This 5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat, and Budongo chimp safari is crafted for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the Murchison Falls Conservation area. Experience the thrill of soaring above the park in a hot air balloon, where you can take in breathtaking views of the landscape and spot wildlife from a unique perspective. This journey offers a chance to witness wildlife, enjoy a boat cruise to the stunning base of the falls, and embark on an exciting trek to see chimpanzees in Budongo Forest.
Overview
- Day 01: Start your 5 Day Murchison Hot air balloon – boat and budongo chimp safari
- Day 02: Morning Murchison Falls 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 chimp trekking
- Day 05: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
Booking this African safari itinerary guarantees an unforgettable wildlife experience, immersing you in breathtaking landscapes and close encounters with iconic animals like gorillas, lions, elephants, and rhinos. It combines luxury and adventure, with expert guides ensuring safety and the best game-viewing opportunities. Carefully planned routes take you through diverse ecosystems, from savannas to lush wetlands, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Big Five. With seamless accommodations, cultural experiences, and conservation-focused travel, this itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Africa.
DAY 1: Start your 5 Day Murchison hot air balloon, boat and budongo chimp safari
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your guide at Experiya Tour Company, who will share all the exciting details about your upcoming 5-day adventure featuring a hot air balloon ride, a boat excursion, and a chimp safari in Budongo. Next, you’ll head north through charming little towns and the expansive Nakasongola plains. If you’re up for it, you can stop by the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to catch a glimpse of the few remaining rhinos in this area. We’ll enjoy lunch along the way before continuing our journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Travel duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Lunch and Dinner Menu
DAY 2: Murchison Falls hot air balloon safari and Boat cruise to the base of the falls
Your journey begins with a pickup to embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon safari on the Paraa side of Murchison Falls National Park. For those on the southern bank of the River Nile, a boat will come to pick you up around 5:00am, ready to take you across to join fellow adventurers on the Paraa side. At Paraa Lodge, everyone will gather to kick off your exciting journey to the launch site of your balloon adventure. You, along with the pilots and the entire crew, will embark on a journey to the launch site of your hot air balloon adventure. While the Balloon is coming together, you’ll be invited to enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee. After everything is set, the pilot will share a brief overview, then you’ll hop on and embark on your enchanting hot air balloon journey. Picture the thrill of watching all these creatures, the stunning rivers, the towering trees, and the sun dipping just above the horizon. The entire journey will last between 45 minutes to an hour as you wander through the wonders of Murchison Falls National Park. Once you touch down, you’ll receive your certificates, and those who opted for the complete hot air balloon experience will enjoy a delightful bush breakfast. Head to your cozy lodge for some well-deserved relaxation, enjoy a delicious lunch, and then set off on an afternoon boat cruise to the stunning base of the falls. Your journey begins at Paraa jetty, where you’ll travel upstream to the base of the falls. Here, the water forces its way through a narrow gorge, bursting forth to form what is known as the most powerful waterfall on our planet. The adventure to and from the base of the falls offers a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, numerous water birds, and elephants, among others. Unwind at your cozy lodge for dinner and a restful night.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Dining Plan: Morning, Midday, and Evening Meals
DAY 3: Boat to the Delta area and game drive
Following breakfast, a boat will come to your lodge to whisk you away on an exciting journey to the Delta area. Though many travelers enjoy a boat cruise to the base of the falls, taking a boat to the delta area offers a unique and remarkable opportunity to witness wildlife in a whole new way. Many creatures can be spotted making their way across the Nile, while others enjoy a refreshing swim. The Delta area is a delightful spot for those who appreciate the beauty of birds, as the opportunity to see the rare shoebill stork is quite promising. This delta cruise lasts about 2 hours, and if you’re eager for more adventure, you can continue your journey with a game drive on the Paraa Side.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Daily Nourishment: Morning, Midday, and Evening Feasts
DAY 4: To Budongo Forest via top of the falls
Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a drive to Budongo Forest, taking a scenic route to the top of the falls. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness Victoria Falls from above, allowing you to compare this breathtaking view with your experience from the base of the falls. Make your way to Budongo forest and settle in at Budongo Eco Lodge. Head over to the headquarters for a briefing, and then embark on an exciting trek through the forest to encounter chimpanzees. When you discover a group of chimpanzees, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in their world for an hour, capturing their essence through photography and observation. Head back to the lodge for a cozy dinner and a restful night.
Journey time: About 2 hours
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Daily Nourishment: Morning, Midday, and Evening Feasts
DAY 5: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you’ll embark on a leisurely drive back to Kampala/Entebbe. We’ll enjoy lunch along the way as we make our way to Kampala/Entebbe, arriving in the afternoon.
Estimated travel duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
Breakfast and Lunch Ideas
Includes
Excludes
- All transportation as scheduled
- All Activities Included in the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Meals: breakfast – lunch and dinner as shown
- English speaking driver guide
- Complementary bottled water
- Airport transfers on first and last day
- Every Accommodation included
- Anything outside the regular itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Any items of personal nature
- International vaccinations
- Local and international flights
- Personal Travel insurance
- Visa Fees
- Tips and souvenirs
Collection of Unforgettable Moments







