12 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari

This 12-day safari combines the very best of Uganda — from the roaring waters of Murchison Falls to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and the scenic beauty of Lake Mburo. It’s a journey of diverse landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and cultural connections, crafted for travelers seeking the ultimate Uganda experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Spend the evening relaxing as you prepare for your adventure.

Day 2: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP

After breakfast, set out northwest through the Luwero Triangle, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino trekking. This project is restoring rhinos to Uganda and offers a close-up encounter on foot. Continue to Masindi for lunch, then proceed to Murchison Falls to view the Nile as it crashes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating the thunderous Murchison Falls.

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Begin with a dawn game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where lions, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hartebeests, and even leopards roam the savannah. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, passing pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The boat stops at the base of the falls, where the waters thunder into the “Devil’s Cauldron.” For the adventurous, hike up to the Top of the Falls for breathtaking views.

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale National Park

Depart Murchison and head south via Hoima to Fort Portal. The drive is long but rewarding, passing through rolling countryside, tea plantations, and traditional villages with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive in Fort Portal in the evening and check into your lodge.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, report to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting out on your chimpanzee trek. Kibale boasts over 1,500 chimpanzees and the highest primate diversity in Africa. Watching chimps in their natural habitat is thrilling, as they call, feed, and swing through the forest canopy. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Bigodi Swamp walk, rich in birdlife, butterflies, and community experiences.

Day 6: Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with views of the mystical Mountains of the Moon along the way. On arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel hosts one of the world’s densest concentrations of hippos and is a prime birding hotspot.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drive & Maramagambo Forest

Begin with a dawn game drive in Kasenyi Plains, famous for lions, leopards, elephants, and Uganda kobs. After breakfast, explore Maramagambo Forest, known for its bat caves, crater lakes, and unique bird species such as the forest flycatcher. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trek – Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, trek in Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” where you’ll search for chimpanzees and other primates in its underground forest. Later, drive south through the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees, before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The highlight of your safari! After a briefing at the park office, set off with rangers to track one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. Trekking through dense rainforest can take 2–6 hours, but the reward is an awe-inspiring hour spent observing gorillas up close. Watch silverbacks guarding their families, playful juveniles swinging in the trees, and mothers tenderly caring for their young.

Optional afternoon community visit to the Batwa pygmies to experience their traditional music, dance, and culture.

Day 10: Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, known for its zebras and antelopes. Arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy an evening game drive or optional horseback safari across the plains.

Day 11: Lake Mburo Activities – Return to Kampala

Start the day with a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of bird species such as kingfishers and the African finfoot. Later, enjoy a short game drive as you exit the park, spotting zebras, impalas, and buffalo. Continue your journey to Kampala with a lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre.

Day 12: Kampala – Departure from Entebbe

Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short Kampala city tour or shopping stop before being transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Book Safari

Wildlife Safaris in Uganda and Beyond

Experience the wonder of East Africa with our personalized safaris. Discover Uganda’s diverse wildlife on thrilling game drives, trek mountain gorillas in misty forests, and embrace cultural journeys that reveal the true spirit and beauty of Africa