Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park – Visit the Top of the Falls
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive north, passing rolling hills, roadside markets, and small towns. On arrival, you visit the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before dropping into a roaring pool. The thunderous sound and misty spray create an unforgettable scene. Later, you continue to your lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Hornbill Bush Lodge / Heritage Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
- Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Chobe Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
You start the day with a game drive on the sweeping savannah in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, Uganda kob, buffaloes, and more. Later in the afternoon, you enjoy a thrilling boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. Expect close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and large animals coming to drink.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Hornbill Bush Lodge / Heritage Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
- Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Chobe Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you drive south through beautiful landscapes dotted with tea plantations and crater lakes. The journey offers amazing countryside views and local village scenes. You arrive in the Fort Portal area later in the day and relax at your lodge near the tropical Kibale Forest.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guest House
- Mid-range: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale (Luxury Cottages)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
A thrilling morning awaits as you head into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. The forest is alive with sound—bird calls, monkey chatter, and rustling leaves. When you find the chimpanzees, you watch them play, groom, and feed just a few meters away. After the experience, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and striking landscapes.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Bush Lodge (Basic Tents) / Pumba Safari Cottages
- Mid-range: Bush Lodge (Self-contained Cottages) / Elephant Hab Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
You start with a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, and large herds of antelopes. The wide savannah and soft morning light offer perfect wildlife-viewing moments. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel—famous for its huge concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Animals gather on the shoreline, creating terrific photographic opportunities.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Bush Lodge (Basic Tents) / Pumba Safari Cottages
- Mid-range: Bush Lodge (Self-contained Cottages) / Elephant Hab Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you begin your scenic drive to Bwindi. You travel through Ishasha—the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park—where you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. The route winds through terraced hills and lush forests before you arrive in Bwindi, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse / Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This is the day that brings the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking. Guides lead you through the rainforest as you listen to bird calls and search for fresh gorilla signs. When you finally meet the gorilla family, you spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their behavior as they feed, groom, and interact. After trekking, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful lake with beautiful islands and incredible sunset views.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Mid-range: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi
- Luxury: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Transfer Back to Kampala or Entebbe
You enjoy a relaxing breakfast with a stunning lakeside view before starting your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The route takes you through rolling landscapes and small towns. You arrive later in the afternoon, marking the end of your powerful Uganda safari experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Best Time to Do the Safari
The safari can be done all year round, but the best months are June to October and December to February, when the weather is dry and trekking conditions are easier. Wildlife viewing is also clearer during these periods.
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
Budget: USD 2,450 – 2,750 per person
Mid-range: USD 3,150 – 3,550 per person
Luxury: USD 4,850 – 5,400 per person
(Prices vary depending on lodge availability, gorilla permit allocation, and seasonal changes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking requires moderate physical fitness. Trails can be steep and muddy, but the pace is manageable for most visitors.
2. How long does the gorilla trek take?
Treks can last 2 to 6 hours, depending on how far the gorilla family has moved.
3. Is a gorilla permit included in the cost?
Yes. Uganda’s gorilla permit currently costs USD 800 per person.
4. What should I pack?
Light hiking boots, long pants, a rain jacket, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
5. Is photography allowed?
Yes, but flash photography is not allowed near the gorillas or chimpanzees.
6. Can children do the trek?
Gorilla trekking is allowed for visitors aged 15 years and above.
7. How safe is this safari?
Uganda’s parks are secure, and all treks are done with trained guides and rangers to ensure safety.