Gorillas, Big Game & Murchison Falls

Summary

Day 1: Into the Heart of Uganda – Bwindi Awaits
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Journey to Ishasha
Day 3: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Day 4: Scenic Flight to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 5: Murchison Falls Safari & Nile River Cruise
Day 6: Murchison Falls & Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

Gorillas, Big Game & Murchison Falls

Embark on the ultimate Ugandan safari adventure, blending once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. From the misty jungles of Bwindi to the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls, this journey promises unforgettable moments in the Pearl of Africa.

Day 1: Into the Heart of Uganda – Bwindi Awaits

Your adventure begins early with a scenic road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, stop at the iconic Uganda Equator, where you can stand in both hemispheres at once and witness the fascinating equator water experiment.

Continue westward to Biharwe, where a short hike leads to the Eclipse Monument, a tribute to a historic celestial event. By midday, indulge in a flavorful Ankole heritage meal at Igongo Cultural Centre before continuing through Uganda’s rolling hills and lush countryside.

By evening, arrive in the misty jungles of Bwindi, where your charming eco-lodge awaits. Settle in and soak up the tranquility of the rainforest, preparing for an unforgettable day ahead.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Journey to Ishasha

Today marks the pinnacle of your adventure—a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Guided by expert rangers, navigate dense foliage in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their interactions, from playful juveniles to the powerful silverback.

After this life-changing experience, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. The golden savannah and fig tree-dotted landscape set the scene for an evening of wildlife encounters.

Day 3: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the morning with a game drive through Ishasha, where you’ll scan the fig trees for lions and spot elephants, buffalo, and leopards in their natural habitat.

Continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This wildlife-rich waterway is a photographer’s paradise, where herds of elephants, pods of hippos, and Nile crocodiles gather along the shores.

Optional: End the day with a late evening game drive, where nocturnal wildlife comes to life.

Day 4: Scenic Flight to Murchison Falls National Park

Enjoy a final morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for a breathtaking scenic flight to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive in Uganda’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve, where the Nile winds through golden savannahs teeming with wildlife.

Relax at your safari lodge, taking in panoramic views of the park as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 5: Murchison Falls Safari & Nile River Cruise

Set off at dawn for a classic safari drive across the vast plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Spot majestic lions, towering giraffes, massive elephants, and herds of buffalos as the sun casts a golden glow over the savannah.

In the afternoon, embark on a Nile River cruise, sailing towards the thundering base of Murchison Falls. Watch for basking crocodiles, playful hippos, and vibrant birdlife as you journey through this iconic landscape.

Day 6: Murchison Falls & Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

Begin your final day with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

Continue to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Here, embark on a guided walking safari, tracking these majestic giants on foot—a thrilling finale to your Big Five experience.

After lunch, journey back to Kampala/Entebbe, arriving by evening, where your unforgettable safari comes to an end.

End of Safari – Drop-off in Kampala/Entebbe

Safari Highlights:

Gorilla Trekking – Come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Tree-Climbing Lions – Spot these rare predators lounging in fig trees in Ishasha
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Cruise alongside hippos, crocodiles & diverse birdlife
Murchison Falls Experience – Witness the world’s most powerful waterfall
Big Five Safari – Track rhinos at Zziwa Sanctuary & enjoy classic game drives