6 Days Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari

Overview

The 6 Days Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari combines Uganda’s most powerful wildlife highlights into one compact adventure. The journey connects Murchison Falls National Park, famous for its dramatic waterfall and Big Five game viewing, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

This safari blends savannah and rainforest experiences. You track rhinos at Ziwa, explore the Nile’s wildlife-rich banks, then travel south through scenic countryside into the misty forests of Bwindi for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. It is ideal for travellers who want Uganda’s top highlights in a short but meaningful itinerary.

Tour Highlights

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile
Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
Scenic cross-country drive through Uganda
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with expert guide
Rich birdlife and diverse landscapes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

You leave early from Entebbe or Kampala and drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. You stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. After lunch, you continue into the park and visit the Top of the Falls. You watch the Nile force through a narrow gorge before dropping into a powerful waterfall.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

You start the day with an early morning game drive across the savannah. You search for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. You see hippos, crocodiles, and large numbers of water birds along the river.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Murchison Falls to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you begin a long scenic drive to southwestern Uganda. You pass rolling hills, rural villages, and tea plantations. You continue through the highlands and arrive in Bwindi in the evening. You check in and rest at your forest lodge.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

You report early for a briefing at the park headquarters. You then enter Bwindi Forest with rangers to search for a habituated gorilla family. The trek moves through thick jungle and uneven terrain.

Once you find the gorillas, you spend one hour with them. You observe their movements, feeding patterns, and social behaviour. The experience feels close, quiet, and deeply memorable.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 5: Bwindi Forest Experience & Batwa Culture

You spend the day at a slower pace after gorilla trekking. You can visit the Batwa community and learn about their forest traditions. You also enjoy optional nature walks around the lodge area and take in the rainforest atmosphere.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 6: Bwindi to Entebbe/Kampala

After breakfast, you begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. You travel through scenic landscapes with stops for lunch and photos. You may also stop at the Equator before continuing to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions

Airport or hotel transfers
Gorilla trekking permit
Rhino tracking at Ziwa
Accommodation in selected lodge category
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional driver-guide
Game drives and boat cruise
Park entrance fees
Full-board meals during safari
Bottled drinking water

Exclusions

International flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional Batwa cultural experience
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Porter fees during gorilla trekking
Any items not listed in inclusions