6 Days in Kibale, Bwindi, and Murchison Falls

Overview of 6 Days in Kibale, Bwindi, and Murchison Falls

Embark on an extraordinary 6-days adventure through three of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations: Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. This comprehensive safari combines the thrill of chimpanzee tracking, the awe of gorilla trekking, and the excitement of game drives and boat safaris. Starting from Entebbe or Kampala, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, encounter a rich array of wildlife, and experience the stunning natural beauty that Uganda has to offer. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this itinerary offers an immersive journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks.

Highlights

• Kibale National Park: Track chimpanzees in one of Africa’s top primate habitats and explore the lush Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Experience the unforgettable thrill of trekking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Murchison Falls National Park: Witness the powerful Murchison Falls and enjoy game drives and boat safaris to see Uganda’s diverse wildlife.
• Scenic Landscapes: Travel through Uganda’s varied landscapes, from dense rainforests and verdant highlands to vast savannahs and dramatic waterfalls.
• Cultural Encounters: Engage with local communities and learn about their cultures and traditions.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala – Transfer to Kibale National Park

Morning: Arrival and Departure

• Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala in the morning. After clearing customs and immigration, embark on your journey to Kibale National Park. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours from Entebbe and 4-5 hours from Kampala.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive and Arrival

• Enjoy the picturesque drive through the Ugandan countryside, passing through rural villages and rolling hills.
• Arrive at Kibale National Park in the early afternoon. Check into your lodge or camp, offering comfortable accommodations in the heart of the forest.

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

• Settle into your lodge and unwind. Enjoy a delicious dinner while preparing for the upcoming chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Morning: Chimpanzee Tracking

• After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking.
• Join a guided trek into the forest to search for chimpanzees. Kibale is renowned for its high concentration of chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa for this experience.
• Spend an hour observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat, watching them interact, feed, and play.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

• Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area.
• Explore the wetlands on a guided walk, where you can spot various bird species, monkeys, and learn about local conservation efforts.

Evening: Cultural Experience

• Engage with the local community to learn about their traditions and daily life. Participate in cultural activities such as traditional dances or visit a local school.
• Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Departure from Kibale

• After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and traditional villages.

Afternoon: Arrival in Bwindi

• Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge or camp, which offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding forest.

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

• Settle into your lodge and enjoy dinner. Prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Gorilla Trekking

• After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
• Join a guided trek into the dense forest to find mountain gorillas. Bwindi is one of the few places in the world where you can observe these endangered primates up close.
• Spend an hour with a gorilla family, observing their behavior and interactions. The trek can be challenging due to the dense vegetation, but the experience is truly rewarding.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Leisure

• Return to your lodge for lunch and a rest. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the serene surroundings of Bwindi.

Evening: Community Visit

• Visit a local community near Bwindi to learn about their culture and traditions. Participate in traditional music and dance performances or explore local crafts and activities.

Night: Dinner and Reflection

• Return to your lodge for dinner. Reflect on your gorilla trekking experience and enjoy a peaceful evening in the forest.

Day 5: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Morning: Departure from Bwindi

• After breakfast, embark on your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, crossing various landscapes and offering scenic views.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive and Arrival

• Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge or camp, offering comfortable accommodations with views of the park.

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

• Settle into your lodge and unwind. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the upcoming adventures in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Morning: Game Drive

• After an early breakfast, head out for a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Explore the northern sector of the park, known for its abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes.
• The early morning is the best time for wildlife viewing, as many animals are more active during this period.

Afternoon: Boat Safari on the Nile River

• Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile River, cruising towards the base of Murchison Falls.
• The boat cruise offers fantastic opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Enjoy the spectacular views of the falls as the river cascades through a narrow gorge.

Evening: Top of the Falls Visit and Departure

• After the boat safari, take a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls for a breathtaking view of the powerful waterfall.
• Return to your lodge for dinner. Afterward, start your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, depending on your departure time.

Night: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala

• Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala in the late evening. Transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past six days.

Conclusion

The 6-days journey through Kibale, Bwindi, and Murchison Falls offers a diverse and immersive exploration of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes. From tracking chimpanzees and gorillas to witnessing the majesty of Murchison Falls, this safari provides an unforgettable adventure through some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. With thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and cultural interactions, this tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and enriching safari experience in the heart of Africa. Whether you’re drawn to primate tracking, game viewing, or stunning natural beauty, this itinerary showcases the best of Uganda’s diverse and captivating wilderness.