Uganda Safari Map (Download)
A clear map transforms Uganda safari planning — showing how Entebbe, Masindi, Kichumbanyobo gate, Paraa ferry, Buligi Peninsula and Pakuba airstrip connect in Murchison Falls National Park.
This guide describes what a useful safari map should include, key distances and gate positions, and how to use maps alongside our route and road-trip planners.
Essential Map Features
National park boundaries, gate names (Kichumbanyobo, Bugungu, Tangi, Wankwar, Chobe), airstrips (Pakuba, Bugungu, Chobe), ferry crossing at Paraa, Buligi game-drive circuit on the northern bank.
Road distances: Entebbe–Masindi ~180 km, Masindi–Kichumbanyobo gate ~85 km, Paraa–Pakwach ~80 km. Total Entebbe–Paraa roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary position on the Kampala–Gulu highway between Nakasongola and Masindi.
North vs South Bank
Southern bank: Budongo Forest, southern lodges, Kichumbanyobo and Bugungu gates. Northern bank: Buligi savannah, Pakuba, most lion and giraffe sightings.
Paraa ferry links banks — first ferry around 7:00; schedule varies. Maps should show both banks to plan lodge choice.
Full-Circuit Uganda Map
Beyond Murchison: Queen Elizabeth (southwest), Bwindi (south), Kibale (west), Kidepo (northeast). Typical road loop Entebbe–Murchison–Kibale–Queen Elizabeth–Bwindi–Lake Mburo–Entebbe = 10–14 days.
Fly-in routes: Entebbe–Pakuba (Murchison), Entebbe–Kihihi (Bwindi), Entebbe–Kasese (Queen Elizabeth/Rwenzori).
Using Maps with Planning Tools
Route Planner · Road Trip Planner · Driving Distance Calculator · Murchison Planner.
Offline Maps for Travel
Download Google Maps offline regions for Masindi, Paraa and southwest Uganda before leaving Entebbe. Cell signal is patchy in Murchison interior.
Paper maps useful when phone batteries die on full-day game drives.
Gate and Fee Reference
Murchison entry US$45 per person per 24 hours (foreign non-resident adults) at any gate. Pay UWA or through operator. Keep receipt for 24-hour validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which gate for Entebbe arrivals?
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Kichumbanyobo via Masindi — standard southern approach.
- Is GPS reliable in Murchison?
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Partially — lodge and gate coordinates help; follow guide on Buligi tracks.
- Can I self-drive with a map?
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Yes with 4×4 — see our 4×4 hire guide. Ranger guide recommended for game drives.
Additional Planning Notes
Uganda’s tourism growth — 1.64 million arrivals and roughly US$1.62 billion in earnings — reflects rising demand for primate and savannah experiences. Murchison Falls received 150,831 park visitors in 2025 (32.3% of all Uganda national park entries), confirming its position as the country’s most visited national park. Entry costs US$45 per person per 24 hours (foreign non-resident adults) under the current UWA conservation tariff valid through June 2026.
When building any itinerary, sequence matters: arrive Entebbe, recover one night, then drive north (roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate) or fly to Pakuba airstrip in about one hour. Schedule Buligi game drives at dawn on the northern bank. Afternoon launch cruises to the falls (about US$30 upstream to the falls) catch warm light on the gorge.
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Gorilla permits at US$800 (foreign non-residents, UWA tariff through June 2026) require date-specific booking — 42,960 gorilla permits sold in 2025. Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale (about US$250) or Budongo (about US$130) adds primate depth without the gorilla price tag.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (US$50 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) on the Kampala–Gulu highway between Nakasongola and Masindi completes the Big Five with Murchison savannah species. Foot tracking with rangers lasts 1–2 hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (US$40 per person per 24 hours) bridges north and southwest circuits. Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel hippo cruise are highlights on 8+ day itineraries.
Cross-reference Uganda Safari FAQ, planning toolkit and best itineraries before confirming deposits.
Additional Planning Notes
When building any itinerary, sequence matters: arrive Entebbe, recover one night, then drive north (roughly 6–7 hours by road via Masindi and Kichumbanyobo gate) or fly to Pakuba airstrip in about one hour. Schedule Buligi game drives at dawn on the northern bank. Afternoon launch cruises to the falls (about US$30 upstream to the falls) catch warm light on the gorge.
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Gorilla permits at US$800 (foreign non-residents, UWA tariff through June 2026) require date-specific booking — 42,960 gorilla permits sold in 2025. Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale (about US$250) or Budongo (about US$130) adds primate depth without the gorilla price tag.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (US$50 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) on the Kampala–Gulu highway between Nakasongola and Masindi completes the Big Five with Murchison savannah species. Foot tracking with rangers lasts 1–2 hours.
Additional Planning Notes
If shoebill is a priority, reserve a delta boat separately from the upstream cruise. The Nile delta near Lake Albert holds one of Africa’s most reliable shoebill populations — grey, prehistoric, standing over a metre tall in the papyrus.
Additional Planning Notes
Gorilla permits at US$800 (foreign non-residents, UWA tariff through June 2026) require date-specific booking — 42,960 gorilla permits sold in 2025. Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale (about US$250) or Budongo (about US$130) adds primate depth without the gorilla price tag.
Plan Your Safari
Browse our Murchison Falls safari packages or request a custom Uganda safari built around your dates, budget and must-see list. We handle permits, lodges and road or fly-in logistics so you arrive at Kichumbanyobo or Pakuba ready to explore.
