5-day budget safari to Murchison Falls National

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Embark on a 5-day budget safari to Murchison Falls National Park Uganda. Enjoy game drives, Nile boat cruises, chimp tracking, and rhino encounters. Affordable packages with expert guides. Book your adventure now!

Tour Overview

Experience the raw power of the Nile River on this 5-day budget safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. This affordable Uganda wildlife adventure blends thrilling game drives, a Nile Delta boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and rhino encounters at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Designed for budget travelers, the itinerary includes budget-friendly lodges, expert guides, and iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, giraffes, and the rare shoebill stork. Discover why Murchison Falls is a must-visit for budget safaris in Uganda.

Tour Details

Inclusions:

Park entry fees & permits (including Ziwa Rhino tracking)
4 nights’ budget accommodation (e.g., Red Chilli Rest Camp, Heritage Safari Lodge)
Meals: Full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
4×4 safari vehicle, fuel, and English-speaking guide
Boat cruise, ferry crossing, and chimpanzee permits

Exclusions:

International flights & Uganda visa
Tips, alcohol, and personal expenses
Optional activities

Accommodation: Clean, budget-friendly lodges with en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and proximity to wildlife hotspots.

Transport: Robust 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof for 360° game viewing.

Best Time to Visit: December–February and June–September (dry season for optimal wildlife sightings).

Packing Tips: Binoculars, lightweight clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case for boat cruises.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Park Entrance Fees
Tour guide
Activities in the itinerary
Meals: Full board
Transportation by Road
Accommodation
Fuel and Safari Vehicle
Drinking water

Flight tickets
Premium Drinks
Visa Fees
Optional activities
Tips and gratuities
Extra service such as laundry

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tour

Activity 1: Scenic Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe
Depart early for a 5-hour drive through Uganda’s countryside. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda. Trek with rangers to observe these endangered giants up close.

Activity 2: Evening Transfer to Murchison Falls
Cross the Nile via the Paraa Ferry and check into your budget lodge. Enjoy a sundowner with views of the savannah.

Optional: Birdwatching near the lodge or a guided night walk (seasonal).

Day 2 Morning Game Drive & Nile Delta Boat Cruise

Activity 1: Sunrise Game Drive in the Northern Circuit
Explore the park’s savannah at dawn. Spot lions, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, and herds of buffalo. The Buligi Game Tracks offer prime sightings.

Activity 2: Afternoon Nile Delta Boat Cruise
Glide along the Nile to the Delta’s wetlands. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds like the shoebill stork. End at the base of Murchison Falls—feel the mist from Africa’s most powerful waterfall!

Optional: Fishing at the Nile or visit to Boomu Women’s Village.

Day 3 Chimpanzee Tracking & Top of the Falls Hike

Activity 1: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Venture into Uganda’s largest mahogany forest. Spend 2–3 hours tracking playful chimps through the canopy. Learn about conservation efforts from expert guides.

Activity 2: Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls
Trek to the waterfall’s crest, where the Nile explodes through a 7m gorge. Capture panoramic views and the iconic “Devil’s Cauldron” whirlpool.

Optional: Birdwatching in Budongo (over 360 species) or community storytelling.

Day 4 Rhino Encounter & Cultural Experience

Activity 1: Return to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Revisit Ziwa for a morning rhino trek or birding walk. Look out for Uganda kob and bushbuck in the sanctuary’s grasslands.

Activity 2: Cultural Tour at Boomu Women’s Group
Engage with local communities. Learn basket weaving, traditional cooking, and dance with the Bunyoro people.

Optional: Sunset game drive or relax at the lodge.

Day 5 Departure & Craft Market Visit

Activity 1: Scenic Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Depart after breakfast. Stop at Masindi Town for lunch and souvenir shopping at a local craft market.

Activity 2: Equator Photo Stop & Final Departure
Pose at the Uganda Equator landmark and browse handmade crafts before your flight.

Optional: Extend your trip with a gorilla trek in Bwindi or Kibale chimp safari.