4 Days Murchison Falls Safari – Wildlife and Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest

Duration

Overview

This 4 days safari is the ultimate safari experience as it offers you excellent game viewing in Murchison falls national park and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest.

Murchison falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda and is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. The national park offers wildlife game viewing in the northern sector of the park which harbors animals such as giraffes, lions, elephants, leopard, warthogs, monkeys and a great deal of antelope species. The national park has the Victoria Nile that flows between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert cutting across the park and thereby dividing it in to the northern and southern part of the park. A boat ride on the Victoria Nile has you seeing animals such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants and various water birds.

Budongo forest is home to a population of chimpanzees and offers a chimpanzee trek in the forest. Budongo forest consists of semi-deciduous forest, small streams and a bit of savanna and woodland. The forest is also one of the best birding areas in East Africa hence offering a fulfilling bird watching experience for travelers interested in birding.

Included/Exclude

Safari vehicle and Fuel
Professional English speaking tour guide
Full Board Accommodation for 3 nights
Park entrance fees
Drinking water in the vehicle
Activities as mentioned in the itinerary

Insurance
Tips and Laundry services at the lodge
International Flights
Visa charges

Tour Plan

Day 1: Pick up from Kampala/Entebbe and Transfer to Budongo Forest

The safari begins today with pick up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Your driver guide will then start you on the journey to Budongo forest. You will have a stopover for lunch in Masindi as well as short breaks along the way to stretch. On arrival you will check in to the lodge, have dinner and sleep to the echoing sounds of the forest. Optional Activity – Rhino trekking, if interested you have an option of stopping over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino trekking. You receive a briefing from the ranger guide and then walk on foot to see the rhinos in the sanctuary. Journey time: 6 hours Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Murchison falls national park

Today morning you will head to the briefing area where your ranger guide will take you through the forest guide lines concerning your chimpanzee trek and how to behave around the chimpanzees. After the briefing you head in to the forest, the trek takes you through the diverse forest and different bird species, monkeys and huge mahogany trees can be seen as you trek through the forest. Once you locate the chimpanzee you will have one hour to watch them as they hop around tree branches, feed and make echoing sounds in the forest. After this you head back to the starting point. After the chimp trek you head to Murchison falls national park. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Anyadwe House (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range) or Fort Murchison (Budget)

Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise and Hike to the top of the falls

You will leave the lodge as early as 6am for the morning game drive. The game drive happens in the northern part of the park where animals to be seen include giraffes, elephants, warthogs, monkeys, lion and antelope species. The other animals that can be seen include the nocturnal like hyenas, stripped jackals and leopard, however these are rare sightings. The game drive also offers a variety of bird species resident in the park. In the afternoon you will head for the boat cruise which is a relaxing experience on the Victoria Nile. Here you search for water birds and animals that come to the shores to quench their thirst on the hot afternoon. Animals include hippos, elephants, antelopes, crocodiles and monitor lizards. The boat ride will lead you to the base of the water falls where you will get off the boat and start the 1 hour hike to the top of the falls. Once at the top you are treated to amazing views of the might Murchison water falls as River Nile forces itself through an 8m gorge splashing downwards with a thunderous roar. You will take photos and after this your driver guide who will be waiting for you at the top will transfer you back to the lodge for dinner. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer back to Kampala

After breakfast you will start the journey back to Kampala and arrival will mark the end of your safari to Murchison falls national park. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch