5 Day Murchison Hot Air balloon, boat and budongo chimp safari

OVERVIEW

5 Days / 4 Nights

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.

ITINERARY

You will be picked by our guide who will first brief you about your 5 Day Murchison Hot air balloon, boat and budongo chimp safari. You will then drive north wards through small towns, Nakasongola plains and if you so wish 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
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 5:00am 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 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 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 of from Paraa jetty up stream 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
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 all together. 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
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 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

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.

Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.

Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.

Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,

Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.

Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.

Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Land Cruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.

Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most prefered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.

Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek.

Chances of Seeing the Gorillas: The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.

Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.

Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation, the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens

Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can supplement your gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.

About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla families in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

PRICING PER PERSON

This safari is available on a private basis, so you can contact us for a quote. Provides us with details of how many people you will be in a group, when you intend to travel, and one of our specialists will reply to you as soon as we receive your email.