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Murchison Falls, Chimps & Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

7 Days | 6 Nights

From $2,147  / person 

Your trip overview

Get on an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most iconic destinations. Begin your adventure at Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge to create the thunderous Murchison Falls. Explore the sweeping savannah teeming with wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and more.

Continue to Kibale Forest National Park for an intimate chimpanzee trekking experience, followed by the ultimate wildlife encounter, gorilla trekking in the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Unwind and reflect on your adventure at the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance. Your journey concludes with a transfer back to Entebbe International Airport, ready to catch your flight home, filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Picture of Planning Your Safari

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Uganda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (preferably before noon), you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional guide/driver who will accompany you on your journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area.

Along the way, you’ll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable rhino tracking experience, where you’ll spend about an hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat — a rare opportunity, as rhinos are extinct in the wild elsewhere in Uganda.

Afterward, you’ll pause for a relaxing lunch in Masindi before continuing to the park. As you approach, prepare to be captivated by the rolling savannahs and the roar of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge.

The park is a haven for wildlife lovers, home to lions, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, hartebeests, and massive pods of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Birding enthusiasts will also be delighted, with over 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, white-thighed hornbill, and Goliath heron.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you’ll check in and unwind, soaking in the serenity of the wild as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Main Destination:

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (en route to Murchison Falls National Park)

Accommodation:

Parkside Safari Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls National Park

Where to stay

Day 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive across the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. This scenic adventure offers incredible opportunities to spot Uganda’s iconic wildlife, including lions, giraffes, hartebeests, elephants, buffaloes, and more. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with sightings of unique species such as the secretary bird and black-chested snake eagle.

Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation before heading out again in the afternoon for a memorable boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and a variety of water birds, creating a rich and dynamic riverine ecosystem to observe.

For the adventurous, you can choose to hike up to the top of the falls, a moderately challenging trek that rewards you with an awe-inspiring view of the mighty Nile as it surges through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters below. It’s a thrilling and unforgettable highlight of any visit to the park.

Following your hike, enjoy a leisurely evening game drive en route back to your lodge, where you’ll unwind and soak in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation:

Parkside Safari Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls National Park

Where to stay

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your day with a final morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, giving you another chance to spot any elusive wildlife you may have missed the previous day. As the sun rises over the savannah, keep your eyes open for more encounters with Uganda’s diverse fauna, from big game to exotic birds.

After the game drive, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of the world. The drive takes you through beautiful Ugandan countryside, with rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages dotting the landscape.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take some time to freshen up and relax before heading out for a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This vibrant swamp ecosystem is a haven for biodiversity, home to over 200 species of birds, including Great Blue Turacos, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Cranes, and Parrots.

In addition to its rich birdlife, Bigodi is renowned for its abundance of primates, with sightings of Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Red Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and the Blue Monkey all possible on a single walk. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and a perfect warm-up for your chimpanzee tracking adventure tomorrow.

Accommodation:

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Where to stay

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in the heart of Kibale Forest. This dense tropical rainforest is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you’ll venture into the forest in search of a habituated chimp family. Once located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their behavior, watching them swing through the trees, groom one another, and forage on the forest floor.

After your trek, return to the lodge for a refreshing break before beginning your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Uganda’s beautiful countryside, crater lakes, and distant Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your accommodation near the Kyambura Gorge in time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge – A comfortable mid-range lodge located just outside Kyambura Gorge, ideal for your chimpanzee adventure base.

Where to stay

Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth NP & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin your day with an exciting morning game drive through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises, the park comes alive with activity, keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and if you’re lucky, the elusive lions or leopards. The park is also a haven for birdlife, with over 600 species recorded.

After the game drive, you will embark on a scenic journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and local villages, offering glimpses into rural Ugandan life. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense tropical rainforest.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – A cozy mid-range lodge nestled just outside the Rushaga sector, providing a perfect base for your upcoming gorilla trekking experience.

Where to stay

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today marks a highlight of your Ugandan adventure, an awe-inspiring encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing led by experienced park rangers. You’ll learn about gorilla behavior, tracking etiquette, and safety guidelines before setting off into the dense rainforest.

Accompanied by guides and trackers, you’ll trek through misty hills and tangled vegetation in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can range from a short hike to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step is part of the adventure. Once you locate the gorilla group, you’ll be granted one unforgettable hour in their presence. Watch them feed, play, groom, and go about their daily routines, a rare, humbling, and powerful wildlife experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Return to your lodge for a well-earned rest and reflect on your extraordinary encounter with one of the world’s most endangered and iconic species.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range comfort just outside the Rushaga sector, perfect for soaking in the serenity of the surrounding forest.

Where to stay

Day 7: Scenic Drive to Entebbe and Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast amidst the peaceful surroundings of Bwindi, then begin your scenic journey back to Entebbe. The drive takes approximately 8–9 hours, offering opportunities to soak in Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills and tea plantations to local villages buzzing with daily life.

You’ll stop along the way for lunch and brief photo breaks, allowing you to stretch your legs and take in the last glimpses of the Pearl of Africa. Your guide will ensure you arrive at Entebbe International Airport on time for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable 7-day chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari to a meaningful close.

Note: Accommodation options may vary depending on availability at the time of booking. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend confirming your travel dates early and working with a trusted tour operator for up-to-date arrangements and expert support throughout your journey.

Rates Per Person

Start Dates Solo 1 room 2 people 1 room 3 people 2 rooms 4 people 2 rooms 5 people 3 rooms 6 people 3 rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
$3,311
$2,572
$2,417
$2,233
$2,233
$2,147
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
$3,295
$2,572
$2,417
$2,233
$2,233
$2,147
Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027
$3,295
$2,572
$2,417
$2,233
$2,233
$2,147

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

All activities (unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (unless labeled as optional)

All flights during the tour

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfers

Meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

Drinking water (on all days)

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips (recommended US$10.00 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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