Uganda: 6-Days Safari to Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth

Planning a safari in Uganda? This 6-day adventure with Openbill Safaris offers an authentic look at the country’s stunning parks, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. While it’s an intensive schedule, the mix of game drives, boat cruises, and chimpanzee trekking makes for an immersive experience.

What we love most? The chance to see lions lounging in trees, the roar of Murchison Falls, and observing hippos and crocodiles up close during boat rides. The itinerary also includes a visit to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee sightings, a rare treat for wildlife lovers. A potential consideration? The long drives between parks might feel tiring for some travelers, especially if outdoor activities are not your usual forte.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive taste of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes in a relatively short time, and who enjoy a mix of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this trip offers plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

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Key Points

Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines game drives, boat cruises, and chimp trekking for diverse experiences.
Wildlife Encounters: Lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and chimpanzees.
Iconic Views: Top of Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Educational and Cultural: Community visits and nature walks add a local flavor.
Value for Money: All activities, entry fees, transportation, meals, and accommodations included in the $2,500 price.
Practical Tips: Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and insect repellent.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Analyzing the Experience: What Makes This Safari Special

A 6-day safari like this one offers a well-rounded picture of Uganda’s most famous parks. We’ll take a closer look at each component, what you can expect, and why they matter.

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Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. Traveling by 4×4 vehicle, you get a comfortable yet adventurous ride across Uganda’s varied terrain. The drive allows you to adjust gradually to the environment and get a taste of local life along the way, making the long journey part of the experience rather than just transit.

Travel time from Kampala to Murchison Falls is approximately 6-7 hours, so be prepared for a day on the road. The driver-guides are seasoned, with many reviews noting their knowledge and friendliness, which makes the time pass quickly. You’ll appreciate that all transportation, including transfers to and from the parks, is included, removing the hassle of coordinating logistics yourself.

Murchison Falls National Park: Game Drives

The core of your safari begins with morning and possibly afternoon game drives in Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and possibly leopards. We loved the way the guides pointed out subtle signs of wildlife—tracks in the dirt, bird calls, and animal behaviors—that you might overlook on your own.

One reviewer mentioned that their guide, John, was especially attentive, making sure they saw lions lounging in the shade and elephants crossing the water. The park’s size and diversity mean there’s always a chance to spot something exciting. Plus, the early morning drives are the best for animal activity, and the cool air makes it more comfortable after sunrise.

Murchison Falls: A Dramatic Highlight

A visit to the top of Murchison Falls is a must. Watching the Nile River violently tumble through a narrow gap into a churning pool below is awe-inspiring. The roar of the water, the spray in the air, and the sheer force of nature are unforgettable. This spot is where the river’s power is most visible, and many find it a highlight of their trip.

Several reviews highlight how accessible the viewing platforms are, allowing for great photo opportunities. The guide will often give insights into the geological forces that created the falls, adding an educational layer to this breathtaking vista.

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Boat Cruises: Up Close with Hippos and Crocodiles

The afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile offers a different perspective. You’ll glide past hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun, with opportunities to spot elephants crossing the river and waterbirds resting on the banks.

Travelers mention how peaceful and intimate these boat trips are, allowing wildlife to come to you rather than the other way around. The boat is spacious, and many guides are knowledgeable about the animals’ behaviors, making it an engaging experience. Be sure to have your camera ready for moments like a distant lion resting on the shore or a family of elephants swimming across.

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Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3 marks a transition to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a vast ecosystem famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse habitats. The drive itself is scenic, with landscapes shifting from grassy plains to lush green forests. It’s a good chance to see rural Ugandan life and learn about local communities along the way.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

One of the tour’s unique features is chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Many reviews praise this adventure, noting the excitement of spotting these intelligent primates swinging through the trees. The guides are experienced and will help you track the chimps while sharing insights into their social behaviors.

You’ll also enjoy the lush scenery of the gorge, with some reviewers mentioning how the landscape looks like a mini Amazon, dense with greenery. This activity is often a highlight for wildlife lovers and those interested in primates.

Nature Walk and Birdwatching

In the afternoon, you get the chance to go for a nature walk, spotting various bird species and possibly smaller mammals. The guides are well-versed in bird identification, and if you’re lucky, you might see some of Uganda’s endemic species. It’s a relaxed way to connect more intimately with nature beyond the game drives.

Queen Elizabeth’s Iconic Wildlife: Tree-Climbing Lions and More

Day 4 also features a morning game drive, where the chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions adds a wow factor. Many travelers find this unique behavior fascinating, as lions typically prefer ground-level resting spots. The guides’ patience and local knowledge make a significant difference here.

Kazinga Channel Boat Ride and Community Visit

The afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is another favorite. The waterway attracts hippos, elephants, and a multitude of bird species. It’s a peaceful, scenic ride that provides excellent photo opportunities.

Some reviews mention that the community visit afterward adds cultural depth—interacting with locals, learning about their traditions, and seeing how tourism benefits the community. It’s a meaningful way to understand Uganda beyond its wildlife.

Final Day and Return

On Day 6, the team takes care of the return journey to Entebbe, wrapping up the safari with a sense of fulfillment. While the drive is long, many find it a good chance to reflect on the trip and enjoy the scenery one last time.

Practical Details and What You Need to Know

Price and Value: At $2,500 per person, this tour covers a lot—entry fees, accommodations, meals, transportation, and all activities. Given the inclusiveness and quality of experiences, it offers good value for a comprehensive Ugandan safari.

Accommodation: Lodging details aren’t specified, but reviews suggest comfortable options that balance comfort and immersion.

Group Size and Guides: The guides are experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience. The group size isn’t explicitly mentioned, but tours like this typically keep things intimate enough for personalized attention.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. The tour emphasizes responsible tourism—no littering, feeding animals, and no smoking.

Additional Tips: The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues. Cancellation policies allow for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day safari to Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth offers a well-rounded experience for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The combination of game drives, boat cruises, and chimp trekking means you’ll see Uganda’s iconic animals and landscapes from multiple angles, making your trip well worth the cost.

Travelers who appreciate a balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural learning will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suitable if you want to maximize your time in Uganda with a guided, all-inclusive package that handles logistics seamlessly.

While the trip involves some long drives, the incredible wildlife encounters, impressive scenery, and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable journey. Whether it’s spotting lions in trees, witnessing the power of Murchison Falls, or watching chimps in the forest, this safari promises moments worth cherishing.

FAQ

What parks are included in this safari?
The tour visits two of Uganda’s most famous parks: Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and possibly tree-climbing lions, along with numerous bird species.

How are the activities scheduled?
Most activities are morning and afternoon game drives, boat cruises along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, and a chimp trekking adventure, with community visits included.

Are meals and accommodations included?
Yes, the price covers meals, accommodation, transportation, and all entrance fees and activities.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water are recommended. Pack lightly but practically for outdoor activities.

Is there any flexibility with booking and cancellations?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

Is this safari suitable for all travelers?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, given the outdoor nature of activities and long drives.

This safari offers an excellent way to experience Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty in a manageable, guided package. It’s a trip that promises unforgettable views, fascinating animals, and a taste of local life—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic African adventure.