5 Days Murchison Falls and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Over View:

This safari begins at Murchison Falls National Park—where the Nile constricts into a stunning gorge and game drives commonly reveal elephants, lions, Rothschild giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and more among its 76 mammal species and 450+ bird species

You’ll then follow the Albertine Rift corridor into the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to about 459 mountain gorillas—nearly half the global total—and part of a new gorilla-and-chimpanzee census launched in May 2025

✅ Quick Highlights

• See elephants, giraffes, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and over 2 dozen large‑cat sightings, including the elusive lion and hyena.
• Immerse in birdlife hotspots—from MFNP’s wetlands to Bwindi’s montane forest.
• Trek in one of the few parks hosting over 40% of the world’s mountain gorillas, underpinned by active conservation.
• Stay in newly refreshed 2025‑open lodges inside the parks—Gorilla Forest Camp and Kulu Ora redefine luxury in the wild.
• Support community‑owned culture and ecotourism initiatives, including Batwa experiences near Kisoro.

📅 Itinerary: 5 Days of Wildlife & Gorilla Vibes

Day 1 – Kampala → Murchison Falls

• Depart early via Bombo Road. Arrive late morning at Murchison Falls National Park.
• Drive to the scenic Top of the Falls, where the Nile thunders through a narrow gorge.
• Afternoon: optional walk or relax at lodge before sunset over the Nile Delta.
• New luxury camp available: Kulu Ora opens in Spring 2025 on a secluded Nile concession.

Accommodation options:

• Budget/mid-range: Heritage Safari Lodge, Pakuba/Murchison River Lodge
• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or the new Kulu Ora once fully operational

Day 2 – Wildlife & River Cruise

• Early game drive in the Northern Delta: expect Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbuck, Uganda kob, buffaloes, warthogs, and often lions.
• Return mid‑morning for breakfast at lodge.
• Embark on a boat cruise downstream to the base of the Falls: hippos, Nile crocodiles, shoebills and papyrus‑fringing birdlife. View the majestic power of the falls from below.
• Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 – Murchison Falls → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Drive southwest via Albertine Rift corridor: cross Lake Albert, skirt the Rwenzori Mountains, pass Lakes George and Edward.
• Arrive late afternoon at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Relax at your lodge (consider a short nature walk depending on arrival time).
• New luxury lodges now open: Gorilla Forest Camp rebuilt April 2025; Silverback Lodge reopened early 2025 with fresh “nest”-style suites and tranquil design.

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Broadbill Camp, Rushaga Haven, Trekkers Tervan Cottages
• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Lodge
• Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Day 4 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking

• 08:00: arrive for ranger briefing; be fitted with earthen masks, pack lunch and bottled water.
• Trek into the misty forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Receive 1 hour of observation time with these gentle giants.
• Optional: if time and energy allow, join a Batwa cultural walk or guided bird walk in search of Bwindi’s ~350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
• Evening spent full of stories around dinner as the forest settles.

Day 5 – Return to Kampala

• Early breakfast, check‑out, and depart Bwindi.
• Drive through scenic farmland; stop for a midday meal.
• Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon; time to freshen up or continue onwards.

🎯 Optional Add‑On (if time allows)

• Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (US $50 permit): a shorter, gentler walk through bamboo slopes to see these vivid orange‑gold primates, usually about one‑hour encounter after 1–3 hours of trekking.
• Combines well with a Kigali flight arrival (permits and paperwork needed).

For Direct

📧 Email:

📞 Phone | WhatsApp: