4-Day Murchison Falls Safari: Wildlife, Chimpanzees, Rhinos & Shoebill Trekking
Duration
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This 4-day Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trek, shoebill and Rhino Trekk safari is designed for travelers who want to experience the diverse wildlife of Uganda’s largest national park. This adventure-packed journey combines thrilling game drives, a boat cruise to the base of the falls, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, and a chance to see the rare shoebill stork and rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve.
- Enjoy thrilling game drives with opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and more.
- Take a boat cruise to the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls.
- Trek chimpanzees in the lush Budongo Forest, home to diverse primates and bird species.
- Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino and shoebill trek.
Tour Summary
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Tour Starts & Ends: Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda
- Transport: Open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle & pop-up roof vehicle
- Group Size: Maximum of 6 people per safari vehicle
- Age Limit: 15 years and above (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian)
- Accommodation: Included at comfortable lodges
- Customizable Tour: Depart any day, solo travelers can join
Included/Exclude
- Gorilla trekking permit (if included in your extended itinerary)
- Game drives & boat cruise
- Ziwa Rhino tracking experience
- All park entry fees
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation (2 nights, full board)
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled drinking water
- Flights & visas
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks)
- Tips for guides, rangers & hotel staff
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe/Kampala by a Gusa Travels guide. Enjoy a scenic drive northwards, passing through small towns, rural landscapes, and the Nakasongola plains. Along the way, we make a stop for lunch before entering Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, we visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile River forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a dramatic explosion of water—one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.
Drive Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge / Pakuba Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Start the day with an early morning game drive, exploring the park’s vast savannahs and woodlands. Keep your eyes out for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the graceful giraffes roaming amidst Borassus palm trees.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before an exciting afternoon boat cruise. Set off from Paraa Jetty, cruising upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through the gorge. Along the way, spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an array of bird species, including the African fish eagle and Goliath heron.
Optional: Extend the adventure with an evening game drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a morning delta cruise to explore the Nile Delta, a prime area for wildlife viewing. Watch as animals cross the river and search for the elusive shoebill stork, one of Africa’s rarest birds.
Later, head to Budongo Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. After a briefing at the ranger station, venture into the dense tropical rainforest, home to over 600 chimpanzees. Once a troop is found, enjoy a magical hour observing their behavior, interactions, and playful antics.
After the trek, proceed to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early for a shoebill trekking experience, walking through Ziwa’s swampy wetlands in search of this prehistoric-looking bird. Later, embark on a rhino trekking adventure with an expert guide, getting up close with Uganda’s only wild rhinos.
After the trek, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping for lunch en route. Drop-off at your hotel or airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
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