7-Day Murchison Falls, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth Safari (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Solo, Private or Group Tour
Safari Style: Budget lodges and camps with essential amenities, local hospitality, and authentic experiences
Destinations: Murchison Falls National Park • Kibale Forest National Park • Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda’s Wild Heartbeat
This 7-day safari takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife corridor, from the roaring Murchison Falls to the primate-rich forests of Kibale and the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth. It’s a journey that offers Big Five sightings (with rhinos en route), chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises, and game drives, all wrapped in budget-conscious comfort and unforgettable scenery.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this itinerary is designed to maximize adventure while keeping costs low and experiences rich.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP
- Boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls, Africa’s most powerful waterfall
- Scenic drives through tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori foothills
- Budget-friendly lodges with wildlife proximity and local cuisine
- Ideal for travelers seeking high-impact wildlife encounters on a modest budget
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
| Kibale Forest NP | Chimpanzees, primates, birding |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Kazinga Channel | Hippos, crocodiles, water birds |
| Top of Murchison Falls | Scenic viewpoint and photo opportunity |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Murchison → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Kampala (~1,300 km total)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available to Pakuba (Murchison) and Kasese (Queen Elizabeth)
- Transfers: All ground transfers provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof and bottled water
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala → Murchison Falls National Park
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer via Luwero and Masindi Depart early and enjoy views of rural Uganda with lunch en route. Duration: ~6 hours
- Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls Hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Budget Option: Red Chilli Rest Camp / Fort Murchison Budget Rooms
Amenities: En-suite rooms or bandas, mosquito nets, hot showers, restaurant, bar, solar lighting
Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning Game Drive in Northern Murchison Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes in the savannah. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls Cruise along the Nile spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Optional hike to the top. Duration: 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Drive through Tea Plantations & Rwenzori Foothills Enjoy views of crater lakes and stop for lunch in Fort Portal. Duration: Full-day transfer with breaks
- Evening Nature Walk or Crater Lake Visit Optional short walk near your lodge to stretch and enjoy the landscape. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Budget Option: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp (Budget Tent)
Amenities: Basic en-suite rooms or tents, local meals, forest views, solar lighting
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Trek through rainforest to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Guided walk through a community-run wetland rich in birdlife and local culture. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP Drive through the Rwenzori foothills and arrive at your lodge near the park. Duration: Morning transfer
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot lions, elephants, warthogs, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Budget Option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Tembo Safari Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, local cuisine, Wi-Fi (limited), scenic views
Day 6: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Cultural Visit
Activities:
- Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
- Afternoon Visit to Local Community or Salt Lake Learn about traditional salt mining or visit a nearby village for cultural exchange. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Sunrise Safari & Return to Kampala
Activities:
- Optional Sunrise Game Drive or Nature Walk Enjoy a final game drive or guided walk to spot early risers and soak in the morning light. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Scenic Transfer Back to Kampala Depart mid-morning with lunch en route and optional stop at the equator monument. Duration: ~6–7 hours
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Rain jacket (especially March–May or Oct–Nov)
- Moderate fitness for chimpanzee tracking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 6 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Boat cruises and game drives
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chilli Rest Camp | Murchison Falls NP | Budget bandas, restaurant, bar, solar power |
| Kibale Forest Camp (Budget) | Kibale Forest | Budget tents, forest views, local meals |
| Pumba Safari Cottages | Queen Elizabeth NP | En-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, local cuisine |
Safari Across Uganda’s Wildest Landscapes
This budget safari offers the perfect blend of wildlife, primates, and scenic relaxation, ideal for private or group travelers.