How to Combine Murchison Falls and Budongo Forest Safari

Combining a safari to Murchison Falls with a chimpanzee trekking experience in Budongo Forest offers a rich adventure. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park and offers excellent game viewing, scenic boat cruises, and iconic waterfalls. Just nearby, Budongo Forest is a dense tropical forest known for its chimpanzees and bird species. Planning a trip that includes both destinations allows visitors to enjoy wildlife encounters and forest experiences within a short distance. With careful timing, travelers enjoy game drives, boat rides, chimp tracking, nature walks, and birding tours. The journey starts in Kampala or Entebbe and includes a blend of savannah and forest ecosystems. Here’s how to plan this four-day combined safari experience.

Day 1: Travel from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Begin your safari with an early morning pick-up from either Kampala or Entebbe. The road trip to Murchison Falls National Park takes about six hours. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Rangers lead you to observe rhinos up close in their natural environment. This experience adds more wildlife viewing before reaching the park.

After the rhino tracking, continue driving to Murchison Falls National Park. Reach the park in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Depending on your interest and energy levels, relax at the lodge or take a short nature walk near Budongo Forest. Some lodges are located within the park while others are near Kaniyo Pabidi, which is the entrance to Budongo Forest. Rest well and prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures of the next day.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

Start your day early with a game drive across Murchison Falls National Park. Drive through open savannahs as you search for lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalos. The game drive offers excellent chances to see large herds and predators in action. Experienced guides help you spot animals and share knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem.

After the morning drive, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, head for a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The cruise leads to the base of Murchison Falls. During the ride, see hippos in the water, crocodiles along the riverbanks, and several bird species. These include kingfishers, fish eagles, and shoebill storks. The cruise also provides a perfect view of the mighty waterfall ahead.

As the boat reaches the bottom of the falls, feel the power of the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge. For more adventure, take an optional guided hike to the top of the falls. The trail leads you up steep paths with amazing views of the river below. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Nature Walk or Game Drive and Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Begin the third day with a choice between another game drive or a guided nature walk. Early mornings offer better chances of seeing predators and large herds before the sun gets hot. For those who prefer a slower pace, nature walks allow close observation of plants, insects, and smaller mammals. Guides explain the uses of different trees and point out animal tracks and signs.

In the afternoon, prepare for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest. First, go to the Kaniyo Pabidi offices for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. You will learn about chimpanzee behavior, safety measures, and tracking rules. Chimpanzee tracking usually lasts two to four hours depending on their location.

Led by trained guides, walk through the thick forest as you listen for chimp calls and movements. Once located, spend one hour observing the chimps as they play, groom, feed, and swing from trees. This close interaction offers a great understanding of their social life. Budongo Forest is home to about 800 chimpanzees, with some groups habituated for tourism.

Permits for chimpanzee tracking cost $90 for foreign non-residents. Book the permit in advance, especially during the dry season when demand is high. After tracking, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the forest experience.

Day 4: Birding or Final Game Drive and Return to Kampala or Entebbe

On the final day, choose a birding tour or a short game drive before returning. Budongo Forest hosts over 350 bird species, including rare ones like the Puvel’s illadopsis and chocolate-backed kingfisher. Early mornings offer better chances of spotting birds before they retreat into thick foliage. Birding guides help identify calls, plumage, and flight patterns.

If birding is not your interest, enjoy one last game drive in the park. This short drive increases your chances of seeing animals you may have missed earlier. Capture final photos of the landscape and wildlife before checking out from your lodge.

Later, start your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop along the way for snacks or a hot lunch. Arrive in the evening and drop off at your hotel or the airport depending on your travel plans.

Key Activities in the Murchison Falls and Budongo Forest Safari

Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park

Explore the northern sector of the park in a 4×4 vehicle. Rangers or guides accompany you to help locate animals. During the drive, see lions resting under trees or giraffes feeding on acacia. Watch for elephants crossing the road or warthogs digging through the soil. Morning and evening drives offer different wildlife behaviors to observe.

Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

Take a boat ride on the Nile toward Murchison Falls. Along the route, spot hippos in schools and crocodiles sunbathing. Enjoy views of lush riverbanks filled with animals coming to drink. The cruise ends near the thunderous base of the falls. Feel the mist and see rainbows forming in the spray.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Walk into the forest with expert guides and track wild chimpanzees. Observe their natural behavior for one full hour. Some chimps play in trees while others rest or feed. The experience helps visitors connect with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid loud noise.

Nature Walks with Local Guides

Take a slow walk through the forest trails guided by conservation experts. Learn about the forest’s medicinal trees, insects, birds, and small mammals. Nature walks offer a peaceful way to connect with the forest without chasing large animals.

Birding in Budongo Forest

Use binoculars to spot colorful and rare birds in the canopy and undergrowth. Guides assist in identifying species by sight and sound. Budongo Forest is part of the greater Albertine Rift region, known for high bird diversity.