Uganda: 6-Day Safari with Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & More

Planning a safari in Uganda? This 6-day adventure offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and memorable boat cruises, all designed to showcase the country’s incredible natural beauty. While it’s a fairly comprehensive tour, offering highlights like chimpanzee treks and the iconic Murchison Falls, it also keeps a practical focus on comfort and value.

What we love are the diverse experiences packed into just over a week—seeing the playful chimpanzees in Kibale, spotting the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and marveling at the thunderous Murchison Falls. The knowledgeable guides make all the difference, sharing insights that deepen your understanding of Uganda’s ecosystems. Plus, the inclusion of boat cruises adds a relaxing element, giving you a different perspective on the wildlife.

One thing to consider is the long drive times—some transfers take several hours, which might be tiring. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or are prone to travel fatigue, this could be a factor. However, for those eager to see a broad slice of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes in one trip, this safari offers excellent value.

This trip suits travelers who want a well-rounded experience without sacrificing authenticity. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those wanting to explore Uganda’s most iconic parks with expert guidance. Whether it’s your first African safari or a return visit, this tour offers a meaningful snapshot of Uganda’s diverse environment.

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Key Points

Diverse experiences including chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and boat cruises
Expert guides enhance understanding and wildlife spotting
Long travel days are balanced with immersive wildlife encounters
Excellent value for the price, with all major park permits and meals included
Authentic adventure suitable for nature lovers, not recommended for very young children or travelers with mobility issues
Scenic routes and stunning wildlife views make every transfer memorable

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Exploring Uganda on a 6-Day Safari

This safari offers an impressive lineup of stops, each with its own unique draw. From the lush forests of Kibale to the dramatic waterfalls of Murchison, you’ll get a wide-angle view of what Uganda has to offer. The itinerary is crafted to maximize wildlife sightings and offer varied perspectives through land and water-based activities.

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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your journey begins at Entebbe International Airport. From there, expect a 6-7 hour transfer to Kibale National Park, known as the chimpanzee capital of Uganda. The transfer itself is scenic, with rolling hills and rural villages passing by, setting a relaxed tone for your adventure.

An optional stop at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary adds a peaceful walk through a habitat teeming with birdlife and monkeys such as black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. Reviewers praise this walk for its serenity and the chance to observe Uganda’s biodiversity up close. It’s a gentle introduction before the main event—chimpanzee trekking.

Day 2: Up Close with Chimpanzees & Birdwatching

Early morning marks the start of your chimpanzee trek, a highlight that many guests find life-changing. Walking through the dense forest, guides often spot wild chimpanzees and allow you to observe their social behaviors for 1-3 hours. The guides are praised for their knowledge; one reviewer mentioned how the guide, Samuel, pointed out a baby chimp riding on its mother’s back, making the experience even more special.

After the trek, the Bigodi Wetland Walk continues to impress with vibrant birdwatching. Expect to see species like the Great Blue Turaco and blue monkeys. Reviewers often comment on how this balance of active wildlife viewing and tranquil nature walks makes for a memorable day.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes around 2.5 hours, offering fantastic vistas of rolling savannahs and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, your first wildlife encounter is at Kazinga Channel—a boat cruise renowned for its close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants lounging along the riverbanks.

Passengers report feeling both excited and relaxed as they watch hippos yawn and elephants wade through water. Many also enjoy birdwatching; the channel hosts pelicans, herons, and kingfishers, turning this cruise into a floating birdwatching tour.

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Day 4: Game Drive in Ishasha & Transfer to Murchison Falls

An early start takes you to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Sightings of these elusive predators are considered a bucket-list experience, and guides often share stories about their elusive behavior. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, and various antelopes as well.

Following this, the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park involves a scenic 5-6 hour drive. The journey is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of Uganda’s diverse landscapes—plains, forests, and distant mountains.

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Day 5: Game Drive & Murchison Falls Boat Cruise

Your morning begins with a game drive in the Delta and Buligi regions. Guides are adept at spotting wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, lions, and even hippos from afar. The open vehicle allows for excellent photo opportunities, and the guides’ keen eyes often help you catch sight of animals you might overlook.

The boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is a showstopper. The falls’ roar is thunderous, and you’ll see hippos and elephants at close quarters. The guide mentioned that many guests enjoy the moment when the boat reaches the falls, feeling the raw power firsthand. Waterbirds like the African fish eagle add to the spectacle.

Day 6: Departure & Optional Rhino Tracking

After breakfast, you’re transferred back to Entebbe. For those with a later flight, an optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is offered, where you can walk on foot to see white rhinos in a protected environment—an extraordinary experience that many travelers find worth the detour.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation between parks involves long drives, with some transfers lasting several hours. While this means you’ll spend a good portion of your day in a vehicle, the scenery and wildlife sightings make it worthwhile. The group size is typically small, guided by experienced local guides who are praised for their knowledge, patience, and sense of humor.

Accommodation is included for five nights, offering comfort without sacrificing authenticity. Full-board meals are provided, giving you energy for early starts and active days. Park permits and entry fees are covered, so there are no hidden costs.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water are essentials. The early mornings for game drives can be chilly, so layers are recommended. Remember, smoking, alcohol, and littering are not allowed—respect for the environment is a priority.

The Value of This Safari

At $2,039 per person, the price might seem steep at first glance. However, considering that all park fees, permits, meals, and transfers are included, it offers solid value. The guided walks and boat cruises provide unique, up-close wildlife encounters you’d find hard to organize independently.

Many reviewers emphasize the quality of guides—details like spotting elusive animals or explaining behaviors make the trip educational as well as fun. The variety in activities, from treks to game drives to boat rides, ensures you get a comprehensive impression of Uganda’s ecosystems.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers who want to see a broad selection of animals and landscapes in one trip. Adventurous travelers who enjoy being active—hiking, game drives, and boat cruises—will find it engaging. It’s also suited for those comfortable with long vehicle transfers to maximize wildlife viewing.

While it’s not tailored for very young children or pregnant women, the tour’s pace and activities are generally suitable for older kids or teenagers with an interest in nature.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Uganda safari offers a well-rounded look at some of the country’s most iconic parks and wildlife. The combination of chimpanzee treks, thrilling game drives, and water-based encounters guarantees a dynamic experience. Knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and thoughtful organization make it a top choice for those looking to explore Uganda’s wilderness authentically.

The experience is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about connecting with the raw beauty of Uganda’s landscapes and animals. If you’re after a trip that balances adventure, comfort, and educational moments, this safari delivers on all fronts.

FAQs

What is included in the price? The tour price covers 5 nights of accommodation, round-trip transfers, chimpanzee trekking, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, game drives, guided walks, park permits, guided tours, full-board meals, and park entry fees.

Are airport transfers included? Yes, the transfer from Entebbe International Airport to Kibale on arrival and back from Entebbe at the end are included.

What should I bring for the safari? Pack comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and clothing suitable for early mornings and outdoor activities.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old due to the nature of activities and the long travel distances involved.

Are there options for late arrivals or early departures? The tour starts and ends in Entebbe, with flexible options if you have a night flight, including a chance for rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way back.

Can I book the tour and pay later? Yes, the provider offers a “reserve & pay later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

What language is used during the tour? English is the official language and is spoken by all guides.

Is travel insurance necessary? While not included, it’s always advisable to have travel insurance covering health, cancellation, and unexpected incidents.

In all, this safari delivers a genuine taste of Uganda’s wildlife treasures, guided by experienced locals and packed with memorable moments. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife photography, or simply want to witness Africa’s wilderness at its best, this tour ticks most boxes—with a lot of value to boot.