From Rhinos to Chimpanzees: Uganda's Wilderness Journey
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Murchison Falls National Park
Kibale National Park
- Duration
- 7 days
- Main destinations
- 3
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Murchison Falls National Park
Kibale National Park
A thrilling week exploring rhinos, waterfalls, chimpanzees, and cultural treasures across Uganda.
Entebbe > Kampala City
Ziwa Sanctuary in Nakasongola.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Kibale Forest National Park
Starting point for Chimpanzee tracking
Semuliki National Park.
Kampala > Entebbe
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. Founded in 2005, the sanctuary established a breeding program to restore a population lost to poaching in the 1970s and 1980s. Four rhinos from Kenya and two from the United States formed the original breeding population, which had grown to 48 by July 2025. A visit offers the memorable experience of tracking rhinos on foot, and your entrance fee supports their conservation and eventual reintroduction to Uganda's savanna parks.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park, known for its varied landscapes, including Budongo Forest, the Nile and savanna grasslands. Its wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles, alongside more than 500 bird species. The highlight is Murchison Falls, where the Nile surges through a gorge about 7 m wide.
Kibale National Park is a rainforest renowned as the primate capital of the world, with a chimpanzee population of more than 1,500. Guided chimpanzee treks are offered in the morning and afternoon and can involve hiking for one to three hours before spending up to an hour observing a habituated community.
Arrive at Entebbe Airport.
Pick up from the airport by our driver guide.
Transfer to Kampala City which is 1 hour drive.
Check in at a hotel for the night.
Early pickup from your hotel after breakfast.
3-hour drive from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola.
Lunch at Ziwa Sanctuary.
Drive from Ziwa to the southern gate of Murchison falls.
Proceed to the lodge. Below are the lodge options.
Upon arrival, check in, dinner, campfire and sleep early by 9 pm
6 am Breakfast.
6:30 am Game drive in Murchison falls National Park Animals likely to be seen are elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, leopard, antelopes, etc.
10:30 amBack to the lodge, relax, swim, etc.
12 pm Lunch.
1 pm Transfer to River Nile.
2 pm: take a 3-hour boat safari on the Nile, looking for hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife before viewing Murchison Falls from below.
5 pm Drive to visit the top of the magnificent Murchison water falls.
Later, return to your lodge for dinner, a campfire and a restful evening.
Enjoy a leisurely morning.
9 am Breakfast.
Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park, approximately 8–9 hours excluding stops, with lunch in Hoima.
Evening arrival in Kibale and check in. Below are the lodge options.
Have dinner and sleep early.
6:30 am Breakfast.
7 am Transfer to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking. You will get a detailed briefing before entering the Kibale forest to start tracking.
Trekking usually starts at 8am. It can take between 1 – 3 hours hike before finding the chimpanzee community. You will enjoy the journey in the rainforest.
Upon finding the chimpanzees, you will spend a full 1 hour with them as you watch them relax, feed and move around.
After, hike back to the starting point. You will be provided with hiking sticks.
After the activity, return to the safari lodge to relax.
8 am Breakfast.
2-hour transfer to Semuliki National Park to visit Sempaya Hot Springs, where the water is hot enough to boil an egg in about 10 minutes.
Visit Amabere caves and falls.
After have an evening gentle hike in the hills of Tooro, overlooking the Rwenzori mountains, to see a number of crater lakes.
Later transfer back to your lodge.
Dinner and sleep at leisure.
Have enough sleep.
9 am Breakfast
10 am check out and transfer back to Kampala.
Drop off at the Entebbe Airport.
End of Safari.
Hotel Eliana, situated on Ntinda-Kiwatule Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a blend of comfort and convenience. The hotel features elegant rooms, including Executive, Twin, Deluxe, and Standard options, each equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
Fairway Hotel & Spa, located on Kafu Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a tranquil retreat with expansive lush gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel provides a variety of rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.
The Kampala Serena Hotel, located on Kintu Road in central Kampala, Uganda, is a 5-star establishment set amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. The hotel features 186 guest rooms, including 14 suites, each adorned with African artwork and private balconies offering garden views.
Ikorom Safari Lodge lies near Murchison Falls National Park, offering a tranquil safari retreat. Its comfortable cottages feature modern amenities and African-inspired decor. Locally sourced cuisine pairs perfectly with panoramic savannah views. Guests can enjoy game drives, Nile boat cruises, and guided hikes to spot abundant wildlife. Warm hospitality and a commitment to conservation define this unforgettable Ugandan escape.
Sambiya River Lodge sits amid the lush greenery of Murchison Falls National Park, offering thatched cottages with modern comforts. Guests can explore the park’s abundant wildlife on guided safaris, scenic boat tours, or nature walks. With warm hospitality and panoramic views, it promises an unforgettable jungle escape.
Paraa Safari Lodge stands along the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, offering breathtaking views and comfortable accommodations. Guests can explore the park’s wildlife on thrilling game drives and boat tours. With warm hospitality and modern amenities, it provides a memorable base for an authentic Ugandan safari experience.
Mountains of the Moon Hotel sits in the heart of Fort Portal, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality, and easy access to nearby attractions. With a relaxed ambiance and local charm, it provides a serene retreat in western Uganda.
Turaco Treetops Lodge sits at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering panoramic forest views and easy access to chimpanzee trekking. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms, immerse themselves in nature walks, and embrace genuine Ugandan hospitality.
Chimpundu Lodge sits near Kibale National Park, offering modern comfort and prime access to chimpanzee trekking adventures. Guests can enjoy sweeping forest views, guided nature walks, and warm Ugandan hospitality. It provides a tranquil base for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Your transport will be either a Toyota safari van or a Toyota Land Cruiser, depending on the price option you choose.
The Toyota safari van is a safari minivan that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Toyota Land Cruiser is a 4x4 SUV that is ideal for 7-8 passengers. Both vehicles are equipped with pop-up roof, fridge, charging ports and AC. The vehicles are well maintained and have a professional driver. They are also equipped with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend packing the following items: