5-Day Wildlife Safari & Gorilla Tracking

Overview

This adventure takes you to two of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. You’ll witness the unique power of the Nile at Murchison Falls and come face-to-face with the magnificent mountain gorillas in the ancient forests of Bwindi.

Trip Highlights

  • Rhino Tracking: A stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Big Five.
  • Murchison Falls: Witness the immense power of the Nile River as it thunders through a narrow gorge.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Game drives and a boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
  • Gorilla Tracking: An unforgettable hour in the presence of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. You will travel northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. A key stop along the way is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll have a chance to track and see the white rhinoceros on foot. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.

After the rhino tracking and lunch, you’ll continue your journey to the park, visiting the Top of Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll witness the incredible sight of the Nile River forcing its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful cascade. You’ll then proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation Options (Murchison Falls):
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge
2

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive across the savannah. The northern bank of the Nile is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The drive offers excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to spot a diverse range of animals.

In the afternoon, you will take a relaxing boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This is a highlight of the park, as you’ll see large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as elephants and buffaloes on the riverbanks. The cruise also offers fantastic bird-watching opportunities, including the rare shoebill stork. The boat gets close to the “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the river’s power is at its peak.

  • Accommodation Options (Murchison Falls):
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge
3

Day 3: Travel from Murchison Falls to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is a travel-heavy day as you make the long journey from Murchison Falls National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic drive south. The journey will take most of the day, with lunch en route.

The drive offers changing landscapes, from the savannah of the north to the lush, terraced hills of southwestern Uganda. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the evening, ready for an early start for gorilla tracking the following day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge or Engagi Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp or Trekkers Tavern Cottages
4

Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

The day begins early with a briefing at the park headquarters. A ranger will explain the rules and what to expect during your gorilla tracking experience. You’ll be assigned to a group and led by experienced trackers into the dense forest.

The trek can be physically demanding, with a duration that varies greatly depending on the location of the gorilla family. The reward, however, is immeasurable: you will spend one magical hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, play, and interact, a truly humbling and moving experience.

After the trek, you will receive a gorilla trekking certificate and return to your lodge to rest and reflect on the day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge or Engagi Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp or Trekkers Tavern Cottages
5

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy a final breakfast at your lodge before starting the long drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll make a stop at the Uganda Equator for a photo opportunity and a chance to buy souvenirs. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your incredible 5-day safari.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • All park entry fees and activities as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation for 4 nights on a full-board basis.
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottled drinking water during travel.
  • International flights & visas.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips & gratuities.
  • Alcoholic drinks & personal expenses.
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This adventure takes you to two of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. You’ll witness the unique power of the Nile at Murchison Falls and come face-to-face with the magnificent mountain gorillas in the ancient forests of Bwindi.

Trip Highlights

  • Rhino Tracking: A stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Big Five.
  • Murchison Falls: Witness the immense power of the Nile River as it thunders through a narrow gorge.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Game drives and a boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
  • Gorilla Tracking: An unforgettable hour in the presence of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
1

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. You will travel northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. A key stop along the way is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll have a chance to track and see the white rhinoceros on foot. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.

After the rhino tracking and lunch, you’ll continue your journey to the park, visiting the Top of Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll witness the incredible sight of the Nile River forcing its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful cascade. You’ll then proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation Options (Murchison Falls):
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge
2

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive across the savannah. The northern bank of the Nile is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The drive offers excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to spot a diverse range of animals.

In the afternoon, you will take a relaxing boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This is a highlight of the park, as you’ll see large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as elephants and buffaloes on the riverbanks. The cruise also offers fantastic bird-watching opportunities, including the rare shoebill stork. The boat gets close to the “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the river’s power is at its peak.

  • Accommodation Options (Murchison Falls):
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge
3

Day 3: Travel from Murchison Falls to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is a travel-heavy day as you make the long journey from Murchison Falls National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic drive south. The journey will take most of the day, with lunch en route.

The drive offers changing landscapes, from the savannah of the north to the lush, terraced hills of southwestern Uganda. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the evening, ready for an early start for gorilla tracking the following day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge or Engagi Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp or Trekkers Tavern Cottages
4

Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

The day begins early with a briefing at the park headquarters. A ranger will explain the rules and what to expect during your gorilla tracking experience. You’ll be assigned to a group and led by experienced trackers into the dense forest.

The trek can be physically demanding, with a duration that varies greatly depending on the location of the gorilla family. The reward, however, is immeasurable: you will spend one magical hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, play, and interact, a truly humbling and moving experience.

After the trek, you will receive a gorilla trekking certificate and return to your lodge to rest and reflect on the day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge or Engagi Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp or Trekkers Tavern Cottages
5

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy a final breakfast at your lodge before starting the long drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll make a stop at the Uganda Equator for a photo opportunity and a chance to buy souvenirs. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your incredible 5-day safari.

  • All park entry fees and activities as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation for 4 nights on a full-board basis.
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottled drinking water during travel.
  • International flights and visa fees.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Laundry services.
  • Beverages and any other personal expenses.
  • Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Book Tour

Book This Tour

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