Overview
Overview
This 5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat, and budongo chimp safari is designs for those that have enough time to spend in the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. With the introduction of Hot Air Balloon safaris, one can have an aerial view of the park as well as wildlife. This trip combines wildlife viewing, boat cruise to the base of the falls as well as chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
Summarized itinerary
Day 01: start your 5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat, and budongo chimp safari
Day 02: Murchison Falls hot air balloon safari and a Boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day 03: Boat to the Delta area and game drive
Day 04: To Budongo Forest via the top of the falls
Day 05: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
Day 01: start your 5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat, and budongo chimp safari
You will be picked by Peak Cruise safaris guide who will first brief you about your 5 Day Murchison Hot air balloon, boat, and budongo chimp safari. You will then drive northwards through small towns, Nakasongola plains and if you so wish to visit Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the few remaining Rhinos in this place. Lunch will be served en route and then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.
Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Lodging: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 02: Murchison Falls hot air balloon safari and a Boat cruise to the base of the falls
You will be picked up to start your Hot Air Balloon safari on the Paraa side of Murchison Falls National Park. If you are staying on the southern bank of River Nile, you will be picked by boat at about 5:00 am to join others on the Paraa side. It’s at Paraa Lodge that all will assemble to start your journey to the starting point of your balloon. You, the pilots and the whole crew will be transported to the starting point of your hot air balloon safari. As the Balloon is being assembled, you will be offered a cup of tea or coffee. Once this is done, the pilot will give you a short briefing, get on board and start your hot air balloon safari. Imagine the experience of observing all these animals the beautiful rivers, trees and the sun setting some meters above. This whole experience may take from 45 minutes to one hour exploring Murchison Falls National Park. After landing, you will be given certificates and those that would have paid a full hot air balloon package to be treated to a full bush breakfast. Transfer to your Lodge for relaxation, lunch and an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls. You will set off from Paraa jetty upstream to the base of the falls where water squeezes itself through a small gorge exploding to create what has been called the strongest waterfall on planet earth. The journey to and from the base of the falls will provide an opportunity to see many water and land animals that include buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, several water birds, elephants among others. Retire to your Lodge of Dinner and overnight
Lodging: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 03: Boat to the Delta area and game drive
After breakfast, you will be picked by boat from your lodge to start your cruise to the Delta area. While a boat cruise to the base of the falls is popular among tourists, the boat to the delta area provides an exceptional and different experience of wildlife viewing altogether. A lot of animals can be seen crossing the Nile while others are swimming. The Delta area is also a nice place for bird lovers since chances of spotting birds such as the rare shoebill stock are high. This delta cruise takes up to 2 hours and if you still want to explore Murchison, you may proceed with a game drive on the Paraa Side.
Lodging: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04: To Budongo Forest via the top of the falls
After breakfast, you will drive to Budongo Forest via the top of the falls to see Victoria Falls from above so that you compare the experience with that of the bottom of the falls. Proceed to Budongo forest and check in at Budongo Eco Lodge. Proceed to the headquarters for briefing and then chimpanzee trekking walk in the forest. Once a community/Party of the chimpanzee is found, you will be allowed to spend one hour of photography and observation. Retire to the lodge for Dinner and overnight.
Drivetime: Approximately 2 hours
Lodging: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kampala/Entebbe at leisure. Lunch will be served en route arriving Kampala/Entebbe in the afternoon.
Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Safari inclusions
- Entrance fees to the tourist sites Including protected areas mentioned.
- Full board accommodation on safari.
- Chimpanzee permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
- Gorilla permit (for gorilla trekking safaris) A professional English speaking driver/ guide.
- Bottled water when on safari.
- Fees for activities of tourists.
Safari Exclusions
- Laundry services
- Beverages / drinks of personal nature like alcohol.
- Airport transfers arranged on request.
- Visas
- Other activity fees that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for drivers/guides and other staff members.
- International flights arranged on request.
- Domestic flights arranged on request.
- Any other extras not mentioned in the itinerary.
Important to Note
The deposit is fully refunded if the booking is canceled up to 45 days before arrival.
Balance should be paid 60 days before arrival.
Why Book with us?
- Safari Departs any date
- Unbeatable prices
- Authentic safari experience
- Tailor-made safari packages
- Accommodation and meals inclusive
- Professional guides
- Life changing travel experiences