Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Visit the Top of the Falls
Your journey begins with a scenic drive north through lush countryside, roadside markets, and rural villages. On arrival, you head straight to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile crashes through a narrow gorge with astonishing force. The view is powerful, the roar unforgettable, and the mist refreshing. Afterward, you check into 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 early with a game drive on the northern savannah plains where lions, elephants, giraffes, Uganda kob, buffaloes, and hartebeests roam freely. The wide-open landscape and golden sunrise make the experience magical. In the afternoon, you take a Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants cooling off near the riverbanks.
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: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital
Today you travel south through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes as you approach Fort Portal. The road winds through scenic terrain, offering beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains. You arrive at your lodge on the edge of Kibale Forest for a relaxed evening.
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
Your morning starts in Kibale Forest with chimpanzee tracking. The forest buzzes with life—birdsong, monkeys swinging through the canopy, and rustling leaves. When you meet the chimps, you watch them feed, groom, and interact at close range. After lunch, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where savannah plains meet volcanic craters and shimmering lakes.
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
The morning game drive takes you into the Kasenyi region, known for its high concentration of lions and large herds of buffaloes and antelopes. Elephants also roam freely here, and the open grasslands provide beautiful views. In the afternoon, you board a boat for the Kazinga Channel cruise, a highlight of the park. Hippos crowd the shorelines, elephants gather to drink, and water birds fill the air.
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 via Ishasha – Home of the Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, you drive south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an area famous for tree-climbing lions. With a bit of luck, you spot them resting high in fig trees while surveying the savannah. The drive continues through rolling hills, banana plantations, and thick forest until you reach Bwindi—the legendary home of the 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 – A Life-Changing Experience
This is the most powerful moment of your safari. After a briefing, you enter the dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek leads you through thick vegetation and scenic forest trails. When you finally meet the gorillas, you spend an incredible hour watching them feed, play, and interact. After the trek, you relax at the lodge and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere.
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 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Sunset Game Drive
After breakfast, you drive to Lake Mburo National Park, passing beautiful landscapes and rural communities. Arrive in time for a sunset game drive where zebras, elands, topis, impalas, and giraffes roam the open plains. The soft evening light makes the experience incredibly scenic.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Eagle’s Nest Lodge
- Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Morning Nature Walk & Transfer Back to Kampala or Entebbe
You begin the day with a guided walking safari—the only park in Uganda where walking with wildlife is allowed. You observe zebras, impalas, and other animals at close range in their natural environment. After breakfast, you drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Best Time to Do the Safari
The safari is available all year, but the best travel months are:
- June to October
- December to February
These dry seasons offer excellent wildlife viewing and easier trekking conditions in the forests.
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
Budget: USD 2,950 – 3,350 per person
Mid-range: USD 3,750 – 4,250 per person
Luxury: USD 5,550 – 6,200 per person
(Prices vary depending on lodge availability, gorilla permit fees, and travel season.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the gorilla trekking experience?
Treks last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s movement.
2. Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes. The current Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person.
3. What level of fitness is required?
Moderate fitness is helpful since Bwindi’s terrain can be steep and muddy.
4. Can I take photos of the gorillas?
Yes, but flash photography is not allowed.
5. What should I pack for this safari?
Hiking boots, long pants, insect repellent, rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles.
6. Is this safari suitable for children?
Children aged 15+ can do gorilla trekking, while younger kids enjoy the wildlife parks.
7. Are the lodges safe and comfortable?
Yes. All recommended lodges offer comfort, good service, and secure environments.