5 Days Budongo chimpanzee tracking and Kidepo Valley wildlife safari
5 Days Budongo chimpanzee tracking and Kidepo valley national wildlife safari in Uganda offers you an exclussive wildlife safari to Budongo forest reserve in murchison falls and Kidepo valley national park with s top over at ziwa rhino sanctuary for a rhino nature walk tracking activity before proceeding to Murchison Falls-Top of water falls experience and overnight stay in Murchison Falls national park
Budongo Forest Reserve ia a lush 825 sq-km tropical rainforest located at the edge of murchison falls national park in northwestern uganda whose reknown mahogany trees are a home of large population of habituatated chimpanzee. its a premier home for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and immersive nature walks.
Kidepo valley national park is one of the remote national parks in Uganda, located in the semi-arid valleys of karamoja, bordering South sudan to the northwest and Kenya, about 5km to the east.
The park was gazetted in 1962 and remains a true safari, boasting of an incredible variety of big game, unique landscapes, and rich birdlife. now a home of to Big five incluiding 77 mammal speicies, and about 476 bird species , making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers
from the Apoka, at the heart of the park, the vast golden savannah extends far beyond the protected area, framed by distant mountain ranges that dominate the horizon. The park’s two main rivers Kidepo and Narus, dry up during harsh dry season, leaving behind scattered pools that become lifelines for wildlife.
However, Narus valleys remains the park’s prime game viewing area during the dry months, offering reliable water sources that attracts large herds of animals including cats, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, hartebeests and many more.
Trip summary
Day 1 – arrival –transfer to murchison Falls national park via ziwa Rhino sanctuary
Day 2 – Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon boat cruise Murchison falls national park
Day 3 – Morning game and transfer to Kidepo valley national park
Day 4 – Full day Kidepo valley national park
Day 5 – Transfer to Entebbe or Kampala
Accommodation options include;
Murchison Falls National Park
Budget: Red chilli Rest camp, Hornbill Lodge, mama Washindi
Mid range: Murchison River Lodge, Ikorom Safari Lodge, Tilega Safari Lodge
Luxury: Sambiya Riverlodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge
kidepo valley national park
Budget: Apoka Hostel Bandas, Kidepo savannah Lodge
Moderate: Mara safari Lodge Kidepo
Luxury: Adere safari lodge, kidepo Sopa safari Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Includes
Park entrance fees
chimpanzee permit
Rhino permit
Accommodation full board
Transport according to itinerary
Meals on safari
A 4×4 wheel drive
Fees for hot air balloon
A licensed English-speaking driver guide
PACKAGE FEES EXCLUDES:
Flight fees
Visa fees
Personal insurance
Travel insurance
Personal clothing/warm clothing
Accommodation before or after the trip
Any changes in the program itinerary during the trip
Tips,
Laundry services,
Beverages/ drinks,
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and transfer to Murchison falls national park via Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
You will have breakfast enroute on your transfer to Murchison falls national park via Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
Have a stopover at Ziwa rhino sanctuary to track the rhinos in the wild.
There after proceed to Murchison falls national park via the Top of falls and later proceed to your lodge or evening game drive depending on time of arrival in Murchison falls national park.
Travel time: 5-6 hours
Dinner and Over night in Murchison falls national park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest Reserve, afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls and evening game drive.
Enjoy a morning guided primate walk in the lush expenses of the tropical forest, in search of the habituated chimpanzee family. Your guide will explain to you more about the animals and plants species that you encounter on your way. As you tread along the forest paths, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, lively Red-tailed Monkeys, and an array of vibrant bird species.
The hike typically spans 2 to 4 hours, adapting to the movement of the chimpanzees as they traverse their natural habitat. Upon locating the chimps, marvel at their behaviors as you spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they eat, rest, and play, offering you a rare glimpse into their daily lives amidst the lush surroundings of Budongo Forest.
Dinner and Over night in Murchison falls national park
Day 3: Short morning game drive and transfer to Kidepo valley national park
Have breakfast by 6am and thereafter proceed to the wilderness in search of the early morning raisers, the morning game drive starts at about 6:30am, look out for animals such as; the giraffes, lions, hyenas, water bucks, elephants, buffalos, antelopes- many species of birds such as; egrets, ibis, shoebill stock, marabou stock, king fisher, egrets to mention but a few.
After your 2-3 hours game drive, start your journey to Kidepo valley national park through Gulu and Kitgum arriving late in the evening.
Travel time: 6-8 hours
Dinner and Overnight in Kidepo Valley national park
Day 4: Game drive in Kidepo valley national park
Begin your day with an early breakfast and set out for a thrilling game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the Narus Valley, which is teeming with wildlife. Expect to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and an array of bird species. The spectacular views of the park’s landscape enhance the experience.
Proceed to Apoka, at the heart of the park, where vast golden savanna extends far beyond the protected area, framed by distant mountain ranges that dominate the horizon. The park’s two main rivers, Kidepo and Narus, dry up during the harsh dry season, leaving behind scattered pools that become lifelines for wildlife.
The park is also one of the best places to see Rothschild’s giraffes, with the over 50 Rothschild’s giraffes today, thanks to breeding and successful translocation efforts.
With a bird checklist of over 476 species, Kidepo is a dream destination for birdwatchers, featuring several species not found in any other Ugandan park.
Notable Birds in Kidepo Valley include Ostriches – The only place in Uganda where they roam freely, Secretary birds, Northern carmine bee-eaters & little green bee-eaters and Abyssinian scimitarbill
Return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxation.
After the afternoon rest, return to explore the vast savannah in search of rhinos, hyenas, cats, zebras as they come by the Narus river to take water and feed.. The Narus river being a season river, it provides water for the animals as the rain season starts.
Enjoy views of the mountains across the park in the green savannah vegetation.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and Overnight in Kidepo Valley national park
Day 5: Transfer from Kidepo valley national park to Entebbe and overnight departure flight
Have breakfast and check out of your wilderness lodge in Kidepo to transfer back to Entebbe
The drive from Kidepo valley national park to Entebbe takes 10-12 hours long day with en-route lunch
End of safari
Game drives
Community tour to karamong
Boat cruise
Top of Falls experience
Bird watching