Uganda · Safari

7-Day Uganda Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Murchison Falls

7 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Murchison Falls National Park and witness the powerful waterfall up close
02 Enjoy thrilling game drives with chances to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes
03 Cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
04 Experience guided chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve
05 Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park on scenic savannah game drives
06 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas
07 Admire panoramic views from the hills above Lake Mburo and spot the surrounding lakes

Embark on a 7-day Uganda safari adventure through some of the country's most celebrated national parks, including Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Lake Mburo. Witness powerful waterfalls, enjoy exciting game drives across diverse savannahs, and spot iconic African wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and hippos. Trek through tropical forests to encounter chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, then cruise along the Nile River and take scenic nature walks to experience Uganda's remarkable biodiversity.

Spend up to one hour observing a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Hoima, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Begin the journey with pickup from either the airport or your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide, who will accompany you throughout the trip.
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and most scenic protected area.
Stop for lunch en route.
You may optionally visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos at an extra charge.
Arrive at your lodge and, time permitting, embark on a late afternoon game drive.

Day 02

Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Start the day with a game drive across the northern savannah plains in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and rest.
After lunch, take a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls.
Spot hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of water birds along the riverbanks.
You may optionally hike to the top of the falls at an additional cost.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest and Transfer to Hoima

Depart early for Budongo Forest Reserve for a morning chimpanzee trekking session.
Attend a briefing before entering the forest with a trained guide.
Trek through the tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzees.
Enjoy lunch at Budongo Eco Lodge.
Transfer to Hoima for an overnight stay.

Day 04

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Safari

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrive at the park in time for lunch at your lodge.
Embark on an evening game drive through the Kasenyi sector, or choose the crater drive for scenic views.
Spot elephants, lions, antelopes, buffaloes, and a variety of birdlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 05

Kasenyi Game Drive, Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Bwindi

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Look out for predators and grazing herbivores, including buffalo, elephants, and potentially leopards.
Depart for the Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija sector), arriving by evening.
Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 06

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Mburo

Have an early breakfast and proceed to the ranger station for a pre-trek briefing.
Enter the forest with a trained guide to begin the gorilla trek.
Spend up to one hour observing a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge.

Day 07

Lake Mburo Nature Walk and Return to Entebbe

Set out on a guided morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park.
Walk among wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elands, topis, and buffaloes.
Hike to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lake Mburo and the surrounding lakes.
Return to your lodge, check out, and begin the drive back to Entebbe for departure.

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls, Nile River boat cruise, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 8 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Round-trip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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 section)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Neutral-colored attire like khaki, beige, or olive to blend in and avoid attracting insects.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from sunburn and insect bites.
Lightweight layers, including moisture-wicking fabrics for daytime and a fleece or jacket for cool evenings.
Rain gear such as a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially useful during the rainy seasons (March-May, October-November).
Swimwear for use at lodges with swimming pools.
Modest clothing to respect local customs, especially in public areas.
Sturdy hiking boots for nature walks and uneven terrain.
Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and casual wear.
Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at lodges.
Insect repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm to protect against strong sun.
Personal medications in adequate supply.
A basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, and over-the-counter remedies.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for maintaining hygiene.
A daypack for carrying essentials on daily excursions.
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife and bird viewing.
A camera with extra batteries or a power bank to capture moments.
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
A flashlight or headlamp for areas with limited lighting.
A travel adapter for UK-style plug (Type G).
A valid passport and visa as required.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for entry into Uganda.
Travel insurance documents in both digital and printed formats.
Your safari itinerary and booking confirmations.
Avoid camouflage clothing, which is illegal in some African countries.
Pack light and take advantage of laundry services at lodges.
Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and listening to guides.

Know before you go

Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors. Avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are recommended for treks.
Accessories: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and a rain jacket.
Equipment: Carry a good-quality camera, binoculars, and a flashlight.
Health: Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Vaccinations: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever.
Malaria prevention: Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication.
Disease transmission: To protect primates from human diseases, maintain a safe distance, wear masks if required, and follow all guidelines provided by your guides.
The cost of an 8-day safari in Uganda varies based on the level of accommodation and services included.
On average, prices range from $3,400 to $3,800 per person for a mid-range private tour.
This typically includes permits, accommodation, meals, and transportation.
The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
During these periods, trails are less slippery, and animal sightings are more frequent.
These are also peak tourist times, so booking in advance is crucial.