7 Days Kibale, Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Safari Overview
The 7 Days Kibale, Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Safari is designed for travellers who want to combine Uganda's primate forests with classic savannah wildlife and some of the country's most scenic waterways.
The journey begins in Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda's important primate destinations, where you will experience chimpanzee trekking and have the option of exploring the surrounding community and wetland environment.
The safari then continues north to Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife viewing and a boat cruise on the Nile before travelling south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The final part of the journey includes game viewing, a Kazinga Channel cruise and a wildlife drive through the Ishasha sector, where there is an opportunity to search for the area's famous tree-climbing lions.
A Diverse Uganda Safari Experience
This itinerary brings together rainforest, wetlands, savannah, rivers and lakes in one seven-day journey. It can also be adjusted according to your travel dates, accommodation preference, activities and budget.
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Explore Kibale Forest with trained guides while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities.
- Bigodi Experience: Discover the wetland and community environment around Kibale through an optional guided nature experience.
- Murchison Falls: Explore one of Uganda's major wildlife destinations and enjoy views of the Nile as it passes through the dramatic falls.
- Nile Boat Cruise: Look for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds along the riverbanks.
- Wildlife Game Drives: Search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, Uganda kob, lions and other wildlife.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Experience one of Uganda's most varied savannah and wetland ecosystems.
- Kazinga Channel Cruise: Enjoy a boat safari between Lake Edward and Lake George.
- Ishasha Sector: Travel through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park while searching for wildlife and tree-climbing lions.
- Community & Cultural Experiences: Add a community visit or cultural activity where available and appropriate for your itinerary.
- Private Safari: Travel with an experienced Ajokis Tours & Travel driver-guide in a suitable 4x4 safari vehicle.
Detailed 7-Day Itinerary
Safari Departure
Your Ajokis Tours & Travel driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel, residence, airport or agreed meeting point in Kampala or Entebbe.
After a safari briefing, begin the journey west toward Kibale Forest National Park.
Scenic Journey Through Western Uganda
Travel through Uganda's countryside, passing rural communities, plantations, rolling hills and changing landscapes.
Depending on the route and timing, there will be opportunities for suitable refreshment, lunch and photography stops.
Arrival at Kibale
Arrive in the Kibale Forest area and check in at your selected lodge or safari camp.
Relax and prepare for the following day's chimpanzee trekking experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking Briefing
Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the designated park headquarters for briefing.
Ranger guides will explain the trekking procedures and responsible wildlife viewing guidelines before you enter the forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Walk through the rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community.
Along the trail, you may also encounter other primates, birds, butterflies and the diverse vegetation that makes Kibale an important rainforest ecosystem.
Bigodi Nature & Community Experience
Depending on your selected package, enjoy a guided Bigodi wetland and community experience.
This optional experience provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding environment and learn about local community initiatives.
Journey Toward Murchison Falls
After breakfast, leave Kibale and begin the long-distance journey toward Murchison Falls National Park.
The route passes through changing countryside and rural communities as you travel toward northern Uganda.
Arrival & Lunch
Arrive in the Murchison Falls area and check in or have lunch according to your accommodation and activity schedule.
Nile Boat Cruise
In the afternoon, head to the Nile for a scenic boat cruise toward the base of Murchison Falls.
Keep watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous water birds along the riverbanks.
The cruise also provides excellent opportunities for photography and views of the Nile approaching the narrow gorge of the falls.
Morning Wildlife Experience
After breakfast, begin a wildlife-focused day in Murchison Falls National Park.
Explore the savannah in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kob, antelopes, lions and other wildlife.
Optional Sport Fishing
For travellers interested in fishing, a sport fishing experience can be arranged as an optional activity subject to availability, permits and the agreed itinerary.
The activity focuses on fishing opportunities along suitable sections of the Nile and requires advance planning.
Evening Wildlife Drive
After lunch and a period of relaxation, continue with an afternoon or evening wildlife drive where conditions and park regulations allow.
The changing light can provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography before returning to your lodge.
Journey South
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and continue south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey offers opportunities to enjoy Uganda's countryside, agricultural areas and changing landscapes.
Arrival at Queen Elizabeth
Arrive in the Queen Elizabeth area, check in at your selected accommodation and have lunch or relax according to the day's schedule.
Community & Cultural Experience
An optional community or cultural experience can be arranged in the area, allowing travellers to interact with local communities and learn about traditional livelihoods, crafts, music or dance.
The exact activity can be selected according to your interests and local availability.
Morning Game Drive
Wake early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Search the park's savannah landscapes for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, antelopes and other wildlife.
Early morning conditions can provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation before the heat of the day increases.
Lunch & Relaxation
Return to your lodge for lunch and time to relax before the afternoon activity.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
The channel is known for large concentrations of hippos and provides opportunities to see crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many water birds close to the shoreline.
Drive Through Ishasha
After breakfast, travel through the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park toward the Ishasha sector.
Enjoy a wildlife drive through the open plains while searching for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and other wildlife.
Search for Tree-Climbing Lions
Ishasha is particularly associated with tree-climbing lions. Your driver-guide will search suitable areas for sightings, although wildlife encounters are naturally unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Return Journey
Continue toward Kampala or Entebbe, with suitable breaks for lunch, refreshments and photography along the way.
Your driver-guide will drop you at your hotel, residence, airport or another agreed location.
This marks the end of your 7 Days Kibale, Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Safari.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park forms the primate-focused section of this safari. The forest is known for its rich primate diversity and provides the setting for the chimpanzee trekking experience.
Walking through the forest with trained guides allows visitors to experience the rainforest environment while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking involves entering the forest with park guides and following signs of chimpanzee movement. Sightings depend on the location and movement of the animals and cannot be guaranteed.
Bigodi Experience
The Bigodi area provides opportunities for guided wetland walks, bird watching, primate viewing and community-based experiences, depending on the activity selected.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda's major savannah destinations and provides the wildlife and Nile River experiences on this itinerary.
The park's landscapes include open savannah, woodland and riverine environments, creating opportunities for different wildlife viewing experiences.
Game Drives
Game drives may provide opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kob, antelopes, lions and other wildlife.
Nile Boat Cruise
The Nile cruise toward the base of Murchison Falls offers a different perspective of the park and can provide close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds.
Optional Sport Fishing
Sport fishing can be incorporated into the safari as an optional activity for travellers interested in fishing. It should be arranged in advance and is subject to applicable permits, availability and park requirements.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park combines savannah, wetlands, lakes, woodland and riverine habitats, making it one of Uganda's major wildlife destinations.
Wildlife Game Drive
Game drives offer opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, antelopes and other wildlife.
Kazinga Channel Cruise
The Kazinga Channel cruise provides an excellent opportunity to view wildlife from the water. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous water birds may be seen along the channel.
Ishasha Wildlife Experience
The Ishasha sector forms the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and provides a different wildlife landscape from the central areas of the park.
The sector is particularly known for its association with tree-climbing lions.
Your driver-guide will search likely areas for wildlife, but sightings depend on animal movement and environmental conditions.
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged according to your preferred safari category, budget, availability and the destinations included in the itinerary.
Budget Accommodation
Comfortable budget lodges and camps can be selected close to the planned activities where suitable options are available.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Mid-range lodges and safari camps provide a balance between comfort, location and value.
Luxury Accommodation
Luxury accommodation can be arranged for travellers looking for enhanced comfort, facilities and lodge experiences.
Tailor-Made Accommodation
Accommodation can be customized around your preferred properties, travel dates, group size and budget, subject to availability.
Transportation
The safari is arranged using a suitable 4x4 safari vehicle designed for Uganda's long-distance safari routes and wildlife viewing.
Your Ajokis Tours & Travel driver-guide will manage the route, transfers, activity timings and safari logistics throughout the journey.
The private safari format also allows suitable stops for photographs, refreshments, viewpoints and countryside experiences along the route.
Safari Cost Includes & Excludes
Included
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle suitable for safari travel
- Fuel and transportation during the itinerary
- Accommodation according to selected package
- Meals according to the agreed itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- National park entrance fees included in the agreed itinerary
- Nile boat cruise
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Game drives included in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Pick-up and drop-off from agreed locations
- En-route sightseeing stops where appropriate
Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Optional sport fishing activity unless specifically included
- Optional community activities unless specifically included
- Additional accommodation
- Porter services
- Any services not specifically mentioned
What to Pack
Pack light but prepare for both warm savannah conditions and cooler forest environments.
Safari Essentials
- Lightweight comfortable clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day backpack
Chimpanzee Trekking Gear
- Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or boots
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Light gardening gloves
- Warm layer for early mornings
Photography
- Camera
- Extra batteries
- Memory cards
- Binoculars
Why Travel With Ajokis Tours & Travel?
Uganda Safari Knowledge
Ajokis Tours & Travel helps travellers explore Uganda through wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee experiences, cultural activities, bird watching and customized travel programs.
Personalized Planning
Your safari can be adjusted around your preferred dates, accommodation level, activities, group size and budget.
Experienced Driver-Guides
Your driver-guide will coordinate the safari route, transfers, park activities and practical logistics throughout the journey.
Comfortable Safari Vehicles
The safari is organized using a suitable 4x4 vehicle designed for long-distance travel and wildlife viewing.
Flexible Safari Experiences
Optional experiences such as sport fishing, community visits, bird watching or additional nature activities can be discussed during the planning stage.
Uganda & East Africa Travel
Ajokis Tours & Travel can also help arrange customized journeys across Uganda and other East African destinations according to your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this safari?
The itinerary is designed as a 7-day, 6-night Uganda safari.
Which destinations are visited?
The itinerary includes Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector.
Does the safari include chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a central activity on the itinerary and requires a valid permit.
Does the safari include Bigodi?
A Bigodi wetland and community experience can be included depending on your selected itinerary and activity package.
Does the safari include Murchison Falls?
Yes. The itinerary includes a Murchison Falls wildlife experience and a Nile boat cruise.
Does the safari include a Nile boat cruise?
Yes. A boat cruise toward the base of Murchison Falls is included in the planned itinerary.
Is sport fishing included?
Sport fishing can be arranged as an optional activity. Availability, permits and the final itinerary should be confirmed before booking.
Does the safari include Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Yes. The itinerary includes Queen Elizabeth National Park, a game drive and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Can I see tree-climbing lions?
The Ishasha sector is known for tree-climbing lions, but wildlife sightings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Does the safari include the Kazinga Channel?
Yes. The itinerary includes a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Can the safari start from Kampala?
Yes. Pick-up can be arranged from Kampala, Entebbe or another agreed location.
Can the safari be customized?
Yes. Accommodation, activities, travel dates, group size and additional experiences can be discussed when preparing your quotation.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movement, weather, season and other natural conditions. Your guide will use local knowledge to maximize viewing opportunities.
Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Yes. Budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options can be discussed depending on availability.