5-Day Uganda Safari
trip overview
The best of Uganda in five days: Murchison Falls and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
This 5-day safari takes you through Uganda's most rewarding wildlife areas in your own private 4x4, from the savannah and the thundering Nile at Murchison Falls to the rainforest of Kibale, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. You'll enjoy game drives, a Nile boat cruise and a guided chimpanzee trek, staying in lodges with all meals included.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you go each day, what you'll see, and where you sleep each night.
You'll stay at a lodge at Murchison Falls on Nights 1 and 2, and at a lodge near Kibale Forest on Nights 3 and 4. Drive times are approximate and depend on road and park conditions.
Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
You'll be met on arrival in Entebbe and set off in your private 4x4 for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest park. The drive heads north through the countryside, with a stop for lunch along the way.
You'll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner.
Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, you'll cross the Nile and set out on a morning game drive across the savannah north of the river, where you may see elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo and antelope.
In the afternoon you'll take a boat cruise up the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where the river forces its way through a narrow gorge. Hippos, crocodiles and many birds line the banks along the way.
Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, you'll drive south-west towards Kibale National Park, passing through villages, farmland and tea plantations as the landscape changes from savannah to rolling green hills. It's a long day on the road, with a lunch stop along the way.
You'll arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest in the evening for dinner and a relaxed night.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
After an early breakfast, you'll meet your ranger at the park headquarters for a briefing, then trek into Kibale Forest to find a habituated chimpanzee community. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and spending time with them in the forest is the highlight of the trip.
You'll return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon, with the option of a guided walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for monkeys and birds.
Kibale to Entebbe — Safari Ends
After breakfast, you'll begin the drive back to Entebbe, with a stop for lunch along the way. You'll arrive in time for your onward journey, marking the end of your Uganda safari.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights' accommodation in lodges: Murchison Falls (2 nights) and Kibale Forest (2 nights)
- All meals during the safari, as listed above
- Chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park
- Murchison Falls and Kibale park entrance fees
- Nile boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
- Drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers in Entebbe
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance
- Uganda visa fees
- Tips for your driver-guide, rangers and lodge staff
- Drinks not listed above and personal expenses
- Hotel nights before or after the safari
- Optional activities and souvenirs
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the safari can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking.
- Chimpanzee trekking takes place on foot in the forest and can be muddy and tiring. Sightings are very likely but cannot be guaranteed, and you'll spend up to an hour with the chimpanzees once found.
- Visitors must be 15 or older to trek chimpanzees in Kibale, and anyone with a cold or flu may be asked to stay behind to protect the chimpanzees.
- Wildlife sightings depend on the season and conditions, and cannot be guaranteed.
- Days 1, 3 and 5 involve long drives, so allow for a full day of travel on each.
- A Uganda e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at visas.immigration.go.ug at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic about malaria prevention before you travel.
what to bring
Your packing list for the safari.
Mornings are cool and the forest is damp, so layers and sturdy boots are the key. Here's what to pack for the 5 days.
- Light, neutral-coloured shirts and trousers
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers for the forest
- Warm fleece or jacket for early mornings
- Light rain jacket
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- UV sunglasses
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots for trekking
- Sandals for the lodges
- Gardening gloves for gripping vines and branches
- Binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens and spare memory cards
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Small daypack for game drives and treks
- Soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Toiletries
- Passport and Uganda e-Visa
- Travel insurance details
- Yellow fever certificate
- Small US dollar notes for tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Swimwear for the lodge pools
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- Insect-proof socks or gaiters for the forest
- A book or journal for downtime
- Zip-lock bags to keep dust off electronics
Packing tips
- Pack in a soft bag, as space in safari vehicles is limited. We'll confirm any luggage limits when you book.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers for the forest trek to protect against stinging plants and insects.
- Stick to neutral colours such as khaki, green and beige, which are better for game drives and forest walks than bright colours.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Uganda Safari 4 nights in lodges, all meals, park fees, Nile cruise and chimpanzee permit included | $1,850 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the safari can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to plan your Uganda safari?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
Your safari starts with a pickup in Entebbe on Day 1 and ends on Day 5 with a drive back to Entebbe for your departure.
You'll stay at a lodge in or near Murchison Falls National Park on Nights 1 and 2, and at a lodge near Kibale Forest on Nights 3 and 4.
Yes, your chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park is included in your price. Trekkers must be 15 or older.
You'll walk through the forest on trails that can be muddy and uneven, for anywhere from one to several hours depending on where the chimpanzees are. A moderate level of fitness and sturdy boots are all you need.
Most nationalities need a Uganda e-Visa, available at visas.immigration.go.ug. A yellow fever certificate is required to enter Uganda — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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