Duration
4-Day
Embark on a safari that captures Uganda's wild spirit track rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, marvel at the thundering Nile as it squeezes through Murchison Falls, and cruise the river past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Venture into Budongo Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trek beneath towering mahogany trees. This journey blends thrilling wildlife encounters with comfort and authentic adventure.
Plan snapshot
Duration
4-Day
Route
Kampala to Kampala
Via Ziwa Rhino Ranch, Murchison Falls NP, Budongo Forest (Chimps)
Country & park
Uganda
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
game drives, evening/night game drives, chimpanzee trekking, walking safaris (with an armed guide), specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Pakuba Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP – Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included – Day 2-3: All Meals Included +11 Photos +10 Photos - Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP
Meals
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 7 people per vehicle.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Day 1-3
Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included
Day 4
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Embark on an unforgettable journey with a scenic transfer from Kampala, heading north through Uganda’s lush countryside toward Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience, where you’ll walk close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Continue to Murchison and marvel at the dramatic Top of the Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the depths below a breathtaking sight that captures the raw power of nature. After the hike, settle into your overnight stay inside the park, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. This evening offers time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of Uganda’s largest national park, preparing for the next day’s adventure. Tomorrow promises thrilling game drives across sweeping savannahs, encounters with elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos, and a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls, completing an immersive safari experience. Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Set out on exhilarating full day game drive accompanied by a professional birding guide across Murchison’s sweeping savannahs, where elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo roam freely against a backdrop of endless horizons. The adventure continues with serene bird watching, as the park’s diverse habitats host over 450 species from the iconic shoebill stork to vibrant kingfishers and elegant African fish eagles with a proffesional birding guide. Whether scanning the riverbanks or listening to the calls echoing through the grasslands, each moment reveals the park’s extraordinary biodiversity. Together, these experiences offer a perfect balance of thrilling wildlife encounters and tranquil immersion in Uganda’s natural beauty and close your day with an evening game drive before heading back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Experience the thrill of a morning game drive across Murchison’s vast savannah, where herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope roam freely, and predators like lions and leopards may be spotted in action. The sweeping landscapes offer endless photographic opportunities as the African wilderness comes alive around you. In the afternoon, shift from land to water with a breathtaking boat cruise along the Nile. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species while enjoying close-up views of wildlife gathering at the riverbanks. The highlight is reaching the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge in a thunderous display of power. Together, the game drive and boat cruise provide a perfect balance of adventure and serenity, showcasing the park’s extraordinary diversity from two unique perspectives. Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Begin your day with an early transfer from Pakuba Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park to Budongo Forest Reserve, one of East Africa’s richest habitats for chimpanzees. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll venture into the lush forest to track and observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment, listening to their calls and watching their playful interactions. After the trek, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kampala, passing through the beautiful countryside and reflecting on an unforgettable primate experience. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Offered by
At Pilama Safaris, we believe the best African adventures are the ones that go beyond the guidebook. Born and based in Uganda, we are a locally-owned safari company with offices in Uganda and Kenya and a deep, personal knowledge of the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make East Africa unlike anywhere else on earth.
Offices In
Uganda, Kenya
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Member Of
UTB, UWA & KTB
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Pilama Safaris is one of the best travel companies I have engaged with. Anthony really listened to our requirements and built an itinerary that worked for us. There was time to make tweaks and refine what we wanted to do. Nothing was ever a problem, including chimpanzee tracking, where my youngest was 11.5 instead of 12 years old. Anthony quickly arranged a permit for her, and we were able to experience the chimpanzees together. Communication was plentiful and mainly conducted over WhatsApp. Anthony very quickly became a friend! I got a real sense that Anthony LOVES his job. He wanted to make everything wonderful for us. And to be met by the team at the airport was so lovely. Martin was our jeep driver and guide. He was so wonderful to be around with his calm and gentle nature. His deep knowledge of wildlife, especially birds, was a real treat for us. We felt so looked after with Pilama Safaris.
Nilima Willis · United Kingdom
My guide, Dennis, was truly wonderful. He has worked as a ranger and is extremely knowledgeable about the geography and animal habitats of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. He planned the itinerary taking into account the animal's activity times. I experienced truly rare moments. The lodge was wonderful and lovely with tasty dishes. The operator, Anthony, frequently communicated with me with messages to ensure I didn't feel anxious before the tour began. He also took great care in having a meeting with the guide the day before the tour. I will definitely recommend the campaney to my friends. Thank you for an invaluable experience!
Natalee · Japan
Our trip to Uganda was unforgettable. We opted for a gorilla trekking tour with Pilama Safaris. It was my first such tour and also my first trip to Uganda. My travels usually take me to Southeast and South Asia. But this trip was something special. I found myself just a few meters away from a gorilla family in Bwindi and could hardly believe my eyes. I was moved to tears to be able to get so close to these animals. These gentle giants. I hadn't expected that. The entire organization was effortless yet remarkably sophisticated. Daniel, our tour guide, expertly shared his insider knowledge and was simply a pleasant person to listen to. He knew what he was doing as we entered the gorillas' domain. We felt safe and well cared for and had a great time. After Uganda, we went to the Masai Mara, where we had the opportunity and the incredible luck to witness the Great Migration. What an experience! I'll be able to tell my grandchildren about it. When thousands of wildebeest crossed the Mara River, it was like something out of a nature film, and we were right in the middle of it, not just spectators. Pilama Safaris also has a real knack for choosing accommodations. Every lodge is definitely recommendable, even for a longer stay. Communication with the organizers was straightforward and based on a handshake agreement. What was agreed upon was delivered and was well worth the money. One more thing: the trip planning and the entire itinerary were coordinated with us in advance and were tailor-made. Even when we wanted to add a relaxing day at short notice, the program was quickly changed, and we were able to unwind in the hotel's spa area. (automatic translation from German)
D. Maria · Austria
They deliver a highly personalized experience, consistently going above and beyond to understand each customer’s needs and ensure complete satisfaction at every touchpoint.
Mercy · Kenya
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Pakuba Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP – Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included – Day 2-3: All Meals Included +11 Photos +10 Photos - Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP. Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-3: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Kampala
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Pilama Safaris, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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