8-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Trek Safari with Murchison Falls

• Our adventure begins at 8 am when we transfer from Entebbe Old Town or downtown Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda.
• Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the early 1980s, and the Ziwa site is now used as a breeding ground for black and white rhinos.
• During our 2 hours at the sanctuary, we will see these creatures roaming across 7,000 hectares of land and observe their daily interactions.
• After leaving the rhinos behind, we will proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, on the shores of Lake Albert, where the River Nile roars through a narrow gap to create the dramatic Murchison Falls.
• We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

• Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as we embark on a game drive in the park to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.
• This Murchison Falls safari does not stop on land because, in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if we're lucky, we'll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds.
• We will see for ourselves the point where the River Nile joins Lake Albert, which is one of the major highlights of this trip.
• Feel the immense power and force of the falls as the spray hits your face and you listen to the deafening roar of the water.
• We will return to our lodge for dinner and a good night's sleep.

• Day 3 is a day of driving, but fear not - you will still be entertained!
• On our journey, we will pass the time by marveling at the scenic views of the Ugandan countryside.
• We will start with a stopover at the famous 'Top of the Falls,' where we have spectacular views of Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for budding photographers.
• Leaving Murchison Falls National Park behind, we will drive southwards to Kibale National Park.
• The drive to Kibale National Park will take us through the major western towns of Hoima, Kyenjojo, and Fort Portal. We will arrive in the early evening.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Engiri Game Lodge.

• Day 4 starts with us heading to Kibale Forest immediately after breakfast to track chimpanzees in their forest home. If we are lucky on the trek, we may also encounter other species of monkeys in Kibale Forest, including colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
• In the afternoon, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Fort Portal Crater Lakes, perhaps Uganda's most iconic sight. These volcanic craters formed some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and provide an idyllic backdrop to the extensive hiking trail network in the area.
• Here, you can enjoy the amazing views of western Uganda's tea farmlands and plantations. If the weather is good, we'll also get a chance to spot the Rwenzori Mountain Escarpment in the distance.
• After a day full of spectacular views, we will join the Kazinga Channel boat trip, then check in to the lodge and relax in preparation for the following day's game drives.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Engiri Game Lodge.

• We will start the day with an early morning breakfast at the lodge.
• Afterward, we proceed to the famed Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a short game drive to spot wild animals. The Kasenyi Plains lie within the vast savannahs of the Albertine Rift in Queen Elizabeth National Park, making for a morning full of adventure.
• Expect to encounter lions, herds of buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, topi, and bushbucks. While spotting the Big Five in the park is not guaranteed, on a lucky day, you may even sight leopards.
• On the way to Bwindi National Park, we will drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, popularly known for its tree-climbing lions.
• Unlike their counterparts on the Kasenyi Plains, the lions at Ishasha have found a way to climb fig trees to enjoy the warm temperatures in the park.
• While sightings of the tree-climbing lions are not 100% guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is well worth the visit. Dinner and overnight at Bwindi National Park.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Karungi Camp.

• Today is the day many of you will have been waiting for.
• We will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules to ensure the safety of both guests and gorillas.
• We will then begin the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park.
• We will follow the expert guides, looking for signs of the gorillas and changing direction accordingly until we find them.
• After this rare and memorable experience, we will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Karungi Camp.

• Today, we transfer from Bwindi National Park to Lake Mburo National Park.
• In the evening, a night game drive is planned at Lake Mburo National Park to spot leopards, although sightings are not 100% guaranteed, along with other wildlife in Uganda's smallest savannah park.
• After the night game drive, we will return to the lodge for a rest.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Hyena Hill Lodge.

• Start the day with an early breakfast followed by a game drive at Lake Mburo National Park to spot additional wildlife.
• Then begin the drive to Entebbe International Airport. If interested, a stopover is scheduled at the Equator crossing to grab coffee and shop for handicrafts.
• After the stopover, continue the drive to Entebbe. The estimated drive time is 5 hours, and the expected arrival time should be sufficient for check-in if you have an evening flight departing from Entebbe.