itinerary

Primate Paradise & Scenic Escapes

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale National Park

Duration
7 days
Destinations
3
Decorative Wave Shape

Itinerary overview

This is the best short Uganda safari itinerary because it gives you an opportunity to see the Big5 Wild animals of Africa. These are Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffaloes.

Timeline

  • Entebbe > Kampala City

    Start / Day 1
  • Ziwa Sanctuary in Nakasongola.

    Day 2
  • Murchison falls National Park.

    Day 3
  • Kibale Forest National Park

    Day 4
  • Starting point for Chimpanzee tracking

    Day 5
  • Semiliki National Park.

    Day 6
  • Kampala > Entebbe

    Day 7 / End
Locations

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place with Rhinos in the wilderness, in Uganda. Due to high poaching in the 1970s & 1980s, all Rhinos in Uganda where killed for their horn. In 2004, a program was established to reintroduce Rhinos in the country. 4 Rhinos from Kenya & 2 Rhinos from USA, where imported into the Uganda and settled in Ziwa Sanctuary for breeding. This program has been successful, the Rhinos settled in well, did breed and gave birth to different generations to a tune of 37 Rhinos at present. A visit to this sanctuary gives you a memorable experience of tracking these Rhinos, on foot. Plus your entrance fees supports the conservation program of breeding more Rhinos, which will later be reintroduced in some savannah parks of Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Locations

Murchison falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest park in Uganda and the most visited because of its diversity in nature (Budongo Forest, River Nile and Savanah grass), many wildlife species that include Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, Leopards, hippos, crocodiles, etc plus over 500 species of birds. The icing of this park is the Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful water fall as the whole of River Nile squeezes itself through two rocks just 9meters apart. It’s a breathtaking safari whenever you visit this park

Murchison falls National Park
Locations

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is a rain forest park that is known as the capital of primates in the whole world with a chimpanzee population of over 1500. Chimpanzees stay in communities consisting of about 30 members each. The activity of chimpanzee tracking is done twice a day, morning and evening, involving a trek of about 1 – 3 hours in the rain forest and when you come across the chimpanzees, you will spend 1 hour with them as you observe and enjoy their lifestyle.

Kibale National Park

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day One (1)
  • Arrive at Entebbe Airport.

  • Pick up from the airport by our driver guide.

  • Transfer to Kampala City which is 1 hour drive.

  • Check in a hotel for the night.

Day Two (2)
Day Three (3)
  • 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 Have a 3 hour safari boat on River Nile seeing animals like Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. You will also be able to see the bottom of Murchison falls.

  • 5 pm Drive to visit the top of the magnificent Murchison water falls.

  • Later transfer back to your lodge. Dinner, camp fire and sleep at leisure.

Day Four (4)
  • Have enough rest.

  • 9 am Breakfast.

  • 5 hour transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest national park, with a stopover in Hoima city for lunch at HB Hotel

  • Evening arrival in Kibale and check in. Below are the lodge options.

  • Have dinner and sleep early.

Day Five (5)
  • 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.

  • When done with the activity, you will be driven back to the safari lodge so that you have enough rest.

Day Six (6)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 2 hour transfer to Semiliki National Park to visit sempaya hot springs, the hottest in Uganda and probably in Africa. They water is too hot to boil an egg in just 10mins.

  • 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.

Day Seven (7)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Breakfast

  • 10 am check out and transfer back to Kampala.

  • Drop off at the Entebbe Airport.

  • End of Safari.

Accommodation

Options in Kampala City

Budget

Eliana Hotel

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.

Mid-range

Fair Way Hotel

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.

High end

Serena Hotel

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.

Options in Marchison Falls National Park

Budget

Ikorom Safari Lodge

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.

Mid-range

Sambiya River Lodge

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.

High end

Paara Safari Lodge

Paara 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.

Options in Kibale National Park

Budget

Mountains of the moon Hotel

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.

Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge

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.

High end

Chimpundu Lodge

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.

Transportation

Safari vehicles

Transport will either a Toyota tourism Van or a Toyota tourism Landcruiser according to the fee option, you will choose.

The Toyota tourism Van is a 4x4 minivan that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Toyota tourism Landcruiser 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.

toyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruisertoyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruiser
Important Travel Information

What to carry

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend packing the following items:

Comfortable closed shoes
A pair of open shoes
Light clothes for the sunny days
A few warm clothes because sometimes it gets a bit cold at night
Insect repellant
Sun glasses / hat / cap
Sun creams
Emergency pills in case you have any medical conditions
Camera or good smart phone with storage space
Anti – malaria drugs

Frequently asked questions

During Your Trip

Lodges & Accommodation