6-Day Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari

6-Day Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari: The Ultimate Ugandan Adventure

Embark on a 6-day safari combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and wildlife exploration at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic park. This adventure offers a perfect mix of primate encounters, game drives, and scenic boat safaris. It’s ideal for those seeking diverse experiences in the Pearl of Africa. 6-Day Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Morning Departure:
  Start your journey with an early pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe. Your professional safari guide will brief you on the trip.
• Scenic Drive:
  • Enjoy a long but beautiful drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through Uganda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages.
  • Stop for lunch in Mbarara, often referred to as the “Land of Milk,” because of its dairy farms.
• Arrival in Bwindi:
  • Arrive in Bwindi in the evening and check into your lodge near the park.
  • Relax after the long drive and prepare for the following day’s thrilling gorilla trekking adventure.
• Overnight Stay:
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
  • Mid-range: Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp.
  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Morning Briefing:
  • Wake up early, have breakfast, and head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Here, you’ll learn about gorilla trekking guidelines and be assigned a specific gorilla family to track.
• Gorilla Trekking Experience:
  • Accompanied by armed rangers and a guide, hike through the dense rainforest to find your assigned gorilla family.
  • Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, and interact.
  • Trekking time can vary between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
• Return to Lodge:
  • After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
  • Spend the evening at leisure or take part in optional activities like a community visit or nature walk.
• Overnight Stay:
  Same lodge as Day 1.

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

• Long Drive to Murchison Falls:
  • After breakfast, begin the full-day drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
  • En route, enjoy the stunning Ugandan countryside and have lunch in a town along the way.
• Arrival at Murchison Falls:
  • Reach the park in the evening and check into your lodge.
  • Relax after the long drive and prepare for the next day’s wildlife adventures.
• Overnight Stay:
  • Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge.
  • Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge.
  • Budget: Fort Murchison, Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Safari

• Morning Game Drive:
  • Wake up early and head out for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile.
  • Spot a variety of wildlife, including:
    • Lions.
    • Elephants.
    • Giraffes.
    • Buffaloes.
    • Antelopes such as Uganda kobs and hartebeests.
  • Keep an eye out for bird species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill and African fish eagle.
• Return to Lodge:
  • After the game drive, enjoy a late breakfast and relax before the afternoon activities.
• Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls:
  • Take a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls.
  • Marvel at the hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • The cruise culminates with stunning views of Murchison Falls from below.
• Optional Activity:
  • Disembark from the boat and hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views and a closer look at the roaring cascade.
• Overnight Stay:
  Same lodge as Day 3.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Short Game Drive:
  • Optional: Head out for an early morning game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed on Day 4.
• Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
  • After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.
  • Track rhinos on foot with a guide for a thrilling and up-close encounter.
• Continue to Kampala/Entebbe:
  • After rhino tracking, continue your drive to Kampala or Entebbe. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel.
• Overnight Stay:
  • Optional depending on your travel schedule.

Day 6: Departure

• Relaxed Morning:
  • If staying overnight, enjoy breakfast and explore Kampala or Entebbe (optional city tour).
• Airport Transfer:
  • Depending on your flight time, your guide will drop you at Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Key Highlights of the 6-Day Safari

1. Gorilla Trekking:
   • Spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
2. Murchison Falls:
   • Visit the world’s most powerful waterfall and experience the beauty of the Nile River.
3. Game Drives:
   • Explore the savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park and spot Uganda’s iconic wildlife.
4. Boat Safaris:
   • Cruise the Nile River and observe animals like hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
5. Rhino Tracking:
   • Get up close to rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, completing your “Big Five” experience.

What’s Included in the Safari?

• Gorilla trekking permit ($700 per person).
• Park entrance fees (Murchison Falls and Bwindi).
• Accommodation for 5 nights (luxury, mid-range, or budget options).
• Meals (full board).
• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• Boat safaris on the Nile River.

What’s Not Included?

• International flights.
• Uganda Tourist Visa.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses like tips, drinks, and souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–September, December–February): Ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, as trails are drier and animals gather near water sources.
• Wet Season (March–May, October–November): The forest is lush, and birdwatching is excellent, but trails can be muddy.

Packing List

• Lightweight clothing for the savannah and warm layers for the cool mornings in Bwindi.
• Hiking boots for gorilla trekking.
• Rain gear for Bwindi’s unpredictable weather.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Binoculars and a camera for wildlife spotting and photography.

Cost Estimate

The total cost varies depending on the accommodation and group size:

• Luxury Safari: $3,500–$4,500 per person.
• Mid-Range Safari: $2,500–$3,000 per person.
• Budget Safari: $2,000–$2,500 per person.

Conclusion

This 6-day Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari offers an unforgettable combination of primate encounters, game drives, and scenic beauty. It’s the perfect itinerary for travelers seeking to experience the best of Uganda in just a few days.

Book your safari today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!