Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience three of northern Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife encounters on this 3-day Murchison Falls safari. The journey combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and classic wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park.
From walking alongside endangered rhinos to exploring rainforest trails in search of chimpanzees and cruising the Nile towards the dramatic Murchison Falls, this compact Uganda safari brings together diverse wildlife and landscapes in a single adventure.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Rhino Encounter & Sunset Safari
Begin your journey with a morning drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where critically endangered black and white rhinos roam. After a safety briefing, embark on an intimate walking safari, marveling at their power and grace while learning about ongoing conservation efforts. In the afternoon, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park for a breathtaking sunset game drive. Spot iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes as the savanna glows in golden hues. Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars, sharing the day’s highlights and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the African wilderness.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Nile River Cruise
Start the day with an early breakfast, then head to Budongo Forest Reserve for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek. Guided by experts, navigate lush rainforest trails to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Their playful interactions and social behavior make for a captivating experience. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River, drifting past hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. The journey culminates at Murchison Falls, where the river crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular sight. For the adventurous, an optional hike to the top of the falls offers stunning panoramic views. Return to the lodge for dinner, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable experiences.
Sunrise Safari & Farewell
Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge, enjoying the serene morning atmosphere. Afterward, embark on a sunrise game drive, which is the ideal time to observe nocturnal animals retreating and daytime wildlife beginning their activities. Lions, giraffes, and elephants are particularly active at dawn, providing unforgettable sightings.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation at Fort Murchison Lodge
- Local transportation in a private, customized 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide
- All park entrance fees and government taxes
- Activities:
- Rhino Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking
- Boat Safari
- Game Drives
- Falls Hike
- Meals:
- 3 Lunches
- 2 Dinners (with a soft drink)
- 2 Breakfasts
- Locally guided experiences
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry)
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not mentioned
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
