8-Day Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale & Murchison Falls Safari (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Private / Group Tour
Safari Style: Midrange lodges and tented camps with scenic views, personalized service, and authentic safari experiences Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Kibale Forest National Park • Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s Ultimate Safari Circuit
This 8-day journey takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, from the misty mountains of Bwindi, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, the primate-rich forests of Kibale, and the thunderous spectacle of Murchison Falls. It’s a well-paced, high-impact itinerary designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Uganda’s biodiversity, culture, and natural beauty, all while enjoying comfortable midrange accommodations and expert-guided activities.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NP
- Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls, Africa’s most powerful waterfall
- Scenic drives through crater lakes, tea plantations, and the Albertine Rift
- Midrange lodges with wildlife proximity, local cuisine, and warm hospitality
Major Attractions
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Gorilla trekking, rainforest hiking |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Kibale Forest NP | Chimpanzees, primates, birding |
| Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
| Kazinga Channel | Hippos, crocodiles, water birds |
| Top of Murchison Falls | Scenic viewpoint and photo opportunity |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth → Kibale → Murchison → Kampala (~1,500 km total)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available to Kihihi (Bwindi), Kasese (Queen Elizabeth), and Pakuba (Murchison)
- Transfers: All ground transfers provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof and bottled water
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer via Masaka and Kabale Depart early and enjoy views of Lake Bunyonyi and terraced hills. Lunch en route. Duration: ~8–9 hours
- Evening Lodge Check-In & Briefing Settle into your forest lodge and receive a gorilla trekking orientation. Duration: Flexible
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Amenities: En-suite rooms, hot showers, forest views, Wi-Fi, local cuisine
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Forest Relaxation
Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest Trek through dense rainforest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing them. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
- Afternoon Rest or Optional Cultural Visit Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional visit to Batwa community. Duration: 1.5 hours (optional)
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Drive Time: ~4–5 hours Activities:
- Scenic Transfer via Ishasha Sector Drive through the southern corridor of Queen Elizabeth NP, known for tree-climbing lions. Duration: Morning transfer with wildlife stops
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hub Lodge
Amenities: Panoramic views, en-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 4: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Crater Lake Drive
Activities:
- Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
- Afternoon Crater Lake Exploration Visit the Katwe explosion craters and enjoy scenic viewpoints. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest & Nature Walk
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Kibale via Fort Portal Drive through tea plantations and Rwenzori foothills. Duration: Morning transfer
- Afternoon Nature Walk or Crater Lake Visit Optional walk near lodge or visit to Lake Nyinambuga. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge
Amenities: Forest views, eco-friendly design, fireplace lounge, Wi-Fi
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Trek through rainforest to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Guided walk through a community-run wetland rich in birdlife and local culture. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP & Top of the Falls Visit
Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer via Hoima to Murchison Falls Enjoy views of Lake Albert and the Albertine Rift. Lunch en route. Duration: Full-day transfer
- Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls Hike to the top for breathtaking views of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison
Amenities: Riverside views, pool, en-suite rooms, restaurant & bar
Day 8: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari → Return to Kampala
Activities:
- Morning Game Drive in Northern Murchison Spot giraffes, lions, elephants, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls Cruise along the Nile spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
Departure: Late afternoon transfer to Kampala or overnight stay can be arranged.
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Rain jacket (especially March–May or Oct–Nov)
- Moderate fitness for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 7 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
- Boat cruises and game drives
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi | Forest views, hot showers, Wi-Fi |
| Twin Lakes Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth NP | Panoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms |
| Turaco Treetops | Kibale Forest | Forest canopy views, eco-design, Wi-Fi |
| Murchison River Lodge | Murchison Falls NP | Riverside deck, pool, solar power |
This midrange safari offers the perfect blend of primates, big game, and scenic relaxation, ideal for solo travelers, private adventurers, or group explorers.