators such as lions and leopards.
Morning Game Drive: Early Morning Safari
Your second day begins with an early morning game drive through the park, providing the best opportunity to spot wildlife as they are most active during the cooler hours of the morning. The park’s vast savannah is home to a variety of species, and you may encounter herds of elephants, groups of giraffes, or a pride of lions. Your 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience guide will provide insightful commentary on the behavior and ecology of the animals you encounter.
Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, one of the park’s most popular activities. The cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to view wildlife from the water, with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks being common. The boat ride also offers breathtaking views of Murchison Falls from below, where the Nile River plunges over the falls into the gorge below. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also be treated to a diverse range of species, including the shoebill stork, herons, and kingfishers.
Evening Game Drive: Exploring New Areas
After the boat cruise, you’ll enjoy another evening game drive, exploring different sections of the park. The evening is an ideal time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as they become more active during the cooler evening hours. The drive will take you through the park’s varied habitats, offering chances to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural environments.
Final Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls
Your third day begins with a final morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This early morning safari gives you one last opportunity to see wildlife before you depart. You may spot more elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and other animals as they begin their day in the park. The morning light also provides excellent conditions for photography, capturing the beauty of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After the game drive, you’ll embark on a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, which will take approximately 5-6 hours. The drive will take you through lush farmland, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, providing a glimpse into rural Ugandan life. Upon arrival at Kibale, check into your accommodation and relax before the exciting activities planned for the next day.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Day 4 is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world. Early in the morning, you’ll be briefed by a park ranger and then begin your trek into the forest in search of chimpanzees. The forest is lush and dense, and the hike can be physically challenging, but the reward is worth it. Once you encounter the chimpanzees, you’ll be able to observe them in their natural environment as they go about their daily activities, from feeding and playing to grooming and socializing.
Bigodi Swamp Walk: Exploring Uganda’s Rich Wetlands
In the afternoon, take a nature walk through Bigodi Swamp, a biodiverse wetland area near Kibale Forest. The swamp is home to a variety of wildlife, including primates, birds, and reptiles. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to see species such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and numerous bird species. The Bigodi Swamp is a peaceful and scenic area, offering a contrast to the dense forest and a perfect way to unwind after the chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Community Tours in Bigodi
On Day 5, you’ll take part in a community tour around the Bigodi area, where you’ll visit local villages and learn about the cultural practices and traditions of the people living near Kibale Forest. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the local community, observe their way of life, and understand the role that eco-tourism plays in supporting conservation efforts and improving local livelihoods.
Visit to the Tea Plantations
Next, you’ll visit the tea plantations in the Fort Portal region. The area is known for its picturesque tea farms, where you’ll learn about the tea production process, from planting to harvesting to processing. The lush green plantations provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing walk through the fields, and you may have the chance to sample some freshly brewed tea.
Relaxation in Fort Portal
After a full day of cultural exploration, enjoy some downtime in the charming town of Fort Portal. This small town is known for its stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, its cool climate, and its tranquil atmosphere. Relax at your lodge, enjoy a meal, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days.
Final Road Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
On your final day, enjoy a morning road transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe, where your 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience adventure concludes. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, allowing you to relax and reminisce about the unforgettable 6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience of your journey through Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest. You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, depending on your flight schedule.
Safari Inclusions
- Accommodation: Full-board accommodation for 5 nights (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Game Drives: Morning and evening game drives in Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Guided chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
- Boat Cruise: Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile.
- Bigodi Swamp Walk: A nature walk in Bigodi Swamp.
- Community Tours: Visits to local communities around Kibale Forest.
- Tea Plantation Visit: Tour of the tea plantations near Fort Portal.
- Park Fees: All park entry fees for Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and other included activities.
- Guide: A professional safari guide for the duration of the safari.
Safari Exclusions
- International Flights: Flights to and from Uganda.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips, and other personal expenses.
- Optional Activities: Any optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary.