Uganda in 5 days - how to get the most of it?

hey:)

i don't know about Bwindi or Rwenzori, but both Backpackers and Red Chili arrange 3 day trips to Murchison, and it's well worth it! With Backpackers you pay about Usd 320 and get 3 days, the last one is chimp tracking in another NP outside Murchisson falls, if you're not into chimp tracking I've heard Red chili is a better alternative. I thought Murchisons falls is extremely beautiful, and the early morning boat trip on the Nile is GREAT! loads of hippos:) takes about 5-6 hrs to drive from Kampala as far as I remember. have fun! :)

thanks, we've checked the chillies and they're obviously good value but it seems it's not exactly the way to do both Murchisons and Bwindi

Go to the FAQ/country reports for a list of reputable companies.
Let's Go Travel; Uganda Travel Bureau; Pearl of Africa Safaris; Pearl of Africa Safari Tours;....I used to use the latter, but they went down a bit in terms of service.
Very important to have them BREAK DOWN costs per item (in excel) as well as tell them your budget range per hotel. E.g. Murchison can be Red CHili (40 USD) or Paraa (140 USD). They will only charge you for the car+ driver (120 USD.day or a bit more) and hotel (at no extra cost, as they get kickbacks from the hotels).

You are very wrong to skip the gorillas, by the way.

With only 5 days you could consider Murchison with the Kibale Forest (Chimp tracking) or solely the SW of Uganda.

A Red Chilli trip to Murchison would still be a mad dash if going to Kibale also. You could jump off the trip in Masindi on your return to Kampala to source transport to Hoima and onto Fort Portal. This would be a very long and uncomfortable day especially by public means.

Alternatively in your 5 day window you could do an amazing guided waking safari through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Kisoro at a fraction of the cost with Nkuringo Walking Safaris www.nkuringowalkingsafaris.com. Day 1. Bus to Buhoma. Day 2. Guided walk from Buhoma to Nkuringo. Day 3. Walk to Kisoro with 12km dugout canoe trip down Lake Mutanda. Day 4. Trek one of the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or go Golden Monkey trekking. Day 5. Bus back to Kampala.

Anticipated costs per person and could work out even cheaper
Bus to Kampala - Buhoma Ushs25,000-
Accommodation Buhoma Ushs25,000-
2 Day walking safari for 2 persons USD64- including food and accommodation in Nkuringo.
National Park fees Bwindi USD25-
Ranger/Escort fee privided by national Parks USD10-
2 nights accommodation Kisoro USD20- or less
Private hire transport to Mgahinga National park Ushs30,000-
Virunga Volcano climb USD40- which includes park entrance fee or
Golden Monkey trekking USD45- this also includes the park entrance fee
Bus Kisoro - Kampala Ushs30,000-
Meals and drinks in Buhoma, and Kisoro Ushs50,000-

Good luck

For a reliable tour operator I'd suggest View Africa, info@viewafricasafari.com. I went on safari with them last year to Murchison and Bwindi and they took care of everything and worked within our budget. They also had great services that we didn't have to worry about anything our entire time. It was great!