5 days Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park

A 5-day trip to Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a wonderful adventure. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences and stunning natural beauty.

 

 

 

 

Here is an itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll arrive in Uganda and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

1. You’ll arrive at Entebbe International Airport, which is the main international gateway to Uganda.
2. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a guide/driver who will be with you throughout your journey.
3. From Entebbe, you’ll embark on a road journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
4. As you leave Entebbe, you’ll pass through lush landscapes, villages, and towns, getting a glimpse of rural life in Uganda. The journey will take you northwards, offering beautiful views along the way.
5. During the drive, there will be a scheduled stop for lunch at a restaurant or lodge along the route. You can enjoy a delicious meal and stretch your legs before continuing the journey.
6. Upon reaching the park, you’ll check-in at your chosen accommodation. Murchison Falls National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, lush vegetation, and the iconic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging down in a powerful cascade.
7. Depending on the time of your arrival and your preferences, you may have the opportunity to participate in an evening activity, such as a sunset boat cruise on the Nile River. This cruise allows you to spot wildlife along the riverbanks, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
8. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your accommodation and spend the night surrounded by the tranquillity of the park.

Remember to communicate any specific dietary preferences or requirements in advance to ensure a comfortable stay.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 2 of your trip to Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a game drive and a boat safari.

Morning Game Drive:

1. Wake up early in the morning to make the most of the wildlife activity during the cooler hours of the day.
2. After breakfast, meet your guide/driver and head out for a thrilling game drive in the park.
3. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and various species of birds.
4. Your experienced guide will navigate through the park, taking you to the best spots for wildlife sightings and providing informative commentary along the way.
5. Keep your camera ready to capture the incredible wildlife encounters and the stunning landscapes.

Breakfast and Leisure Time:

1. After the game drive, return to your lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.
2. Take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities offered by your accommodation. You can also take a refreshing dip in the pool or simply soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Afternoon Boat Safari:

1. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Nile River, heading towards the magnificent Murchison Falls.
2. The boat safari offers a unique perspective of the park, as you glide along the river surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.
3. You’ll have the chance to spot numerous hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, including African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers.
4. The boat will take you close to the base of the falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. It’s an awe-inspiring sight and a great photo opportunity.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls (Optional):

1. If you’re up for some adventure and physical activity, you can opt to take a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls.
2. The hike involves a moderate climb through the designated trail, offering panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
3. Witnessing the powerful rush of water as it squeezes through the narrow gorge and plunges down is an unforgettable experience.

Dinner and Overnight Stay:

1. After the boat safari and optional hike, return to your lodge.
2. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the evening, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and natural wonders of Murchison Falls National Park.

It’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and adhere to park regulations to ensure your safety and minimize any impact on the environment and wildlife.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On Day 3 of your trip, you’ll leave Murchison Falls National Park and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Breakfast and Check-out:

1. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.
2. After breakfast, check-out from your accommodation and prepare for the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park:

1. You’ll embark on a scenic road journey from Murchison Falls National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and any planned stops along the way.
3. As you travel southwards, you’ll pass through diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, rural villages, and farmlands, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of Ugandan communities.

Lunch Stop:

1. During the drive, there will be a scheduled stop for lunch at a restaurant or lodge along the route.
2. Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
3. Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park:
4. Upon reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check-in at your chosen accommodation.
5. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most renowned parks, known for its diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and stunning scenery.
6. Take some time to settle in, enjoy the surroundings, and perhaps take a short rest before the next activities.

Evening Activities (Optional):

1. Depending on your arrival time and preferences, you may have the option to participate in an evening activity within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. Some possible activities include a guided nature walk, a sunset game drive, or a cultural encounter with the local communities.
3. These activities offer a chance to explore the park further and deepen your connection with its natural and cultural heritage.

Dinner and Overnight Stay:

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Spend the night surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the park, preparing for the adventures that await you in the following days.

Remember to communicate any dietary preferences or requirements in advance to ensure a comfortable and satisfying dining experience. Additionally, feel free to discuss with your guide or lodge staff about any additional optional activities available during your stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

On Day 4 of your trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a game drive and a boat cruise.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect for the day:

Morning Game Drive:

• Start your day early with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• After breakfast, meet your guide/driver and head out to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and various species of birds.
• Your experienced guide will navigate through the park, taking you to the best spots for wildlife sightings and sharing insights about the animals and their behaviour.
• Keep your camera ready to capture the amazing wildlife encounters and the beautiful scenery.

Breakfast and Leisure Time:

1. After the game drive, return to your lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.
2. Take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities offered by your accommodation. You can also explore the lodge surroundings or simply soak in the natural beauty of the park.

Afternoon Boat Cruise:

1. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective and close encounters with wildlife.
3. As you glide along the channel, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of animals, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and numerous bird species.
4. The channel is a magnet for wildlife, and the boat cruise provides an excellent vantage point for observing and photographing these animals in their natural habitat.

Sunset Game Drive (Optional):

1. If time permits and you’re interested, you may have the option to go on a sunset game drive in a different area of the park.
2. A sunset game drive offers a different atmosphere and lighting, creating memorable moments and potential sightings of nocturnal animals such as hyenas and leopards.
3. This optional activity would require prior arrangement and an additional cost.

Dinner and Overnight Stay:

1. After the boat cruise or optional sunset game drive, return to your lodge.
2. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the evening, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and natural wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance to ensure your safety and minimize any disturbance to the animals.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Departure

On Day 5 of your trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to go chimpanzee trekking before departing from Uganda.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for the day:

Breakfast and Check-out:

1. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. After breakfast, check-out from your lodge, ensuring that you have all your belongings packed and ready for departure.

Chimpanzee Trekking:

1. After checking out, you’ll head to the designated area for chimpanzee trekking within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. Meet your experienced guide and join a group of fellow trekkers for a briefing on the trekking guidelines and safety measures.
3. Embark on a thrilling trek through the forest, following the trails and listening for the sounds and calls of the chimpanzees.
4. The trek can vary in duration, ranging from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location and movements of the chimpanzee groups.
5. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have a precious opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviour and social dynamics.
6. Please remember to maintain a safe distance, follow your guide’s instructions, and adhere to the guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.

Lunch:

• After the chimpanzee trekking, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a packed lunch in a designated area within the park.
• Take some time to rest and reflect on the incredible experience of encountering wild chimpanzees up close.

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport:

1. After lunch, it’s time to bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park and start your journey back to Entebbe.
2. The drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe International Airport takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
3. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you make your way to the airport.

Departure:

1. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight.
2. Check-in for your flight and go through the necessary security and immigration procedures.
3. Depart from Uganda with incredible memories of your adventure in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It’s important to pack appropriate clothing and gear for chimpanzee trekking, including sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Follow the guidelines provided by your guide and respect the chimpanzees’ natural environment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, allow sufficient time for the transfer to the airport, considering possible delays due to traffic or other factors.