4-Day Uganda Big5 Safari & Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to some of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife and natural attractions. This 4-day Uganda Big5 Safari & Chimpanzee Tracking tour offers the perfect blend of iconic wildlife experiences and primate tracking in Uganda’s pristine wilderness. Organized by Winton Africa Safaris, this safari adventure takes you to two of Uganda’s most renowned destinations: Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll explore the Big5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), and Budongo Forest, famous for its chimpanzee population. You’ll track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, hike to the top of the roaring Murchison Falls, enjoy thrilling game drives, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile, and walk through Budongo Forest, one of the oldest and richest rainforests in East Africa.

4-Day Uganda Big5 Safari & Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

• Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls – Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls
• Day 2: Enjoy Full Days Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive
• Day 3: Enjoy Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Walk in Budongo Forest
• Day 4: Reserved for Scenic Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport and Flight back Home – End of Safari

Detailed 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls – Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

Your 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport by a Winton Africa Safaris guide. You’ll embark on a scenic 5-hour drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through the picturesque Ugandan countryside, characterized by rolling hills, farmlands, and local villages.

On the way, you will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Accompanied by a trained ranger, you’ll go on foot to track these magnificent animals through the bush. The experience of seeing these endangered creatures up close in their natural habitat is both thrilling and humbling, as it is a vital conservation effort aimed at reintroducing rhinos to Uganda’s wild.

After your rhino tracking experience, you will continue your journey to Murchison Falls, arriving at the park in the early afternoon. The next stop is a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges over a 40-meter cliff, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. From the top, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape, feeling the thunderous power of the water below.

After your hike, you’ll transfer to your lodge for check-in and relaxation. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your first game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where the search for the 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari begins. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and maybe even lions and leopards as you traverse the savannah plains.

• Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Diner, and Drinking Water

 

Day 2: Full Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive

On Day 2 of 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari, you will wake up early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is divided into two main sectors by the Nile River, and the northern sector, with its open savannah and woodlands, is the best area for spotting wildlife. Early mornings are the best time for game viewing, as the animals are most active before the heat of the day sets in.

During the drive, you will have a chance to encounter herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various species of antelopes such as Uganda kob, oribi, and waterbucks. The elusive leopard can sometimes be spotted lounging in trees, while lions may be seen hunting or resting in the shade. Your expert 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari guide will provide insights into the behavior and ecology of the animals, making the experience both educational and exhilarating.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch before heading out for a boat cruise along the Nile. This 3-hour cruise takes you to the base of Murchison Falls, offering a unique perspective of the falls and the chance to see wildlife that congregates around the riverbanks. You’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. Elephants and buffaloes often come to the river to drink, providing fantastic photographic opportunities.

After the boat cruise, you’ll head out on an evening game drive, where you’ll witness the park in a different light as the sun sets over the savannah. Predators such as lions and hyenas become more active in the cooler hours, making this the perfect time to spot them. As the day winds down, you’ll return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

• Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, and Drinking Water

 

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Walk in Budongo Forest

The third day of your 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari offers a change of scenery as you head into the Budongo Forest Reserve, located on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and is renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its population of chimpanzees.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll venture into the dense forest in search of one of our closest relatives, the chimpanzee. The rangers use their knowledge of the forest and the chimps’ behavior to track them, and once located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing these intelligent and social animals as they forage, play, and interact with one another.

Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo offers not only the chance to observe these fascinating primates but also to enjoy the rich diversity of the forest, home to other species such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The forest walk will allow you to appreciate the serenity of this ancient ecosystem.

After the chimpanzee experience, you will return to your lodge for relaxation and a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters of the past few days.

• Destination: Budongo Forest Reserve
• Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, and Drinking Water

 

Day 4: Scenic Road Transfer Back to Entebbe – End of Safari

Your final day will be spent on a scenic road transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala, marking the end of your 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari adventure with Winton Africa Safaris. After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the wild landscapes of Murchison Falls and Budongo Forest, and embark on the drive south. The journey will take you through small towns and villages, with views of the lush Ugandan countryside.

Your 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari guide will ensure you arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable Ugandan safari to a close.

• Destination: Kampala/Entebbe Airport
• Accommodation: End of Business
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water

4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• All transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• Park entry fees for Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Rhino tracking permit at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Budongo Forest
• Boat cruise along the Nile River
• Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
• All meals as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• Accommodation for three nights in safari lodges

Exclusions:

• International flights and visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and souvenirs

End of 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

About Winton Africa Safaris

Winton Africa Safaris is one of Uganda’s leading safari operators, specializing in wildlife and adventure tours that offer an authentic experience of East Africa’s natural beauty and diverse cultures. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Winton Africa Safaris has a reputation for delivering tailor-made safaris that meet the needs and preferences of every traveler.

Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, exploring the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park, or embarking on a birding safari in the Albertine Rift, Winton Africa Safaris ensures a seamless and memorable 4-Day Uganda Big5 & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari journey. Their team of knowledgeable guides, comfortable safari vehicles, and dedication to conservation make Winton Africa Safaris the ideal partner for your Ugandan adventure.

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