Murchison and Kibale Driving Safari

Discover the exceptional bio-diversity of Uganda by combining the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale National Park. Connect the dots with epic road trips looping through northwestern Uganda.
7 Days
$3,512

Murchison and Kibale Driving Safari - 7 - $3,512

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Explore the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The drive from Kamapala to Murchison is broken up by a visit of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary plays an important role in re-introducing Rhino's to Uganda, and the plan is to introduce them back into Murchison Falls National Park when numbers are stable enough. 


Savannah safaris at Murchison Falls. Game drives in the savannah grasslands and riverine woodland of the Buligi Peninsula provide excellent sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and Ugandan kob antelope. Even leopard are increasingly seen. 


Boat safaris at Murchison Falls. Murchison’s signature experience is the boat cruise upriver from Paraa to the Falls. Best enjoyed in the afternoon, when the western sun illuminates the spray. There is something wonderful about watching a totally relaxed six tonne bull elephant drink from a distance of just a couple of metres.


Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. The high number of chimpanzees, the accessibility of the forest and the length of habituation makes Kibale the most popular places to track chimpanzees in Uganda. Although sightings are not guaranteed, you have over a 90% chance of seeing these fascinating animals. 


Bigodi Wetlands guided nature walk. Bigodi is prime birding and monkey habitat, but a walk here is also a wonderful way to support a superb community tourism initiative. The sanctuary is run by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development and all profits support education and income-generating initiatives in the Bigodi Cultural Centre. 

Start from Entebbe and end at Entebbe

Landmarks potentially visited on Murchison and Kibale Driving Safari

Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe

International flight into Entebbe Airport. Upon landing, clear Immigration and collect your luggage before leaving the airport to meet your driver by the terminal doors. 10 minute transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night. 

Overnight: The Boma

Meals: Breakfast


Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park

After a good night's sleep and breakfast, you will be met by your guide to begin your safari. Drive north through a beautiful and varied landscape to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of (350kms/6-7hrs). En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Together with a guide you can track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a close (but safe) distance. Have lunch at the Rhino sanctuary before pressing on to Murchison Falls National Park. 

A further one hour drive into the park takes you to the Murchison Falls that give the park its name. Take in the incredible sight of the falls before heading to the lodge for sundowners. 

Overnight: Twiga Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. You'll likely see Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, Jackson hartebeest, oribis, waterbucks, different species of savannah woodland birds. If you're lucky, you might even find the elusive leopard lurking in the bushes. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a Nile cruise to the bottom of the falls for game viewing at close quarters. Disembark at the base of the falls and hike up to the top of where you're rewarded with amazing views of the Nile. Meet your guide for a transfer back to your lodge.

Overnight: Twiga Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park

Another full day exploring the wildlife of Murchison Falls with game drives in the morning and afternoon. 

Overnight: Twiga Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park

The safari heads south today with a 400km/7- 8hrs drive down the Escarpment of the Albertine Rift to Kibale Forest. The journey is broken up for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. Fort Portal sits near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and is your springboard into the Kibale Forest. 

Overnight: Primate Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6: Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, make your way to the nearby Park HQ for the pre-tracking briefing, after which you will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of your chimpanzee trekking adventure. As you walk deeper into the forest, you'll learn about the flora and fauna of Kibale from your trekking guide. 

Once contact is made, you'll spend one hour with the chimpanzees as they go about their daily life - feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling and screeching. Return back to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk through the Bigodi wetlands. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community. It's a gentle trek with local community guides that takes your through 4km (3-4 hours) of wilderness where you'll encounter a rich diversity of birdlife and primates. All proceeds from eco-tourism go back to into the community, a conservation project well worth supporting. 

Overnight: Primate Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7: Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest National Park for Entebbe. Stop for lunch along the way. The journey is 370km and will take about 7 hours. Connect with your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

  • Prices are per person based on two people travelling together.
  • Prices shown are based on low season rates. Peak season costs increase by about 20%.
  • All Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permits are included at the documented UWA rate and are not subject to a mark up.

Includes

  • Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Ground Transportation in a safari  customized 4WD  Toyoto Landcruiser, with fuel and English speaking Guide / driver
  • Chimp trek permits
  • AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance
  • Mineral water in the vehicle ; 2 liters per person daily on safari
  • VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala

Excludes

  • International flight
  • Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival & online)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned above
  • Items of personal nature
  • Porterage Fees
  • Tips

Questions about this Trip?