7 Days murchison falls with chimp and gorilla safari

Looking for an in-depth look at a seven-day Ugandan safari that combines iconic wildlife encounters with scenic beauty? We’ve examined this tour offered by Big Apes Africa Safaris, designed for travelers eager to see the Big Five, chimpanzees, and gorillas in their natural habitats. If you’re considering a trip that balances adventure, stunning landscapes, and genuine animal sightings, this might be just what you need.

What we love about this experience is its well-structured itinerary—covering Uganda’s top wilderness areas—and the inclusion of key permits and activities, which ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey. Another favorite aspect is the chance to see endangered species, like rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and mountain gorillas, which are truly once-in-a-lifetime moments.

The only potential drawback? The tour’s long travel days and sometimes early starts could be tiring for travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace.

However, if you’re up for an active, immersive experience, this safari offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those wanting authentic Ugandan scenery.

Key Points

• Diverse Wildlife: From lions and elephants to chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, the tour hits Uganda’s most famous animal hotspots.
• Scenic Highlights: Murchison Falls and the Nile boat cruise offer breathtaking views and memorable photo opportunities.
• All-Inclusive Value: The tour fee covers permits, park entry, game drives, boat rides, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Cultural and Community Opportunities: Optional walks and visits to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary provide insight into local communities and ecosystems.
• Active Pacing: Expect early mornings and full days, ideal for energetic travelers but potentially exhausting for some.
• Authentic Experiences: Seeing the White Rhinos at Ziwa, tracking chimpanzees, and encountering mountain gorillas make this a trip with genuine wildlife moments.

An In-Depth Look at the 7-Day Uganda Safari

Starting with Murchison Falls National Park

The journey begins with a drive from Entebbe or Kampala, giving travelers a taste of Uganda’s varied landscapes. An important highlight is the stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you get the chance to see white rhinos in a protected environment — a rare sight outside Africa’s top reserves. The review quotes, “An hour in the company of these peaceful will be the starter of a long thrilling journey,” emphasizing how special this encounter is.

After the Rhino visit, you head to Murchison Falls itself. Visiting the Top of the Falls provides spectacular views of the river as it surges through a narrow gorge, a classic Ugandan postcard. Depending on timing, a short game drive in Murchison is often included, giving a first glimpse of the park’s diverse mammals and birds. The park, being the largest game reserve in Uganda, is home to 76 mammal species and around 450 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Day 2: Wildlife Encounters and Nile Boat Ride

The early morning game drive is a highlight, starting at 6:30 am. Expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and the spectrum of antelopes that thrill visitors, along with Warthogs, Waterbucks, and even the rare Giraffes. The early hours are prime time for spotting animals when they’re most active.

Post-drive, you’ll enjoy brunch at the top of Murchison Falls or opt for a bush breakfast — an opportunity to enjoy your meal amid nature’s grandeur. The boat ride along the Nile to the foot of the falls is another unforgettable experience, offering a close-up view of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, including kingfishers and herons. The quote from a review captures it well: “The bottom ride is a view of nature’s raw power in action and a chance to see waterbirds, hippos, and crocodiles up close.”

Day 3: From Savannahs to Rainforests—Kibale Forest

Traveling southward, the journey takes you to Kibale Forest National Park, often called the “primate capital” of Uganda. A short game drive en route might reveal more wildlife, but the real excitement is waiting in Kibale’s lush canopy. Dinner at your lodge concludes a day of travel, with optional community walks or a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where primate and bird sightings are plentiful.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

The morning begins early with a chimpanzee trek, a highlight that many reviews emphasize. You’ll be briefed at the park headquarters and then led into the forest by a ranger guide. Once you find the chimps, you can observe them for up to an hour, capturing photos and learning about their behaviors. The opportunity to see large populations of primates makes Kibale a standout for nature lovers.

After lunch, you’ll journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park’s varied ecosystems make it a rich place to spot elephants, lions, and the iconic Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha. The mixture of savannah, woodland, and wetlands offers a broad variety of wildlife and bird sightings.

Day 5: The Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Traveling further south, the tour takes you through Ishasha sector, famous for lions perched high in fig trees. Here, you might catch sight of elephants, buffalos, and leopards. Arriving in Bwindi, the real star of the show is waiting—the mountain gorillas. Dinner at your lodge provides a moment to reflect on the adventure ahead.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the day many travelers dream of: gorilla trekking. After a briefing, you’re led into the dense forest, where guided by park rangers, you search for these gentle giants. When you finally meet them, you get to spend an hour observing their behaviors, taking photos, and learning about their social dynamics. The experience is often described as profoundly moving, and the review mentions the chance to spot other primates like colobus and vervet monkeys along the way. Post-trek, the journey continues to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful spot perfect for unwinding.

Day 7: Return to Entebbe

The trip wraps up with a scenic drive back north. A stop in Mbarara for lunch and a quick visit to the Equator at Kayabwe for souvenir shopping make for a fitting end. The return journey is long but filled with opportunities to reflect on an incredible week of wildlife encounters and scenic vistas.

Practical Considerations and Value

This tour offers comprehensive coverage of Uganda’s most famous national parks and wildlife attractions. The price of $3,390 per person includes permanent permits for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, park entry, game drives, boat rides, and a knowledgeable guide. For avid wildlife enthusiasts, this all-in-one package represents good value, especially considering the costs of individual permits and activities.

The transportation is private, ensuring a comfortable and flexible experience, and group discounts make it accessible for travelers who want to share the adventure. The tour’s duration of seven days balances ample time to see the key highlights without feeling rushed, though it does involve early mornings and full days, which is typical for safaris but worth considering if you prefer a slower pace.

While the tour doesn’t specify the exact group size, the mention of small group options and private arrangements suggests a more intimate experience. The itinerary is well thought out to maximize wildlife sightings and scenic views, making it ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see Uganda’s wilderness in depth.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for those who want to see Uganda’s Big Five, along with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers will appreciate the dynamic mix of game drives, boat rides, and treks. It’s also suited for travelers comfortable with early starts and full days of exploration.

If you’re after authentic encounters with rare animals and stunning landscapes without sacrificing comfort and convenience, then this tour offers excellent value. While it does involve some travel time and physical activity, those who enjoy being active and outdoors will find this trip rewarding.

The Sum Up

This 7-day Uganda safari offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into the country’s most renowned wildlife habitats. The combination of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking, and gorilla trekking provides a compelling lineup of iconic encounters, complemented by scenic river cruises and cultural opportunities. The tour’s inclusiveness—covering permits, boat rides, and game drives—means you can focus on the animals and scenery rather than logistics.

It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to see Uganda’s Big Five and endangered primates in their natural environment, all while enjoying comfortable private transportation and expert guidance. The stunning views at Murchison Falls and the chance to observe white rhinos, lions, elephants, and mountain gorillas make this an unforgettable adventure.

While the itinerary involves early mornings and long travel days, the genuine wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes more than compensate. If you’re looking for a value-packed, authentic wildlife safari in Uganda with a good balance of activity and comfort, this tour will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour fee covers private transportation, park entry fees, permits for rhino, chimpanzee, and gorilla tracking, a safari guide, boat cruise fees, and meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Are the permits for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking included?
Yes, the permits for gorilla and chimpanzee viewing are included, ensuring you don’t have to worry about additional costs for these essential activities.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll see a variety of mammals including lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and waterbucks. Primates like chimpanzees, vervet, blue, and red-tailed monkeys are common, along with numerous bird species.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect early mornings, full days, and some walking during treks. The tour suggests a moderate fitness level is advisable, especially for trekking gorillas and chimps.

Is the tour suitable for families or older travelers?
While it’s accessible for most willing and active travelers, the physically demanding nature and early starts might be best for those in good health.

Can I customize or extend the trip?
Since it’s a private tour, you might be able to tailor some activities or add extra days, although this would need to be arranged directly with Big Apes Africa Safaris.

What should I pack?
Lightweight clothing for hot days, a jacket for cooler mornings, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, and camera gear are recommended.

How do I book the tour?
You can contact the provider, Big Apes Africa Safaris, via the contact details provided, or book through the tour website linked above.

This detailed review should help you decide if this 7-day Uganda safari matches your travel dreams. If you’re after a wildlife-rich adventure with a good mix of scenery, animals, and cultural moments, it’s a trip that’s hard to beat.