5 Days Murchison Falls Big 5 and Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Kampala hotel for a scenic 6–7 hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. En route, enjoy a lunch stop at Kabalega Diners or in Masindi Town to sample local cuisine and stretch your legs.

Upon arrival, take a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. Enjoy the mist, roaring waters, and vibrant rainbows before heading to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay amidst the sounds of the wild.

Main Destination:

Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation:

Pakuba Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)

• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Start your day with an early morning game drive in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park, across the Nile. Spot the Big 5—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards—plus giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Ugandan kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, and warthogs. Early morning is best to see predators and grazers active in dawn’s golden light.

After the drive, return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. See hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds like African fish eagles, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill stork if lucky. Cruise upstream to where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating the thunderous Murchison Falls—a perfect photo spot.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation:

Pakuba Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included

• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, you’ll leave behind the wide-open savannahs of Murchison Falls and journey south toward the lush, green rainforests of Kibale. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours and offers a wonderful glimpse of everyday life in Uganda—rolling hills, small villages, and vibrant farmland all passing by your window.
As you get closer to Kibale, the landscape changes beautifully—from open plains to thick, tropical forest. Kibale is famous for its amazing wildlife, especially the wild chimpanzees you’ll meet on your trek the next day.

When you arrive, you’ll settle into your lodge and get ready for an unforgettable primate adventure in the heart of Uganda’s rainforest.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Primate Lodge Kibale

• Luxury lodge located inside Kibale NP (Chimps)

• All meals included

• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Today is all about getting up close with one of Uganda’s most fascinating residents—the wild chimpanzees of Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll head into the dense rainforest with an experienced guide to track these incredible primates in their natural home.

The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are that day. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest—colorful birds, monkeys swinging through the trees, and the rich greenery all around you.

When you finally find the chimpanzees, watch their playful behavior and social interactions, a truly unforgettable experience. After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on your adventure.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Primate Lodge Kibale

• Luxury lodge located inside Kibale NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included

• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out from your lodge and set off on the journey back to Kampala. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit the fascinating Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves—renowned for their unique breast-shaped stalactites and stalagmites, plus stunning waterfalls that make for a truly memorable stop.

Next, you’ll enjoy a refreshing hike around three beautiful crater lakes nearby: Kigere, Saka, and Kikere, each offering its own peaceful charm and scenic views.

When hunger strikes, you’ll pause in the vibrant city of Fort Portal to enjoy a tasty lunch before continuing your drive back to Kampala. From there, you can either relax at your hotel or head straight to Entebbe International Airport to catch your onward flight.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

• Drinks not included