6 Days in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the 6 Days in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth safari, a journey into two of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time safari-goer, this experience promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Discover Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks

Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, spans approximately 3,893 square kilometers and is the largest national park in the country. Established in 1952, it is named after the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters into the abyss below. Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated in western Uganda, spans approximately 1,978 square kilometers and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. Both parks offer unique and captivating wildlife experiences.

Why Choose a 6 Days Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth Safari?

A 6 Days Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth Safari is perfect for those seeking an immersive wildlife experience with ample time to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of these parks. This extended adventure allows you to fully immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks and observe a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat. The tour includes game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking, and an exploration of the parks’ diverse landscapes.

Day 1: Journey to Murchison Falls National Park

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a departure from Kampala or Entebbe. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park covers approximately 305 kilometers and takes about 5-6 hours by road. Along the way, you’ll pass through the scenic countryside, witnessing the changing landscapes, rolling hills, and local villages. The drive offers a glimpse into Uganda’s rural life and stunning natural beauty.

Scenic Drive through Uganda’s Countryside

As you travel towards Murchison Falls, you’ll traverse through several towns and regions, each offering unique sights and experiences. The journey takes you through the districts of Luwero and Nakasongola, where you can make a brief stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the endangered rhinos. The lush green landscapes and vibrant local markets along the way provide a picturesque backdrop to your adventure.

Arrival at Murchison Falls National Park

Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll be welcomed by the warm, open savannahs and the sight of wildlife roaming freely. After checking in at your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The lodges in the park offer comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and stunning views, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Afternoon Game Drive in the Northern Sector

After settling in, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive in the northern sector of the park, a prime area for wildlife viewing. The northern sector is known for its large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes, as well as lions, leopards, and various antelope species. As you traverse the open savannahs, keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and other animals that call this park home. The game drive offers excellent opportunities for photography and close encounters with the park’s wildlife.

Evening at the Lodge

As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Most lodges offer evening activities such as storytelling around the campfire, guided night walks, or simply a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the wild. The comfortable rooms and warm hospitality ensure a restful night, preparing you for the adventures of the following day.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile

The second day of your safari is packed with exciting activities, starting with a morning game drive and culminating in a boat safari on the Nile River.

Morning Game Drive in the Buligi Area

Your day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in the Buligi area. This area is known for its large herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes, as well as predators such as lions and leopards. The morning game drive offers a chance to see the park’s wildlife in the cool morning light and provides excellent opportunities for photography.

Lunch and Leisure Time

After the morning game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure activities, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. You can choose to explore the lodge’s amenities, take a nature walk, or simply unwind with a good book.

Afternoon Boat Safari on the Nile River

Following lunch, you’ll embark on a boat safari on the Nile River. The boat safari offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife as you cruise along the water. You’ll see large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the shores, and numerous bird species such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. The boat safari also provides close-up views of the animals that come to the river to drink and bathe. As you approach the base of Murchison Falls, you’ll witness the immense power of the Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

After the boat safari, you’ll disembark and embark on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. The hike offers breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. As you climb to the top, you’ll feel the mist from the falls and hear the thunderous roar of the water. The top of Murchison Falls provides a stunning vantage point to witness the sheer force and beauty of the Nile River.

Evening at the Lodge

As the sun sets, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The evening can be spent enjoying a bonfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures, or simply relaxing under the starry sky. The comfortable accommodations and the soothing sounds of the wild ensure a restful night.

Day 3: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The third day of your tour involves traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations.

Scenic Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart from Murchison Falls National Park and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey covers approximately 350 kilometers and takes about 7-8 hours by road. The drive offers scenic views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open savannahs. Along the way, you may pass through local towns and villages, providing insight into the rural lifestyle.

Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll be welcomed by the park’s vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. After checking in at your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the serene environment. The lodges in the park provide comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and spectacular views, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Evening Game Drive in the Kasenyi Plains

After settling in, you’ll embark on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, a prime area for wildlife viewing. The plains are known for their large herds of Uganda kobs, which attract predators such as lions and leopards. As you traverse the open savannahs, keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The game drive offers excellent opportunities for photography and close encounters with the park’s wildlife.

Evening at the Lodge

As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Most lodges offer evening activities such as storytelling around the campfire, guided night walks, or simply a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the wild. The comfortable rooms and warm hospitality ensure a restful night, preparing you for the adventures of the following day.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

The fourth day of your safari is packed with exciting activities, starting with a morning game drive and culminating in a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.

Morning Game Drive in Mweya Peninsula

Your day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in the Mweya Peninsula. This area is known for its rich wildlife and stunning scenery. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The game drive offers a different perspective of the park as the morning light brings the landscape to life.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Following the morning game drive, you’ll embark on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of the park’s most popular attractions. The channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward, is teeming with wildlife. As you cruise along the water, you’ll see large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the shores, and numerous bird species such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. The boat safari provides close-up views of the animals and a serene way to experience the park’s aquatic ecosystem.

Lunch and Leisure Time

After the boat safari, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. The afternoon is free for leisure activities. You can opt to relax at the lodge, take a nature walk, or visit the nearby Katwe salt lakes, where you can learn about traditional salt mining techniques and the history of the area. The relaxed pace of the afternoon allows you to unwind and fully appreciate the park’s natural beauty.

Evening Game Drive in Ishasha Sector

In the late afternoon, you can choose to embark on an optional game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. This unique behavior is rarely observed in other parts of Africa, making it a highlight of your safari. As you explore the Ishasha sector, keep an eye out for these majestic cats lounging in the fig trees, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

Evening at the Lodge

As the sun sets, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The evening can be spent enjoying a bonfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures, or simply relaxing under the starry sky. The comfortable accommodations and the soothing sounds of the wild ensure a restful night.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Optional Activities

The fifth day of your safari includes a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kyambura Gorge and optional afternoon activities.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Your day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kyambura Gorge. Often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is home to a small population of habituated chimpanzees. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll trek through the dense forest, following the calls of the chimpanzees. Observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, watching their interactions, and hearing their vocalizations is a profound and unforgettable experience.

Lunch and Leisure Time

After the chimpanzee trekking experience, you’ll return to the lodge for a delicious lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure activities. You can choose to relax at the lodge, explore the nearby crater lakes, or visit a local community to learn about their way of life. The relaxed pace of the afternoon allows you to unwind and fully appreciate the park’s diverse offerings.

Optional Activities: Nature Walk or Bird Watching

For those interested in exploring more, optional activities such as a guided nature walk or bird watching can be arranged. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded in the area. A guided nature walk offers a chance to learn about the park’s flora and fauna and to spot various bird species in their natural habitat.

Evening at the Lodge

As the sun sets, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The evening can be spent enjoying a bonfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures, or simply relaxing under the starry sky. The comfortable accommodations and the soothing sounds of the wild ensure a restful night.

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Return Journey

The final day of your safari includes a morning game drive and the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.

Morning Game Drive in the Kasenyi Plains

Your last day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area is known for its large herds of Uganda kobs, which attract predators such as lions and leopards. The morning game drive offers a chance to see the park’s wildlife in the cool morning light and provides excellent opportunities for photography.

Farewell Lunch and Departure

After the morning game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for a farewell lunch before preparing for your departure. The return trip offers a final opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes of western Uganda. Reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and the awe-inspiring beauty of Uganda’s national parks, you’ll arrive back in Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of your 6 Days in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth safari.

The Importance of Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation is crucial to preserving the unique biodiversity of Uganda’s national parks. The park management, along with various conservation organizations, works tirelessly to protect endangered species and their habitats. The fees from park entry and activities contribute to conservation efforts, supporting anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community development projects.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in Uganda’s National Parks

Uganda’s national parks are renowned for their rich biodiversity. During your safari, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. The parks are also home to over 600 bird species, making them a paradise for bird watchers. The diverse flora includes various tree species, savannah grasses, and aquatic plants, contributing to the parks’ unique ecological value.

Best Time to Visit Uganda’s National Parks

The best time to visit Uganda’s national parks is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. During these periods, the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The roads and trails are also more accessible, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable safari experience.

What to Pack for Your Safari

Packing appropriately for your 6 Days in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth safari is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Key items to bring include light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and sturdy walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle, a small first aid kit, and any personal medications you may need.

Safari Safety Tips

Safety is paramount on any safari. Always follow the guidance of your safari guide, stay inside the vehicle during game drives, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Be cautious near the water, as crocodiles and hippos can be dangerous. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

The 6 Days in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of encountering diverse wildlife, the thrill of game drives and boat safaris, or the awe-inspiring beauty of Uganda’s national parks, this safari promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Take the plunge and immerse yourself in the wonders of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks – an adventure that awaits your discovery.