Tour Overview
A classic Ugandan wilderness combination uniting the roaring power of the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park with the world's premier primate sanctuary in Kibale Forest. Commencing with on-foot white rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, this 6-day safari explores the vast northern savannas of Murchison Falls for lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, and massive elephant herds. Witness the Nile surge through an 8-meter rock canyon on a scenic riverboat safari, before journeying south along the Albertine Rift Valley escarpment into the equatorial canopies of Kibale Forest to track wild chimpanzees.
Featuring private 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers, expert naturalist guiding, luxury riverside and forest lodges, and an inspiring community walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, this safari provides the quintessential Ugandan wildlife expedition.
Tour Highlights
Multi-Destination Safari Extensions
Extend your journey across additional wildlife reserves, alpine lakes, or tropical island coasts before or after your main safari. Select any extension to dynamically update your complete journey timeline, duration, and quotation.
Geothermal Wilderness Extension
+2 Days / 1 Night
Semuliki Hot Springs & Albertine Rift Extension
Witness the boiling Sempaya hot springs and explore rare Congo-basin forest species in Semuliki.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Base Itinerary: 6 Days / 5 NightsDay 1: Kampala / Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
Depart early morning from Kampala or Entebbe heading north through the fertile farming plains of Luwero. Arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a 2-hour guided on-foot tracking experience alongside armed UWA rangers, observing wild white rhinos feeding in acacia woodland. After lunch, continue north to Murchison Falls National Park. Drive to the dramatic Top of the Falls to marvel at the entire Nile River forced through an 8-meter gap in the rocks before checking into your luxury lodge overlooking the river.
Day 2: Buligi Savanna Game Drive & Victoria Nile Boat Cruise
Cross the river at sunrise for a morning game drive across the wildlife-packed Buligi peninsula. Track hunting lion prides, elusive leopards, large elephant herds, Rothschild's giraffes, Cape buffalos, Jackson's hartebeests, and oribis. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a 3-hour launch boat cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hundreds of basking Nile crocodiles, submerged hippos, and waterbirds.
Day 3: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest via Albertine Rift Escarpment
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls driving south along the scenic Albertine Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of DR Congo in the distance. Pass through the historic oil city of Hoima and verdant rolling tea plantations before arriving in the charming tourism city of Fort Portal. Continue into the rainforest fringes of Kibale National Park and settle into your tranquil eco-lodge.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Early morning transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for an expert UWA ranger briefing. Enter the dense equatorial rainforest to track habituated chimpanzees. Listen for echoing pant-hoots across the canopy and spend one thrilling hour watching our closest primate relatives feed, groom, and swing through giant mahogany trees. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community swamp renowned for 8 primate species and over 200 bird species including the iconic Great Blue Turaco.
Day 5: Crater Lakes Exploration, Top of the World Hike & Fort Portal
Spend a relaxing day discovering the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Ndali-Kasenda crater lake cluster. Hike to the 'Top of the World' viewpoint for 360-degree vistas of crater lakes, rolling tea estates, and the snow-capped Rwenzori mountain range. Visit local community vanilla and coffee farms to learn about organic farming and bean-to-cup coffee processing.
Day 6: Scenic Return to Kampala / Entebbe & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, begin the comfortable return journey eastward to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Travel through the scenic central highlands with a lunch stop en route. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon in good time for your international evening departure flight.
Kibale to Semuliki Hot Springs Semuliki National Park Extension
Visit Sempaya male and female hot springs and hike the palm forest.
Return to Entebbe Airport Semuliki National Park Extension
Drive back via Fort Portal and Mubende to Entebbe.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- Official Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Permit ($250 USD value per person)
- On-foot White Rhino Tracking Permit at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- All national park entry fees for Murchison Falls and Kibale
- Victoria Nile launch boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
- Top of the Falls cliffside exploration
- Extensive savanna game drives in Murchison Falls northern sector
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided community walk
- Private custom 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and driver-guide
- 5 nights luxury safari lodge & forest camp accommodation (full board)
- All meals on safari (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Complimentary bottled mineral water throughout
- Airport meet-and-greet transfers
What's Excluded
- International flights and Uganda entry visas ($50 USD)
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Personal spending, laundry, and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge hospitality staff
Accommodation & Ground Logistics
Eco-Luxury Lodging
Handpicked luxury safari lodges and tented camps featuring private en-suite verandas, gourmet bush dining, and breathtaking wilderness vistas.
Custom 4x4 Cruisers
Purpose-built 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with 360-degree pop-up game-viewing roofs, USB charging sockets, onboard cooler fridge, and binoculars.
Frequently Asked Questions
The official minimum age limit set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park is 12 years (15 years for chimpanzee habituation). Children under the minimum age can participate in nature walks and educational activities around Bigodi Wetland.
Kibale National Park has the highest population of habituated chimpanzees in Africa (over 1,500 individuals). Sighting success rates at Kanyanchu are exceptionally high, exceeding 90% year-round.
