8 DAYS EXCLUSIVE BEST OF MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK, GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE TRACKING TOUR ($3,154.2 Per Person)

Published: 03 Oct 2024

Safari overview
Our 8 Days Exclusive Best of Murchison falls National Park, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari offers you exclusive opportunity to observe the Big five of African savannah, up close encounter with the gentle giants mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and our closest relative common chimpanzee in Kibale Forest National Park. This itinerary offers you the best of Uganda wildlife, culture and stunning landscapes.

Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the lodge/ hotel in Entebbe or Kampala

You will have a warm welcome by our tour guide/driver at Entebbe airport (EBB) who will take you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. He will give a briefing about the entire safari and ensure that all the equipment and resources to make the safari successful are in place.
Safari lodges: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner, Breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls national park - ziwa rihno sanctuary for rhino tracking.

On this day, you will enjoy your breakfast at your hotel in Entebbe OR Kampala set off for Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. I really advise that you make this stop over since it will give you the complete feel of the “big five” in Uganda. With an en-route lunch, you shall make a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track the endangered southern white rhinos before continuing to Murchison. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home and the breeding place to the endangered southern white rhinos for their re introduction into the wild where they existed before being wiped out in the 1980s. It is the only place where they can be spotted in the wild. Then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. Later visit the magnificent Murchison Falls. Marvel at the breathtaking views and the thunderous sound of the falls as they squeeze through the narrow gorge, cascading into the pool below.
The driver/guide will then transfer you to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Safari lodges: Pakuba safari lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3: Morning game viewing drive and afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of falls.

Start your day bright and early at 6 am with a steaming cup of coffee and a quick snack to fuel your body for an exciting adventure ahead. Grab your packed breakfast, hop into your safari vehicle, and kick off the morning with an exhilarating game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours offer prime opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including elusive nocturnal creatures and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas in their active state before retreating to their dens.
As you navigate through the park, keep your camera ready to capture sightings of antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos among other herbivores. Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its population of Nubian Giraffes, ensuring you a remarkable encounter with these majestic creatures. Your knowledgeable safari guide will provide insights into the diverse wildlife species you encounter, enhancing your safari experience.
After a break for breakfast, continue your game drive until midday before returning to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 3-hour boat cruise along the Nile River, starting from Paraa and cruising upstream towards the majestic falls. Marvel at the sight of Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of aquatic bird species along the riverbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for land mammals such as elephants and buffaloes quenching their thirst in the river.
Upon returning to your lodge, enjoy a leisurely evening before heading out for a thrilling night game drive safari. This nocturnal adventure offers unique opportunities to spot elusive animals like lions, leopards, porcupines, and spotted hyenas in their natural habitat. Capture the magic of the nighttime wilderness before returning to your lodge for a restful overnight stay, cherishing the unforgettable experiences of the day.
Safari lodges: Pakuba safari lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park - Drive to Kibale National Park at the lodge - Check into your Lodge

Today, wake up early in the morning, have your bags loaded into your safari vehicle, and savor a hearty breakfast before checking out. Drive slowly through the park, taking in the sights, and reflecting on the beautiful memories shared. After enjoying the spectacle of Murchison Falls National Park, proceed to Kibale Forest National Park for a chimpanzee tracking experience. Along the way, relish the scenic views of tea estates and forests where olive baboons roam freely. Admire the legendary Rwenzori Mountain in the backdrop of the volcanic landscape. Make a stopover in Fort Portal City for lunch before continuing your journey to the park.
In Kibale Forest National Park, encounter various primate species, including black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons. The park is also home to forest elephants, antelopes, and a diverse array of bird species, including the Albertine Rift endemics. Check in at your booked lodge for an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
Safari lodge: Kibale safari lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi community walk.

Start your day with an early rise and a quick breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking protocols. Accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide, venture into the forest to track chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat, renowned as the primate capital of the world. Along the way, encounter a variety of forest dwellers such as L’hoest monkeys, black-faced colobus monkeys, and baboons. The highlight of the day is observing the playful antics, communication, and feeding habits of the chimpanzees, typically allowed for an hour. Keep an eye out for forest bird species like the African broadbill, Ross' turaco, and great blue turaco, as well as colorful butterflies and diverse flora.
After having lunch, embark on the Bigodi evening tour led by your driver/guide. This wetland sanctuary near Kibale Forest is renowned for its colobus and blue monkeys, as well as a rich variety of birdlife including the African broadbill and great blue turaco. You will have an opportunity to go for a community walk in Bigodi for experiences like African homesteads, Banana bonga products, chimpanzee robusta coffee experience, traditional healers/doctors, handcraft making (ladies weaving baskets and cultural dances), cultural weddings, iron smith, and milking experiences. As the day draws to a close, retreat to your booked lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, filled with memories of cultural exploration and scenic wonders.
Safari lodge: Kibale safari lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park via ishasha.

Wake up early in the morning (5:30am) to prepare yourself. Today , you will have a relatively long journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park about 8 hours. You will drive from Kibale Forest national park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with interesting stopovers. Have an en-route lunch at Topi Lodge in Ishasha and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will reach late in the evening and when time allows, you will go for hike to the Batwa pygmies local village is situated will go up a steep hill where you will get to meet them and interact with the community pygmies. Once you reach their village, it welcomes you with an open big smile. During your visit , you learn how they hunt, honey gathering, making medicine from herbs, how they made clothing while they still lived in the first, how they kept their children as they did their house duty. They prepare lunch during the trail and later a very beautiful dance and drumming. The Batwa trail is very wonderful experience which you can add on your gorilla safari while in Bwindi Impenetrable .you will then return to lodge for the overnight.
Safari lodges: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Life-time memorable experience.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking expedition by rising early and donning the recommended attire: long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking shoes, a jacket, a hat, and sturdy gloves to brave the forest's unpredictable weather. After a satisfying breakfast and packing a lunch, meet your safari guide and head to the park information center for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll receive essential guidance on etiquette, expectations, and safety protocols when encountering these majestic creatures.
Joined by a group of eight fellow trekkers, each assigned a specific gorilla family to track, accompanied by armed rangers and an experienced guide, embark on an adventurous journey into the forest. Traverse various trails, ranging from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location and movement. Mental and physical preparedness are crucial for navigating the rugged terrain, with the option to select a family closer to your fitness level for a more comfortable trek.
As you delve into the forest's depths, keep a keen eye out for other wildlife like forest elephants, L'Hoest monkeys, and a myriad of bird species, including the endemic Red-throated Alethe. Upon encountering your assigned gorilla family, relish an hour in their presence, observing the intricate dynamics of the group under the watchful eye of the dominant silverback. Maintain a respectful distance, refrain from direct eye contact, and adhere to your guide's instructions for a safe and enriching experience.
After your magical hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point to receive your trekking certificate as a token of appreciation for supporting gorilla conservation efforts. Conclude the day with a leisurely drive back to your lodge, where a well-deserved dinner and a comfortable overnight stay await, allowing you to reflect on the awe-inspiring moments shared with these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Safari lodges: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day8: Return to Entebbe and Departure

Wake up early in the morning and have your bags loaded to your vehicle. Have your breakfast and after drive back to Entebbe for your flight back home. You will have a stopover at Kayabwe Equator for en route lunch and taking memorable photographs at the equator monument. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure
Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch

The package price includes:
 Water on board
Entrance fees and game drives
Ziwa rhino’s sanctuary nature walk
Shared boat excursions in Murchison Falls
1 Chimpanzee permit in Kibale Forest National Park per person ($250)
1Gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park per person ($800)
English speaking Driver/Guide
Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist Land Cruiser
Full board accommodation
Airport transfers
Package price excludes:
 Air ticket and visa fees
 Soft sodas and alcoholic drinks
 Extra activities out of itinerary
 And other personal items/expenses

Package price per person
solo- $4,154.4
2 people- $3,154.2
3 people- $3,064.8
4 people- $2,837.1
5 people- $2,942.9
6 people- $2,811.4

File attached: Download JPG