5-Day Murchison Falls & Kibale Chimpanzee Safari

This 5-day Murchison & Kibale Safari, offered by WildHorn Africa, provides an opportunity to explore two of Uganda’s premier safari destinations. Kibale Forest National Park features the unique Chimpanzee Habituation Experience along with a rich variety of wildlife and bird species. Meanwhile, Murchison Falls National Park promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, including sightings of Defassa waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda kobs, Cape buffaloes, oribis, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, elephants, bushbucks, and more.
The unparalleled diversity of Uganda’s wilderness is experienced on the 5-Day Murchison Falls & Kibale Chimpanzee Safari, where both thrilling wildlife encounters and intimate primate observations are seamlessly combined.
The journey is marked by the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, where the Nile’s powerful waters plunge through a narrow gorge, surrounded by expansive savannahs teeming with elephants, giraffes, lions, and a rich array of birdlife. The safari is carefully curated to offer a balance of game drives, boat cruises, and opportunities to witness the region’s iconic species, all delivered with comfort and expert guidance to enhance the experience.
The adventure continues with an immersive visit to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee habituation experience. Here, close encounters with our closest primate relatives are facilitated in a pristine rainforest setting, alongside sightings of other unique wildlife and abundant bird species. Throughout the safari, each day is thoughtfully planned to maximize wildlife viewing while allowing time for relaxation and reflection, ensuring that the natural wonders of Uganda are fully appreciated in an unforgettable way.
5-Day Murchison Falls & Kibale Chimpanzee Safari
itinerary
Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
On this day, the safari begins with a journey to the first destination in northwestern Uganda. After breakfast, a pick-up from your hotel in Kampala will be arranged by WildHorn Africa for the 6 to 7-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area, covering over 3,840 square kilometers.
The park derives its name from the stunning Murchison Falls, where the powerful waters of the Victoria Nile force their way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters with a thunderous roar. Along the way, lunch will be enjoyed at Kabalega Diners or in Masindi Town. Arrival at the park is scheduled for the afternoon, followed by a hike to the top of the falls. Photographs can be taken of the breathtaking waterfalls and the iconic rainbow that often forms at the summit. The day concludes with a drive back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
The day begins with breakfast at the lodge before setting out on a game drive along designated tracks winding through the savannah grasslands. Wildlife such as Rothschild giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, leopards, elephants, serval cats, and many others are often seen. As the day warms, a return to the lodge is made for brunch or a light snack, followed by a brief rest.
After this pause, lunch is served before being driven to Paraa Jetty to meet guides for a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of the River Nile. The cruise proceeds slowly, offering opportunities to admire and photograph stunning scenery, a variety of bird species—including open-billed storks, shoebill storks, Marabou storks, secretary birds, African fish eagles, and pink-backed pelicans—as well as Nile crocodiles and hippos resting in the deeper waters. The day concludes with a return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, all arranged by WildHorn Africa.
Murchison to Kibale Forest National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most expansive conservation area, offers some of the most rewarding game viewing experiences in the country. Following an early breakfast, the day will begin with a game drive along the northern banks of the Nile River, where sightings of giraffes, elephants, hartebeests, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and an array of bird species can be anticipated. Witnessing wildlife in their natural environment—feeding, nurturing their young, and interacting within their herds—is a truly remarkable experience.
Later in the afternoon, the adventure continues with a tranquil boat safari along the River Nile. This relaxing cruise presents additional chances to observe wildlife and birds from a unique perspective. The journey culminates at the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, famously known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron,’ where the river explodes through a narrow gorge with immense power. Such a dramatic and exclusive river safari experience can only be encountered in Uganda and is thoughtfully organized by WildHorn Africa.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is among the most popular tourist activities in Kibale Forest National Park, and it will be included in your tour with WildHorn Africa. The day begins with an early breakfast, followed by arrival at the park headquarters (Kanyanchu Visitor Center) by 6:00 a.m. for a briefing. You will then accompany a team of researchers working to habituate the chimpanzees.
During this immersive activity, chimpanzees are observed from the moment they leave their nests to engage in their daily routines—such as foraging, mating, resting, grooming, and playing—until they return to build nests in the evening. This rewarding full-day experience requires bringing a packed lunch and sufficient drinking water, as the return to the lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay takes place later in the day.
Depart Kibale Forest National Park for Kampala City
Following breakfast, check-out from the lodge will be completed before embarking on the journey back to Kampala City. The day begins with a visit to the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves to explore the unique breast-shaped stalactites and stalagmites, along with stunning waterfalls, followed by a hike around the three Crater Lakes of Kigere, Saka, and Kikere.
Lunch will be enjoyed in Fort Portal city before continuing the drive to Kampala. Upon arrival, transportation will be arranged to either a hotel or Entebbe International Airport for the flight to your next destination, coordinated by WildHorn Africa.
Included
Excluded
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to visit is generally considered to be during the dry season, when weather conditions are more pleasant and travel is less likely to be disrupted, typically based on your preferred destinations. During this period, landscapes are at their most vibrant, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and activities can be enjoyed with greater ease. While visits are possible year-round, choosing this window is often recommended to ensure the most rewarding and comfortable experience.

Scan to start chatting with us now!
Featured Headlines