8 Murchison Falls Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Explore Uganda’s hidden treasures on this 8 Days Murchison Falls, Chimpanzee, and Gorilla Trekking Safari. Uganda, usually dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. From the magical mountain gorillas to chimpanzees, Uganda remains an untamed destination. During this safari, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Below is a detailed itinerary for the 8 Murchison Falls Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tour
- Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on River Nile
- Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Tour
- Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa community tour
- Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and afternoon boat cruise
- Day 8: Morning game drive and transfer to Kampala – Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tour
You will be welcomed by our driver guide as soon as you reach the Entebbe International Airport. He or she will brief you about the 8 Murchison Falls Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari. You will then transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. The park is located on the northwestern side of the country. You will make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. Proceed with a delicious lunch in Masindi. Upon arrival at the park, you will check in to your booked lodge and sleepover.
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on River Nile
After breakfast at your lodge, you will take a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. It is also famous for being home to the big 4 animals (lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards). You will also get a chance to see multiple Rift Valley endemic bird species. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you do a boat cruise excursion on the River Nile. Did you know that the River Nile is the world’s longest river? The boat will take you to the bottom of the falls. From here, you will hike to the top of the falls and take pictures of the world’s strongest waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the drive to Kibale National Park. The park is famous for being home to the human-like primates – chimpanzees. Lunch will be in Fort Portal City. You may have an optional city tour including the king’s palace. Proceed to your lodge in Kibale. Upon arrival, have dinner and spend the night over.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Tour
After breakfast, you will drive to Kanyanchu Park headquarters for chimpanzee trekking. You will be briefed about the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations. You will be led by an experienced safari ranger throughout the trekking. Once you meet the chimpanzees, you will be allowed to spend one hour in their presence. Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will do a community walk around the Bigodi wetland. The wetland is a famous birding destination with some rare species like the blue Rwenzori turaco. Explore the village and taste the locally brewed banana beer. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will pass by the equator monument in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lunch will be along the way. Once you arrive, check in to your lodge for dinner and spend the night over.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa community Tour
This is the long-awaited day on your 8 Days Murchison Falls Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari. The gorilla trekking day starts with an early breakfast (about 6:00 am). The briefing will be at the park headquarters. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 26 habituated gorilla families. But you will trek one of these since each family is restricted to 8 people per day. Once you meet the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour in their presence. Later on, you will return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore the Batwa communities and learn about their culture. You will love traditional women’s dancing. Community tours in Uganda support sustainable tourism. You will return to your lodge for dinner and spend the night over.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and afternoon boat cruise
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park. You may visit the Igongo Cultural Centre and hike to the Eclipse Monument. The Monument is of strong significance in the history of the Ankole Kingdom. You will go for a boat ride as soon as you reach Lake Mburo National Park. The boat cruise will introduce you to hippos and crocodiles. In the evening, you will check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Morning game drive and transfer to Kampala – Departure
You will start your day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is home to many grazers including zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and warthogs. Some of the predators include spotted hyenas and leopards. You will proceed with an en-route lunch and drive to Kampala. You will take pictures at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe. The driver will drop you off at the airport for your outbound flight. This will mark the end of your 8 Days Murchison Falls Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch
