Rwanda, Uganda · Safari

8-Day Uganda Safari with Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Murchison Falls

8 Days Round trip from Kampala Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Marvel at the dramatic Murchison Falls as the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge
02 Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more on thrilling game drives
03 Cruise along the Nile River to view hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds
04 Trek through Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat
05 Enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
06 Hike through Bwindi's dense rainforest to encounter endangered mountain gorillas

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Uganda safari through some of the country's most iconic national parks and landscapes. Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, marvel at the dramatic Murchison Falls, and explore the savannah on game drives and a Nile River cruise. Trek through Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees, then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing along the Kazinga Channel. The journey culminates in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you encounter endangered mountain gorillas and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies.

Spend one magical hour with a gorilla family in the forest.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Victoria, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Hotel Transfer

Meet your safari representative upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel for rest and recovery.
Engage in optional activities such as a sunset boat ride on Lake Victoria or a visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Hotel No.5 / Protea Hotel.
Midrange: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Lake Heights Hotel.
Budget: ViaVia Guesthouse / Airport Guesthouse Entebbe.

Day 02

Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Murchison Falls

Eat breakfast and begin a scenic drive north.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking walk.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
Visit the top of the falls and witness the Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge.

Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Nile Safari Lodge / Chobe Safari Lodge.
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge.
Budget: Fort Murchison / Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Day 03

Northern Bank Game Drive and Nile Cruise

Start with an early morning game drive on the northern bank.
Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and possibly leopards.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
Take an afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation:
Same as the previous night in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 04

Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest

Depart after breakfast.
Drive through tea plantations and the Crater Lakes Region.
Pause for scenic photos and short explorations.
Check into your lodge near Kibale Forest.

Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Primate Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge.
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge.
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guesthouse.

Day 05

Chimpanzee Tracking and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Begin early with a guided chimpanzee tracking excursion in Kibale Forest.
Spend time observing their natural behaviour.
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park after lunch.
Embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge.
Midrange: Enganzi Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge.
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages / The Bush Lodge.

Day 06

Ishasha Sector to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Take breakfast and depart through the southern Ishasha sector.
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through scenic landscapes.

Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp.
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma.
Budget: Bwindi View Bandas / Rushaga Gorilla Camp.

Day 07

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Receive a briefing and set out for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Spend one magical hour with a gorilla family in the forest.
Enjoy lunch and rest after the trek.
Visit the Batwa Pygmies for a cultural performance and storytelling session.

Day 08

Return to Entebbe or Kigali for Departure

Eat breakfast and begin the return journey.
Choose between a drive back to Entebbe or crossing the border to Kigali.
Stop for lunch and souvenir shopping en route.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Where this trip takes you

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Nile River, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kampala 9 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
Park entrance fees and activities, including game drives and boat cruises
Full-time English-speaking safari guide
Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
7 nights' accommodation with meals as per itinerary
Drinking water during the tour
Cultural experiences, including a Batwa community visit

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips for guides, rangers, and hotel staff
Optional activities such as balloon safari and community visits not listed

What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots - waterproof and comfortable for muddy, steep terrain
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers - for protection against scratches and insect bites
Garden gloves - useful for grasping vegetation during treks
Rain jacket or poncho - forest weather is unpredictable
Daypack with hydration system - for water and essentials during the trek
Energy snacks - quick energy boosters while in the forest
Insect repellent - essential for forested areas
Neutral-coloured safari clothes - avoid bright colours; earth tones are best
Binoculars - for birdwatching and distant wildlife spotting
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards - capture unforgettable moments
Sunhat and sunglasses - sun protection is vital
Light scarf or buff - useful for dust on game drives

For General Travel Comfort

Light fleece or jumper - evenings can be chilly
Personal medication and first-aid kit - include anti-malarials and motion sickness pills
Travel documents - passport, visa, vaccination card (Yellow Fever), permits
Reusable water bottle - to stay hydrated sustainably
Power bank and universal travel adapter - limited electricity in remote lodges
Flip flops or slippers - for comfort at the lodge

Logistics