6 Days Uganda Safari, Murchison, Kibale and Queen Elizabeth

This 6 days Uganda safari is designed for travellers who want a rewarding mix of wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking, river scenery, and classic national park experiences without adding gorilla trekking to the itinerary. The route combines Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving you a strong introduction to Uganda’s savannah wildlife and primate encounters in one well-paced trip. Along the way, the safari also includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a boat cruise on the Nile, and a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel. It is a strong choice for travellers who want a shorter Uganda safari with good variety, efficient routing, and a balance of wildlife and scenery

Safari Highlights

• • 6 days Uganda safari across three major national parks
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Game drive and boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
  • Ideal short Uganda wildlife and primate safari without gorilla trekking

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Kampala. Begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, where you will go rhino tracking and may also see other wildlife in the reserve. Have lunch at one of the sanctuary lodges or continue to Masindi for lunch before proceeding to Murchison Falls. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax for dinner and overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge [luxury], Murchison River Lodge [mid-range], or Red Chilli Rest Camp [budget].

Day 2, Game drive and boat cruise on the Victoria Nile

Have an early breakfast, then head into the park for a morning game drive. You may see hartebeests, warthogs, buffaloes, lions, elephants, waterbucks, hyenas, and a variety of bird species before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, go for a launch cruise on the Nile River. During the cruise, you may see birdlife such as kingfishers and the shoebill, as well as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. After the cruise, continue with a hike to the top of the falls for clearer views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge [luxury], Murchison River Lodge [mid-range], or Red Chilli Rest Camp [budget].

Day 3, Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast, check out of the lodge, and drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of the Albertine Rift Valley escarpments and the countryside as you travel through Hoima and Fort Portal. On arrival in Kibale, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Ndali Lodge [luxury], Primate Lodge [mid-range], or Chimpanzee Forest Guest House [budget].

Day 4, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. During the trek, you may also see other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as various bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is about a 3-hour drive from Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of the highlands before arriving at the park for dinner and an overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge [luxury], Kyambura Game Lodge [mid-range], or Simba Safari Camp [budget].

Day 5, Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with breakfast, then go for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You may see wildlife such as Uganda kobs, antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, and, depending on the route, the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.  Later, return to the lodge for lunch and prepare for a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel. During the cruise, you may see birds such as malachite kingfishers, pink-backed pelicans, and saddle-billed storks, as well as hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and crocodiles along the channel. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge [luxury], Kyambura Game Lodge [mid-range], or Simba Safari Camp [budget]

Day 6, Return to Kampala, crater lakes visit

Today, you will visit the crater lakes before beginning the return drive to Kampala. This gives you one more scenic stop before the safari comes to an end. End of your 6-day Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 5 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary