7 Day Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee

Experience the best of Uganda on this 7 Day Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee safari, an unforgettable journey combining spectacular waterfalls, savannah wildlife, chimpanzee tracking and mountain gorilla trekking. Starting from Entebbe, this private Uganda safari takes you to Murchison Falls National Park, where the River Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges dramatically below, before continuing to Kibale Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee-tracking experience and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking.

Along the way, enjoy a guided rhino-tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, wildlife game drives across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls, and a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. You will also travel through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, encounter the country’s remarkable biodiversity, and learn about the conservation of endangered primates.

Organized by Arcadia Safaris, this 7-day Uganda wildlife and primate safari is ideal for travellers seeking a private adventure combining Murchison Falls, chimpanzees and gorillas in one itinerary. With luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation options, the safari can be tailored to your travel style and preferences.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Boat Trip to the Base of  Murchison Falls

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Batwa Cultural experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for Departure

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Murchison via Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, preferably in the morning, you will be welcomed by your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide and begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino-tracking experience, where you can observe southern white rhinos and learn about Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts. After lunch in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, known for its expansive savannah plains and diverse wildlife.

On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy some time to relax after the journey. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and several other wildlife species, while lions may also be spotted during game drives. An early arrival at Entebbe is important to allow enough time for rhino tracking and the drive to the park; a later flight may require an adjustment to the itinerary.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, one of the park’s principal wildlife-viewing areas. Explore the savannah plains with your guide in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest and other wildlife. You may also encounter lions and, occasionally, leopards. The park’s varied habitats also support a rich diversity of birdlife.

Return to your lodge for lunch before heading to the Victoria Nile for an afternoon scheduled boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the river, look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants gathering near the banks and numerous waterbirds. The cruise brings you close to the dramatic falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow rocky gorge. After the boat trip, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and travel southwest towards Kibale Forest National Park. This is a long transfer, taking you through Uganda’s countryside, rural settlements, agricultural areas and scenic landscapes. Enjoy views of local life along the way as you make your way towards one of the country’s most important primate destinations.

Kibale Forest National Park is famous for its chimpanzee population and rich diversity of other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax after the journey, ready for your chimpanzee-tracking adventure the following day. An early departure from Murchison Falls is recommended to make the most of the transfer.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with an experienced ranger guide to search for wild chimpanzees. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend up to one hour observing their behaviour in their natural habitat, watching as they communicate, feed, groom, and move through the forest canopy. 7 Day Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area rich in birdlife, vegetation, and primates. Keep an eye out for the Great Blue Turaco and other bird species as your guide introduces you to the wetland’s biodiversity and local conservation efforts.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, leave Kibale Forest and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The journey passes through scenic countryside, local communities, rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, offering a glimpse of life beyond Uganda’s major towns. Since this is a substantial road transfer, an early departure is recommended to allow time for the journey and check-in. 7 Day Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rainforest, exceptional biodiversity and endangered mountain gorillas. The forest also supports numerous bird species, mammals, butterflies and other primates, making it one of Uganda’s most important conservation areas. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, with your guide advising you on suitable clothing, footwear and other essentials.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the designated park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger guides before entering Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of an assigned mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, terrain and weather conditions, but the opportunity to encounter these endangered primates in their natural habitat makes the experience truly special.

Once the gorillas are located, you will generally be allowed up to one hour to observe and photograph them while following the rangers’ instructions. After the trek, return to the park headquarters and receive your trekking certificate where provided, then travel back to your lodge for a well-earned rest. The remainder of the day allows you to relax and reflect on one of the highlights of a Uganda gorilla trekking safari.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Transfer Back to Entebbe International Airport for Departure

After breakfast, begin the return journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe International Airport. Travel through southwestern Uganda’s countryside, passing rural settlements, rolling hills and scenic landscapes along the way. There will be opportunities for refreshment and comfort stops (Kayabwe Equator Monument), depending on the route and journey conditions.

The drive to Entebbe is long and may take much of the day, so an evening international flight is recommended. If your flight departs earlier, we advise arranging an additional overnight stay near Entebbe or adjusting the itinerary to allow sufficient time for the transfer. On arrival at the airport, your guide will assist with your drop-off, bringing your 7 Day Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee safari with Arcadia Safaris to an end.

Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Options: No (End of your safari)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $2,200 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!