The experience
Safari Overview
A broader Uganda safari for travellers who want to experience the country's celebrated wildlife and primates in one journey. The route links Murchison Falls National Park and the Nile, Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah wildlife and the Kazinga Channel, and Bwindi for mountain gorilla trekking. The itinerary includes substantial road travel. Primate permits, park activities, accommodation and transfer timings must be checked and confirmed before the trip is booked.
The journey
Route and starting point
Entebbe or Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park – Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Entebbe or Kampala
Starts in
Entebbe or Kampala
Ends in
Entebbe or Kampala
Find your kind of adventure
Tour type and activities
Why travel with us
Tour highlights
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Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
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Nile boat excursion towards the base of Murchison Falls, subject to schedule
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, subject to permit availability
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Queen Elizabeth game viewing and Kazinga Channel boat excursion
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Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, subject to permit confirmation
Your journey, day by day
Safari itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls
Meet your driver-guide and travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park. The route may include a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary if pre-arranged and time allows; rhino tracking is an optional activity and must be quoted separately. Arrive at the park area and check in.
Accommodation
Murchison Falls area accommodation
Meals:
Meals as confirmed
Day 2
Day 2: Murchison Falls game drive
Set out for a guided game drive in a selected sector of the park. Search for wildlife in the savannah and riverine habitats. Sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.
Accommodation
Murchison Falls area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 3
Day 3: Nile boat excursion and transfer towards Kibale
Take the scheduled boat excursion on the Nile towards the base of the falls, subject to availability. After the activity, begin the road journey towards the Kibale area. The transfer is substantial, so the exact departure and arrival times must be agreed in advance.
Accommodation
Kibale area accommodation or agreed en-route stop
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 4
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
Attend the chimpanzee tracking briefing and join the guided forest walk if the permit has been confirmed. The duration depends on chimpanzee movement and forest conditions. Return to the lodge after the activity.
Accommodation
Kibale area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 5
Day 5: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on the arrival time, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the lodge or a scheduled game-viewing activity.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 6
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth wildlife and Kazinga Channel
Enjoy a guided game drive in a selected park sector. Later, take the scheduled Kazinga Channel boat excursion, subject to availability, for views of wildlife along the waterway.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 7
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
Travel to the Bwindi sector assigned to the gorilla permit. The route and any stops depend on road conditions and the confirmed sector. Arrive at the lodge, receive the trekking arrangements and rest.
Accommodation
Bwindi area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 8
Day 8: Gorilla trekking and departure
Attend the park briefing and join the ranger-guided gorilla trek, subject to a secured permit. After the trek, transfer to the agreed departure point. A same-day transfer to Entebbe can be lengthy; any flight connection must allow sufficient time and be confirmed in advance.
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Know what's covered
What's included and excluded
Included
- Private road transport and driver-guide only as specified
- Seven nights of accommodation and meals as itemised
- Park entry, boat excursions and game drives only where listed
- Chimpanzee and gorilla permits only when expressly listed and confirmed
- Ranger-guided tracking under the relevant park authority procedures
Not included
- Chimpanzee and gorilla permits unless expressly listed and secured
- Park fees and activity charges unless itemised as included
- Flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities and services not expressly listed in the written quotation
Plan your visit
Best time to travel
This route can operate across the year subject to park access, activity schedules and permit availability. Dry-season periods are popular for general wildlife viewing and forest trekking, but conditions vary. Secure both primate permits before confirming non-refundable travel components.
Before you go
Practical information
This is an active itinerary with long road transfers, particularly between Murchison Falls and Kibale and between Bwindi and the departure point. A domestic flight extension may be considered if schedules and budget allow. Uganda Wildlife Authority rules currently set minimum tracking ages of 12 for chimpanzees under general guidance and 15 for gorillas; confirm current rules for the specific activity. Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the itinerary include both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking?
Both are planned, but each permit must be separately checked, itemised and confirmed in the written quotation.
Are the Nile and Kazinga Channel boat trips included?
Each boat excursion is included only if expressly listed in the final quotation.
Is eight days enough for this route?
It is a full itinerary with substantial driving. Travellers who prefer a slower pace can request an extended version.
Can we replace a road transfer with a flight?
A domestic flight may be possible on selected sectors, subject to flight schedules, airstrip access, luggage limits and additional cost.
