7 Days murchison falls with chimp and gorilla safari

Traveling to Uganda for a safari promises a mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, close encounters with primates, and the chance to see the Big Five mammals in their natural habitat. This 7-day tour, offered by Big Apes Africa Safaris, covers some of Uganda’s most famous parks — Murchison Falls, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale — all packed with activities that showcase the country’s incredible biodiversity. While we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, a detailed look at the itinerary, reviews, and features suggest it’s a well-rounded, immersive experience.

What we love most about this safari? First, the chance to see gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural environments. Second, the variety of landscapes—from the vast savannahs of Murchison to the lush rainforests of Bwindi—makes for a visually stunning journey. Third, the inclusion of close encounters with white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha adds extra layers of adventure. On the flip side, one consideration is that the trip involves quite a bit of travel time across different parks, which might be tiring for some. This tour seems best suited for wildlife enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, authentic Ugandan safari experience packed with iconic sightings.

Key Points:

• Diverse Wildlife Experiences: From Big Five game drives to primate treks, this tour offers a wide spectrum of animal encounters.
• Impressive Landscapes: Expect stunning views of waterfalls, savannahs, and rainforests at every stop.
• Expert-guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides seem to make a noticeable difference, especially in wildlife tracking.
• Value for Money: For $3,390, you get a well-organized 7-day adventure with permits, park fees, and activities included.
• Balance of Adventure and Relaxation: Mixes game drives, boat cruises, and serene visits to Lake Bunyonyi.
• Active Days: Be prepared for early mornings and some strenuous walks, especially gorilla trekking.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect from Each Day

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction at Murchison Falls

Starting in Kampala or Entebbe, your safari kicks off with a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve. The trip includes a convenient detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll get a close look at the rare white rhinos—a highlight for many travelers. The peace of watching these gentle giants is a peaceful beginning to your adventure.

You’ll also visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous spectacle. If time permits, a short game drive might be possible, giving a glimpse of the park’s diverse mammals and birds.

Day 2: Full-Day Safari and Boat Ride

An early start (around 6:30 am) means you’ll be on the road before most travelers. The morning game drive is the core activity—expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and various antelopes. The park’s landscape, with its iconic acacia trees and open plains, makes spotting wildlife especially rewarding. Reviewers have praised guides like Tim for their expert animal tracking, making the experience more than just a drive.

Post-safari, you’ll enjoy a brunch at the top of Murchison Falls or a bush breakfast. Later, a boat cruise along the Nile will take you to the base of the falls, offering a different perspective and chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The boat ride is often highlighted as a relaxing yet wildlife-rich highlight.

Day 3: Transition to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, a short game drive might reveal more sights before heading south to Kibale. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch, giving you energy for the afternoon. Kibale is famous for its primate population, and a short walk here allows you to see various monkeys and birds, especially in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth

The day begins with a chimpanzee trekking briefing in Queen Elizabeth Park. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll trek through the forest in search of these intelligent primates. Once found, you’ll have about an hour with the chimps — a deeply memorable encounter, as one reviewer noted, “You get a chance to study them and take amazing photos.”

After lunch, the journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the landscapes are varied and the wildlife abundant, including the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. The park’s ecosystem combines savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, offering excellent game viewing.

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early morning drive takes you through the lush scenery of Queen Elizabeth into Bwindi, home to the mountain gorillas. An adventurous day awaits as you look for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha en route—an experience that many find thrilling. Expect to see elephants and buffalos along the way.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi

This is the tour’s main highlight. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll set out with a ranger guide for your gorilla trekking experience. The trek can take a few hours and involves some physical effort, but the sight of a gorilla family—those gentle giants—more than compensates.

Along With gorillas, you’ll likely see other primates and a variety of bird species, thanks to Bwindi’s biodiversity. After the trek, a visit to Lake Bunyonyi offers peaceful waters and picturesque views, perfect for unwinding.

Day 7: Return to Entebbe

Your adventure wraps up with a scenic drive back to Entebbe, including stops at the Equator crossing at Kayabwe for photo ops and souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stay overnight or head straight to the airport.

What This Tour Means for You

The inclusion of permits, park entry fees, and activities in the price reflects a comprehensive package that covers most essentials—saving you the hassle of booking individual components. The guided nature of the tour, with a dedicated safari guide, adds a layer of expertise that can really enhance wildlife sightings and safety.

While the itinerary is packed and involves some long travel days, it balances active pursuits with moments of downtime. You’ll get a real sense of Uganda’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife, from the thunderous waters of Murchison Falls to the gentle giants of Bwindi.

The reviews highlight the quality of guides like Tim, whose knowledge and tracking skills make a notable difference. One reviewer praised the “stunning views” and called the experience “unforgettable,” emphasizing how the trip exceeded expectations for wildlife and scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers and adventure travelers who want a thorough experience of Uganda’s top parks within a week. It’s suitable for those comfortable with early mornings and some moderate physical activity during treks. The trip offers a fantastic combination of big game safaris, primate encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, making it perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors alike who want a well-organized, meaningful journey.

Final Thoughts

Taking part in this 7-day safari provides a chance to witness Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity firsthand. The tour’s structure, blending game drives, boat cruises, primate treks, and scenic drives, ensures a well-rounded experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

The investment of $3,390 per person offers good value considering the permits, activities, and guides included. It’s a trip that promises fulfilling wildlife sightings, spectacular scenery, and authentic encounters—perfect for those seeking adventure and connection with nature.

For those who crave a genuine, immersive safari with knowledgeable guides and diverse activities, this Uganda tour hits many marks. It’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty, designed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $3,390 fee covers private transportation, park entry and game drive fees, rhino tracking, permits for chimpanzees and gorillas, a safari guide, boat cruise fees, and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Are permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking included?
Yes, the tour includes permits for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, which are key highlights of this safari.

What is the best part of the tour?
Many travelers find the gorilla trekking and boat ride at Murchison Falls to be the most memorable moments, thanks to their emotional and scenic impact.

Can I expect early mornings?
Absolutely. The itinerary involves early game drives, typically starting around 6:30 am, to maximize wildlife sightings.

Are the activities suitable for all fitness levels?
Primarily, yes. However, gorilla trekking involves some walking in hilly terrain, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What wildlife might I see besides the big mammals?
Expect to see a variety of birds, monkeys, and unique animals like hippos, crocodiles, and possibly tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

Is there time for relaxation?
Yes, visits to Lake Bunyonyi and some leisure time at lodges offer moments to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What should I pack?
Light, breathable clothing for daytime, a jacket for cooler evenings, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, and camera gear for wildlife photography.

How long are the transfer drives?
Transfers vary but expect long drives between parks—up to 9 hours on the first day, with most other days involving 7-8 hours of travel.

Is this tour private or group?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for personalized experiences and flexible timing.

To sum it up, this safari ticks many boxes for wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore Uganda’s most iconic parks. It offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters—an adventure that promises lifelong memories for those ready for a bit of an active, scenic, and soulful journey into Africa’s rainforest and savannah.