Safari Overview
Discover the Pearl of Africa on this 7-day Classic Game & Bwindi Gorillas Safari. This meticulously crafted journey spans from the thunderous Murchison Falls in the north to the ancient, mist-covered Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the southwest.
You will encounter the Big Five (including rhino tracking at Ziwa), cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park—home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world—and stand face-to-face with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. This odyssey offers a perfect blend of savannah wildlife, primate encounters, and vibrant Ugandan culture.
Safari Highlights
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: On-foot rhino tracking to see the reintroduction of these giants.
- Murchison Falls: A hike to the top of the world’s most powerful waterfall.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Savannah game drives and a 2-hour boat launch on the Kazinga Channel.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: An unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience.
- Cultural Landmarks: Visits to the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers and the Uganda Equator.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your guide will pick you up in Kampala for a scenic drive north. The first stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. After tracking, continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
Travel Note: This 6–7 hour journey is broken up with a stopover for an African delicacy lunch in Masindi Town and a visit to the Top of the Falls, where the Nile is squeezed through a 7-meter canyon.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Murchison River Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Savannah Game Viewing & The Victoria Nile
Embark on an early morning game drive to spot lions, giraffes, and elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a Launch Trip to the base of Murchison Falls. Marvel at the Devil’s Cauldron and spot crocodiles, hippos, and the rare shoebill stork along the riverbanks.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Murchison River Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Journey to the Mountains of the Moon
Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This long but beautiful transit passes through the verdant countryside of Hoima and Fort Portal.
Travel Note: This journey takes approximately 7–8 hours. We include a leisurely lunch stop in Fort Portal, resting in the shadow of the fabled Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon), to ensure you arrive at your lodge refreshed.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Park – A Medley of Wonders
A morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains offers sightings of lions, leopards, and giant forest hogs. In the afternoon, take a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This provides an excellent platform for photography and bird watching.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: The Switzerland of Africa to Bwindi
Drive through the Kigezi Highlands, often called the Switzerland of Africa due to its terraced hillsides and winding roads. This scenic route leads you to the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Encounter
Enter the gorilla sanctuary for a life-changing trek. Led by expert UWA rangers, you will track a habituated family. Once found, you have one hour to observe their social interactions. The trek can last 2–7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Royal Drums, The Equator & Return to Kampala
On your final day, drive back to Kampala. We stop at the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers to see traditional craftsmanship and the Uganda Equator for souvenirs and the water experiment. Arrive in the early evening.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is included) | Exclusions (What is NOT included) |
| Permits & Fees | 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit & Rhino Tracking fees | International airfares & Visa fees |
| Transport | 4WD Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof) & fuel | Porter fees during gorilla tracking |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking driver/guide | Tips/gratuities for rangers, guides & hotel staff |
| Activities | All game drives, boat trips & park entrance fees | Optional activities not listed in the itinerary |
| Accommodation | Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Personal travel & medical insurance |
| Refreshments | Drinking water is provided in the vehicle | Extra drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks) |
Quick Facts
- Destinations: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Bwindi Forest, Uganda.
- Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Tree-climbing Lions, Rhinos, Chimpanzees, and Hippos.
- Travel Tip: This 7-day loop covers the best of Northern and Western Uganda; it is the most popular classic route.
- Cultural Experience: Visit the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers for authentic Swahili and Ganda heritage.
- Accessibility: Starts and ends in Kampala/Entebbe; requires moderate fitness for the gorilla trek.
