8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Birding Safari
Across eight private days, explore Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi through birding, primate tracking, cruises and wildlife drives.
About this tour
This eight-day private safari follows a broad western Uganda circuit. The first stage travels through the Luweero area toward Murchison Falls National Park, with a possible stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Murchison combines a savannah game drive with a Nile boat cruise and a visit to the top of the falls.
The route then turns south toward Kibale National Park, with cultural and landscape stops around Mubende and Fort Portal. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is paired with birding and wildlife observation at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Queen Elizabeth National Park adds a game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise before the journey continues through Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
A guided mountain gorilla trek forms the final major activity in Bwindi, with a Batwa community visit when time allows. The last day returns to Kampala via the Equator. Christopher customizes the final sequence around permits, accommodation, guest priorities and current conditions. All wildlife and bird observations remain possible rather than guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kampala to Murchison Falls via the Luweero route
Travel from Kampala through the Luweero area toward Murchison Falls National Park. A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary may be included before lunch in Masindi. Continue to the park and view the Nile at the top of the falls before reaching the confirmed accommodation.
Day 2
Murchison Falls game drive and Nile cruise
Begin with a game drive across Murchison Falls National Park, looking for possible lions, giraffes, elephants and other savannah wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and other river life.
Day 3
Murchison Falls to Kibale via Fort Portal
Turn south toward Kibale National Park and Fort Portal. The planned transfer includes stops at the Nakayima Tree near Mubende and the Amabere Ganyina Mwiru caves before continuing to the selected accommodation.
Day 4
Kibale chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland
Enter Kibale Forest with a guide to track chimpanzees and observe other possible primates, including colobus and vervet monkeys. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding and additional wildlife observation before returning to Fort Portal.
Day 5
Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, watching for birds and wildlife during the drive. An afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and animals using the shoreline.
Day 6
Across Ishasha to Bwindi
Explore the Ishasha sector on an early game drive, where tree-climbing lions and other wildlife are possible. Afterwards, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and settle into the confirmed accommodation.
Day 7
Bwindi gorilla trekking and community visit
Attend the park briefing and enter Bwindi for the guided mountain gorilla trek. The search can take two to six hours depending on gorilla movements and trail conditions, followed by the regulated viewing period. If time allows, the evening programme includes a Batwa community visit.
Day 8
Kampala-bound journey and Equator stop
Drive back toward Kampala, stopping at the Equator for photographs and time at the local craft market. Continue to the agreed hotel or airport drop-off according to the confirmed departure schedule.
Locations & map
- Kampala - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kibale National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; dates and itinerary are customized to the guest’s interests, available time and travel preferences
Price: Price on request
Included
- All meals - Included in the customized package.
- Airport pickup and drop-off - Arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Park entry fees - Entry fees for parks in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser transport with fuel - Ground transport and fuel are included.
- Professional guide services - Professional guiding is included throughout the confirmed program.
- Boat cruises - Boat cruises named in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits when requested - These permits are included when selected by the guest and named in the personalized proposal.
Not included
- International flights and visas - Travellers arrange international flights and entry requirements.
- Travel and medical insurance - Travellers arrange suitable cover for the selected activities.
- Personal expenses, tips and unselected options - Any activity, permit or service not named in the personalized proposal is excluded.
Transport & stays
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel, plus boat cruises wher Ground transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel is included. Boat cruises are included where they form part of the customized itinerary. | Meet: Kampala airport, hotel or another agreed starting point | Pickup: Airport pickup and drop-off are included; the exact meeting details follow the guest’s flight and accommodation arrangements.
Accommodations
- Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge (days 1-2) Suggested mid-range options
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Isunga Lodge (days 3-4) Suggested mid-range options
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge (day 5) Suggested mid-range options
- Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Eco Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge or Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (days 6-7) Suggested mid-range options
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stop guaranteed?
No. Ziwa is presented as a possible stop on the transfer toward Murchison Falls and must be confirmed in the final programme.
How demanding is the gorilla trekking day?
The forest trek can take two to six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements and trail conditions. Guests receive a park briefing, and permit availability must be confirmed in advance.
When are accommodation and price finalized?
Christopher customizes the trip to the selected dates, accommodation preference, permits and activities. The personalized proposal confirms the final route, properties, inclusions and price.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.