8 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Murchison Falls Safari | Uganda Primate & Wildlife Tour

This 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari is one of Uganda’s most thrilling adventures—combining the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and game viewing along the powerful Murchison Falls National Park. Designed for wildlife lovers, photographers, and explorers, this itinerary offers the best of Uganda’s primates and savannah safaris in just over a week.

From gazing into the eyes of a mountain gorilla deep in the rainforest to watching herds of elephants and giraffes cross the plains below the thunder of Murchison Falls, this safari takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated ecosystems. You’ll be guided every step of the way by a licensed professional from Nextgen Safaris Africa, ensuring comfort, safety, and storytelling that brings each moment to life.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an East Africa enthusiast, the 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari promises a rich and diverse journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Safari Highlights – 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari

• Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda’s most famous primate sanctuary

• Encounter wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world

• Explore Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve and home to the powerful Nile waterfall

• Enjoy scenic game drives with chances to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and more

• Take a thrilling boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the dramatic Murchison Falls

• Travel with a professional, licensed driver-guide from Nextgen Safaris Africa

• Stay in comfortable lodges throughout the journey (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)

• Travel through Uganda’s diverse landscapes: rainforest, wetlands, savannah, and riverine plains

• Perfect for wildlife photographers, adventure travelers, and anyone looking for the ultimate Uganda primate and wildlife safari

Safari Itinerary– 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Scenic Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari begins the moment you touch down in Uganda. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by your licensed, professional Nextgen Safaris Africa guide, who will be your companion throughout this unforgettable journey.

After a short briefing and luggage assistance, you’ll begin your drive northwards toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. This scenic road transfer offers an immediate introduction to Uganda’s rich rural landscapes, roadside markets, and diverse communities.

En route, you’ll make a memorable stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. Here, you’ll join an on-foot guided tracking experience to observe these incredible animals up close in their natural habitat—an exciting start to your Big Five checklist.

Following your rhino encounter and lunch at a local restaurant or within the sanctuary, you’ll continue on to Murchison Falls. Upon arrival at the southern sector of the park, you’ll take the ferry crossing over the Nile River and transfer to your lodge, where you’ll relax for the evening.

Enjoy a welcome dinner and settle in with views of the Nile or the surrounding savannah.

Accommodation Options (Inside or Near Murchison Falls NP):

• Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp

• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

• Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge

Transfer Duration:

Approx. 6–7 hours from Entebbe (including Ziwa stop)

Meal Plan: Lunch (en route), Dinner

Day 2: Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up to the sounds of the wild in Murchison Falls National Park, ready for your first full day on safari. After an early breakfast at your lodge, you’ll set off for a sunrise game drive across the open savannahs of the northern sector of the park, where wildlife sightings are at their best.

Guided by your expert Nextgen Safaris guide, you’ll traverse the rolling plains in search of some of the park’s most iconic species. This area is known for its large populations of Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffaloes, and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the elusive shoebill stork in the wetlands.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch and some downtime.

In the afternoon, your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari continues with one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife activities: the boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls. This unforgettable journey brings you face to face with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of water birds as you cruise slowly upstream.

At the base of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge and plunges 45 meters below, you’ll feel the thunder and mist of Uganda’s most dramatic natural landmark.

Return to your lodge in the early evening for dinner and storytelling under the stars.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp

• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

• Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Duration:

• Morning game drive: 3–4 hours

• Boat safari: ~2.5 hours (return trip)

Day 3: Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest – Home of Chimpanzees

After a final breakfast in the wild heart of Murchison Falls National Park, your journey continues as you travel south to the lush, tropical rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park—one of the most biodiverse regions in East Africa and the best place for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.

Today’s transfer is a scenic drive through rural countryside, tea plantations, crater lakes, and rolling green hills. Your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide will ensure comfort, stops for refreshments, and storytelling along the way, making this travel day part of the adventure.

Arrive in the Fort Portal region in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge near Kibale Forest. You’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and prepare for your chimpanzee tracking experience tomorrow.

This shift in landscape—from open savannahs to dense tropical forest—marks an exciting transition in your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari, offering a contrasting ecosystem and new species to discover.

Optional: If time allows, enjoy a guided walk around Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its birdlife, monkeys, and community-based tourism.

Accommodation Options (Kibale / Fort Portal Area):

• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Kibale Forest Camp

• Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge

• Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale / Papaya Lake Lodge

Transfer Duration: 6–7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic or roadside), Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – Primate Capital of the World

Today is dedicated to an experience that’s as emotional as it is thrilling: tracking wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Uganda Wildlife Authority visitor center, where expert rangers will brief you on chimpanzee behavior, tracking protocols, and forest safety.

You’ll then head into the forest on foot, guided by rangers and your Nextgen Safaris professional guide, following calls, rustling leaves, and broken branches in search of one of Kibale’s habituated chimpanzee communities.

As you walk through the dense jungle, you may also spot other primates—L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of forest birds and butterflies. When you finally encounter the chimps, you’ll spend up to one full hour observing their wild behaviors—grooming, feeding, communicating, and playing—just meters away in their natural habitat.

This intimate experience is a key highlight of your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari, offering a deep connection to our closest living relatives.

Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as:

• A community walk to Bigodi Village

• A wetland boardwalk tour with incredible birding opportunities

• Or simply rest and enjoy the peaceful views from your forest lodge

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Kibale Forest Camp

• Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge

• Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale / Papaya Lake Lodge

Activity Duration:

• Chimpanzee tracking: 2–4 hours (including forest walk)

• Optional afternoon activities: 1–2 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Into the Realm of Gorillas

After breakfast in the serene Kibale region, your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide will begin the breathtaking road journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the crown jewel of Uganda’s gorilla trekking experiences.

This drive is more than a transfer—it’s a scenic adventure across the majestic western Uganda highlands. You’ll pass crater lakes, banana plantations, tea estates, and traditional homesteads as you descend into the lush, mist-covered ridges of Bwindi.

Along the way, stop for lunch in a local town and stretch your legs with photo stops and cultural encounters. Your guide will also brief you about gorilla trekking protocols, the next day’s logistics, and the specific gorilla family sector you’ll be visiting (such as Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, or Nkuringo).

Arrive at your forest lodge by late afternoon and settle in. The cool air and chorus of birds and primates will let you know you’ve arrived somewhere truly wild and untouched.

Enjoy a hearty dinner and rest well—tomorrow is the most anticipated day of your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari.

Accommodation Options (Based on Assigned Gorilla Sector):

• Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Friends / Bwindi Backpackers

• Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma / Bakiga Lodge

• Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Transfer Duration: 6–7 hours depending on route and sector
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (en route), Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Face to Face with the Mountain Gorillas

Today is the defining moment of your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari—a rare and emotional experience that words can never truly capture: tracking and encountering a wild mountain gorilla family deep in the jungle.

After an early breakfast, your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide will escort you to the designated Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point in your allocated sector of Bwindi (Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, or Nkuringo). Here, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level and trekking interest.

Led by trained park rangers and trackers, you’ll set off into the thick rainforest in search of these gentle giants. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla group—but every step is rewarded with the magic of the forest: waterfalls, birdsong, exotic plants, and animal calls.

And then—silence. A crack in the brush. The silverback appears. The gorilla family emerges, feeding, grooming, playing, and communicating as if you’re not even there. For one precious hour, you’ll stand just meters away from them, in awe of their size, tenderness, and human-like behavior.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is deeply moving, and the connection you feel is unforgettable.

After your trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your official gorilla trekking certificate, then return to the lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest.

Optional: Spend the afternoon enjoying a Batwa community visit, forest walk, or simply relax at your veranda overlooking the Bwindi jungle.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 5

• Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Friends

• Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma

• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Activity Duration: 2–6 hours trek + 1 hour gorilla viewing
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation & Optional Canoe Experience

After breakfast and a relaxed morning in the rainforest, your Nextgen Safaris Africa driver-guide will take you on a scenic drive to the calm, emerald waters of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful lake.

Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect contrast to your previous jungle treks and wildlife drives. Its misty hills, terraced slopes, and island-dotted waters create one of the most picturesque scenes in all of East Africa.

Upon arrival, check in at your chosen lodge and unwind with the cool lakeside breeze, incredible birdlife, and stunning views from your balcony or private veranda.

In the afternoon, enjoy an optional guided canoe ride to visit Punishment Island and other small islands that carry deep cultural history and folklore. Or simply relax, reflect, and review your favorite photos from your 8 Days Gorilla  Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari.

Optional activities also include:

• Nature walks around the lake

• Bird watching (over 200 species)

• Swimming (Lake Bunyonyi is bilharzia-free and safe)

Accommodation Options (Lake Bunyonyi):

• Budget: Bunyonyi View Resort

• Midrange: Arcadia Lodge / Birdnest @ Bunyonyi

• Luxury: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort / Birdnest Lake Bunyonyi Deluxe

Transfer Duration: 2–4 hours depending on your gorilla trekking sector
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Entebbe or Kigali – End of Safari

Enjoy a final breakfast with the tranquil views of Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey back to Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda), marking the final leg of your unforgettable 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari.

Your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide, who has been by your side throughout this journey, will ensure a comfortable and scenic transfer, offering optional stops for souvenirs, photography, and refreshments along the way.

• If you’re heading to Entebbe, you’ll drive through Kabale, Mbarara, and the equator line, with a chance to stop at the Uganda Equator monument for photos and souvenirs.

• If your departure is through Kigali, you’ll cross back into Rwanda via Cyanika or Katuna border and reach the capital in about 4 hours.

Arrive in time for your outbound flight, with the spirit of Uganda’s rainforests, rivers, wildlife, and warm hospitality still fresh in your memory.

Your 8 Days Gorilla Chimpanzee and Murchison Falls Safari may be ending, but the stories and experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.

Transfer Duration:

• To Entebbe: Approx. 7–8 hours by road

• To Kigali: Approx. 4 hours by road (border crossing included)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (en route)

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