Murchison Falls • Kibale • Queen Elizabeth • Bwindi Forest
Experience the best of Uganda — from the mighty Murchison Falls to the lush rainforests of Kibale, the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth, and the misty mountains of Bwindi. Encounter chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, and the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Day 1: Adventure to Murchison Falls
Your Best of Uganda Safari begins with a morning pick-up from your Kampala hotel. Drive north through Uganda’s countryside to Murchison Falls National Park — a journey of 4–5 hours. Stop in Masindi for lunch before continuing to the top of the falls. Here, the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges 45 meters below, creating a thunderous roar and misty rainbow spray. View the falls from different angles, including the famous Baker’s Summit.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Camp or Similar
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Transit Time: Approx. 5 hours
Day 2: Safari & Nile River Cruise
After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive across the northern banks of the Nile. With an armed ranger guide, explore the savannah and spot elegant giraffes, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, lions, and a variety of birdlife including secretary birds and piac piacs. Return for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the River Nile. From the comfort of your boat, watch hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks, with colorful migratory birds overhead.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Camp or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, travel southwest through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley and Hoima region toward Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and marvel at the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive in the evening and settle in for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Primate Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Chimp Nest or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transit Time: 6–8 hours
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
After breakfast, begin your Chimpanzee Tracking Adventure in Kibale Forest. Trek through the lush vegetation with experienced guides to locate habituated chimpanzee families.
You may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, colobus monkeys, and the rare red colobus. After lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for a sunset game drive along the crater lakes and the Leopard Loop.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Lodge / Katara Lodge or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transit Time: Approx. 3 hours
Day 5: Safari & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Rise early for a morning game drive in search of lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, and Uganda kob around the Kasenyi plains and mating grounds. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel teems with hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and numerous waterbirds.
Later, take another brief game drive for a chance to spot the elusive leopard before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana / Katara or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Along the way, you may spot elephants, topi, and Uganda kob. Continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Overnight: The Gorilla Resort Bwindi or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transit Time: 4–5 hours
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. With your ranger guides and porters, begin your gorilla trek — a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the mist-covered rainforest. Tracking time can range from 2 minutes to 8 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location. Upon finding them, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After a picnic lunch in the forest, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an evening by the campfire.
Overnight: The Gorilla Resort Bwindi or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kampala / Entebbe
After breakfast, journey back to Kampala via Mbarara, enjoying scenic views of the Kigezi Highlands (known as the “Switzerland of Africa”). Stop for a picnic lunch en route and continue to Kampala or Entebbe for your evening departure or overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch