7 days · Uganda
7-day Murchison Falls and Bwindi gorilla safari
The north and the south-west of Uganda in one week. Take a Nile cruise and game drives at Murchison Falls, then travel to Bwindi for your gorilla trek, by road or by air.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Meet your guide at Entebbe airport and drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about five to six hours, with a lunch stop. On the way you can visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where guides take you on foot to see rhinos, if time allows. You reach your lodge in the evening. Read our Murchison Falls guide to prepare.
Day 2
Cross the river early for a game drive on the northern bank, where elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and several antelope species graze. Lions and leopards are sometimes seen. After lunch, board the launch for a cruise toward the base of the falls. You pass hippos, crocodiles and many water birds along the way. The Nile cruise guide explains the route and the best seats.
Day 3
Walk to the top of the falls in the morning, where the whole Nile squeezes through a narrow gap. The sound and spray are memorable. Then begin the journey south. You can drive back toward Kampala or Entebbe, about five to six hours, or fly from a nearby airstrip, if your plan includes flights. We confirm the option when we plan your dates. Overnight near Entebbe or in Kampala.
Day 4
Travel to the south-west. By road this is a long day, usually nine to ten hours with stops, and it passes the equator and green hill country. By air, a morning flight to Kihihi or Kisoro takes about an hour and a half, followed by a short drive. We recommend the flight if you have the budget for it. Read how to get to Bwindi to compare both options.
Day 5
Attend the briefing at the park office after breakfast. Rangers assign a habituated family and lead the way into the forest. The walk can last from about one hour to most of the day. When you reach the family, you spend one hour at a distance of 10 metres. Return to your lodge for a late lunch, and for rest.
Day 6
If you want a calmer pace, use this day in the forest. A nature walk, a village visit or a Batwa cultural experience are all good choices. You can also start the journey back to Entebbe, by road or air, and add a night on the way.
Day 7
Complete your journey to Entebbe in time for your flight. If you drive, leave early, because the road is long. If you fly, you are usually in Entebbe by lunchtime. We plan the timing around your international departure.
What is included
- Gorilla permit for your date
- Lodging and meals as set out in your quote
- Private vehicle with driver-guide
- Park entrance fees and the Nile launch cruise listed in the itinerary
- Game drive with a ranger guide at Murchison Falls
- Flights, if you choose the air option in your quote
- Bottled water on the road
Not included
- International flights
- Extra nights before or after the trip
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Personal items and tips
Your quote lists every inclusion for your dates and group size.
How to book this trip
- Send your dates. Use the request form or WhatsApp.
- We check for you. Our office confirms your permit date with the park, normally within 24 hours.
- You receive one quote. Then we secure your permit and plan the rest.
Why this route works
Murchison Falls and Bwindi sit at opposite ends of Uganda, so a trip that links them needs planning. The reward is a trip of real contrasts: a wide river, open savannah and then high, misty forest. Many guests say the two halves complement each other.
The sequence also helps. Starting in Murchison Falls eases you into the trip with relaxed game drives, and the gorilla trek arrives when you are rested and used to early starts. Read our safari combinations guide to see how this trip compares with the others.
If you are short on days, consider the plan in our flying guide, which cuts the road time sharply.
The Nile launch cruise and the falls
The cruise is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda. The launch moves slowly along the Nile, and you can watch animals come to the bank to drink. Boat captains stop for good views, and guides name each bird and animal.
At the end of the cruise, you reach the base of the falls, where the river drops through a narrow gap. The next day you can walk to the top for a very different view. Our Murchison Falls pages explain both viewpoints.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the park and publishes its rules for visitors. Follow your guide's instructions at all times near the water.
Road or air to Bwindi
The road leg to Bwindi takes most of a day. It passes through small towns, tea hills and the equator crossing, and it rewards patient travellers with views. It is also tiring, and it shortens the time you have for other activities.
Flying costs more but saves a full day. A flight to Kihihi or Kisoro followed by a short drive puts you at your lodge by lunchtime. We quote both options and explain the difference clearly. Ask for your quote with your preferred style in mind.
Our lodging guide for Bwindi helps you choose the right sector for your arrival route.
Your trek day in Bwindi
The trek day is the same in every sector. You attend a briefing, meet your family and spend one hour with the gorillas at a distance of 10 metres. Groups are limited to eight visitors per family. The minimum age is 15.
The walk can be long and muddy, so bring good boots, gloves and a rain layer. Porters are available at the park office and are a good way to support local families. Our difficulty guide explains how to prepare, and our rules guide explains the code of conduct.
Best months for this safari
Murchison Falls is best for game drives in the drier months, roughly December to February and June to September. Those months also suit the Bwindi trek, because the trails are firmer. The wetter months bring greener scenery and fewer visitors, with slippery trails.
Because both parks have good dry spells in the same months, this trip is easy to time. See our month-by-month guide for details, and ask us for advice on your dates.
Planning notes before you book
Send your dates early. We check the gorilla permit first and then build the rest of the plan. Your flights, your lodges and your park fees follow from that date.
Prepare your documents and health plans in good time. Our travel documents page links to official visa sites and travel advisories. Read about travel insurance too, and see your doctor about vaccines and malaria prevention.
The UNESCO listing for Bwindi gives background on the forest. When you are ready, ask us to check your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Should I drive or fly between the two parks?
Flying saves a full day and a lot of road time. Driving shows you more of the country and costs less. We price both options and you choose.
How long is the drive from Murchison Falls to Bwindi?
It is a very long journey, usually split across two days with an overnight near Entebbe or Kampala. The final leg to Bwindi alone takes nine to ten hours.
Is the Nile cruise included?
Yes. The launch cruise on day two is part of the plan. We confirm the schedule with the park when we plan your dates.
Can I see rhinos on this trip?
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way north offers rhino visits on foot, if you add it. See the Ziwa note on day one.
Which Bwindi sector will I trek in?
That depends on your permit. Read our sector comparison for the options.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes. We buy your permit for your chosen date once we have confirmed it with the park.
Can the dates and lodges be changed?
Yes. Every trip is a starting point, and we adapt it to your dates, group and comfort level.
Ready to trek? Ask for your quote.
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