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5 Day Murchison Hot Air Balloon, Boat and Budongo Chimp Safari

Overview

This 5 day Murchison Falls hot air balloon, boat, and Budongo chimpanzee safari is designed for those with ample time to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The safari combines thrilling experiences, including a hot air balloon ride offering a unique aerial view of the park, boat cruises to the base of the falls, and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.

5 Day Murchison Hot Air Balloon, Boat, and Budongo Chimp Safari Summary

Day 01: Begin your 5-day adventure
Day 02: Morning hot air balloon safari and afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day 03: Morning delta cruise and afternoon game drive
Day 04: Drive to Budongo Forest for afternoon chimpanzee trekking
Day 05: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Tour Highlights

Experience the natural wonders of Uganda
The tour starts and ends in Entebbe
Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Activities include hot air balloon safari, boat cruises, and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
Travel in open-sided and pop-up roof 4×4 vehicles
Airport or hotel transfers are included
Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged at an extra cost

Things to Consider

Accommodation is included
Small group safari: Maximum of 6 people per group
Tours can depart any day and can be customized
Solo travelers are welcome
Age limit: 15 years and above

TRIP ITINERARY

Tour Plan

Day 1

Pickup from the Hotel and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Your adventure begins with a pick-up by our tour guide, who will brief you on the details of your 5-day journey. You will then drive northwards through small towns and the Nakasongola plains. You may choose to visit the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the remaining rhinos. After lunch en route, you’ll continue to Murchison Falls National Park.

Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, or Murchison River Lodge
Meals: All meals included

Day 2

Hot Air Balloon Safari and Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls

Start your day with an early morning hot air balloon safari on the Paraa side of Murchison Falls National Park. If you are staying on the southern bank of the River Nile, you will be transferred by boat at around 5:00 am to join others on the Paraa side. After a short briefing, you’ll board the balloon for a breathtaking aerial experience, soaring above the park’s rivers, wildlife, and landscapes for 45 minutes to an hour. After landing, those who booked the full package will enjoy a bush breakfast. Later, you’ll embark on an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, or Murchison River Lodge
Meals: All meals included

Day 3

Delta Cruise and Game Drive

After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise to the delta area. This cruise offers a unique wildlife viewing experience, distinct from the popular boat cruise to the base of the falls. You’ll likely see animals crossing or swimming in the Nile and have a good chance of spotting the rare shoebill stork. Bird lovers will appreciate the diversity in this area. Following the cruise, you may continue with a game drive on the Paraa side.

Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, or Murchison River Lodge
Meals: All meals included

Day 4

To Budongo Forest via Top of the Falls

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Budongo Forest, stopping at the top of the falls for a view of the mighty Victoria Falls from above, offering a striking contrast to your experience from the base of the falls. Upon arrival at Budongo Eco Lodge, you’ll check in and proceed to the forest headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee trek. As you trek through the forest, you’ll spend an hour observing and photographing the chimpanzees once they are found.

Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meals: All meals included

Day 5

Drive Back to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, you will drive back to Kampala or Entebbe at a relaxed pace. Lunch will be served en route, with your arrival in the afternoon.

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

Airport transfers on the first and last day
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Fuel for the entire trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All Park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Excludes

Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
International airfares
Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport

TOUR MAP

GENERAL FAQs

General FAQs

Can I reschedule or cancel this trip?

Rescheduling: You can reschedule this trip as a private tour to any date within 12 months at no additional cost.
Booking Deposit: A 30% deposit of the total tour price is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour departure date. Bookings not secured with the appropriate deposit will be released.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel between 90 and 45 days before departure: 20% penalty of the tour price.
- Cancel within 45 days of departure or no show: 100% penalty of the tour price.

Availability and Accommodations

Reservations: Accommodation and activity availability is not guaranteed until reservations are confirmed with the final itinerary and deposit payment. If any quoted accommodations are unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute them with suitable alternatives, which may affect the final quoted price.

Insurance

Requirement: All clients must have medical and travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Rates

Subject to Change: Tour rates are subject to change without notice. We will make every effort to maintain rates, but changes in government taxes or operating conditions may be passed on to clients.

Permit Cancellation Policy

Uganda Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy

Guarantee: A Gorilla Permit is guaranteed only upon receipt of the deposit ($800 per person per trek) as it must be paid immediately to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Cancellation Fees

More than 90 days before tracking: 25% cancellation fee.
89 to 46 days before tracking: 50% cancellation fee.
45 to 9 days before tracking: 75% cancellation fee.
8 to 0 days before tracking: 100% cancellation fee.

Important Information

Age Requirement: The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years.
Health: Visitors with flu or other airborne diseases will not be allowed into the rainforest jungle to see the gorillas.
Safety Protocols: Masks must be worn at all times, and a distance of 10 meters must be maintained between you and the gorillas.

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