Gorilla Trek in Bwindi and Murchison Falls in One Tour. Picture the River Nile exploding through a gorge just seven meters wide, thundering down in a cloud of spray as elephants and giraffes roam the savannah nearby. Now picture yourself a few days later, deep in a misty rainforest, sitting quietly beside a family of mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek in Bwindi and Murchison Falls in one tour brings both of these extraordinary experiences together, taking you from the far north to the far southwest of Uganda in a single, unforgettable journey.

At Kenlink Tours, we have been organizing safaris across Uganda since 2010, and this “north meets south” route is one of the most rewarding we offer. It combines Uganda’s largest national park, its most powerful waterfall, its only wild rhinos and its most famous primates. In this guide, you will find a detailed day-by-day itinerary, a fly-in alternative, what each park offers, permit advice, lodges, costs, the best time to visit and practical tips to help you plan.

Why Combine Bwindi Gorilla Trekking with Murchison Falls?

Bwindi and Murchison Falls are two of Uganda’s most iconic destinations, but they offer completely different experiences. Murchison Falls is a classic savannah park with vast grasslands, the mighty Nile, elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and huge herds of antelope. Bwindi is a dense, ancient rainforest that shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Visiting both gives you the full picture of Uganda’s diversity in one trip.

This combination also brings you close to the Big Five. On the way to Murchison, you can track southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. In Murchison you can see elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes. Add the gorillas of Bwindi and, with a stop in Queen Elizabeth on the way, the famous tree-climbing lions, and you have one of the most complete wildlife safaris in East Africa.

Finally, the route passes through some of Uganda’s most beautiful scenery: the Albertine Rift escarpment, Lake Albert, the crater lakes of Fort Portal, the Rwenzori foothills and the terraced hills of the southwest. Browse more combinations on our Uganda safari packages page.

Quick Overview of the 6 Days Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour

• Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park, with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Day 2: Morning game drive, afternoon Nile boat cruise and hike to the top of the falls
• Day 3: Scenic drive along the Albertine Rift to Fort Portal and Kibale
• Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi through Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a game drive in Ishasha
• Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 6: Return to Kampala or Entebbe, or transfer to Kigali

If you have more time, our 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari cover the same regions at a more relaxed pace, with chimpanzee tracking included.

Getting to Know Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, covering about 3,840 square kilometers in the northwest of the country. The Victoria Nile flows through the park from east to west, dividing it into northern and southern sections before emptying into Lake Albert. At the heart of the park lies Murchison Falls itself, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow cleft in the rock and plunges about 43 meters, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

The park is home to around 76 mammal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribis and waterbucks. It also has the largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes in Uganda, which are a highlight of game drives on the northern bank. With more than 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork in the Nile Delta, Murchison is also a top birding destination.

For more on the park’s attractions and sectors, see this guide to Murchison Falls National Park, or compare the 3 Days safari to Murchison Falls.

Getting to Know Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers about 321 square kilometres of steep, forested hills in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Albertine Rift. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, with plant communities dating back tens of thousands of years.

Bwindi is home to around 459 mountain gorillas, almost half of the world’s population. More than 20 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism across four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. For this route, which approaches from Queen Elizabeth, the northern Buhoma sector is usually the most convenient.

The forest also shelters chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, forest elephants and around 350 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Read more in this guide to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Uganda’s Rhino Comeback

Rhinos were wiped out in Uganda by the early 1980s due to poaching and conflict. In 2005, a small group of southern white rhinos was brought to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a protected ranch about three hours north of Kampala, to begin a long-term breeding programme. Since then, the population has grown steadily, with calves born regularly in the sanctuary.

Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild, and the experience is unique: you track them on foot with an armed ranger, often getting within a safe distance of these massive animals. The sanctuary also supports antelopes, monkeys and more than 300 bird species. Because it lies directly on the road to Murchison Falls, it fits perfectly into the first day of this tour.

Detailed 6 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Murchison Falls Itinerary

Below is our recommended day-by-day plan starting from Kampala or Entebbe. Timings are approximate, and the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests and budget.

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or from Entebbe International Airport. You drive north along the Kampala–Gulu highway, passing small towns, farmland and papyrus swamps, and arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in mid-morning.

After a briefing, you set off on foot with an experienced ranger to track southern white rhinos. Walking through the bush and watching a rhino mother graze with her calf is a thrilling and humbling experience. After lunch at the sanctuary, you continue to Murchison Falls National Park, entering through the southern gate and driving through Budongo Forest, home to chimpanzees and mahogany trees. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or evening.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in or near Murchison Falls National Park

Day 2: Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise and Top of the Falls

Wake up early and cross the Nile on the Paraa ferry to the northern bank for a morning game drive on the Buligi circuit. This is the best wildlife area in the park, with sweeping savannah dotted with borassus palms. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs and, with luck, lions and leopards. The drive often ends near the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert.

After lunch, you join a boat cruise upstream on the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way you will see large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes at the water’s edge and a fantastic variety of birds, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, herons and fish eagles. As the boat nears the falls, the roar of the water and the spray rising into the air create an unforgettable scene.

Many travellers then hike from the boat landing to the top of the falls, or drive there afterwards. Standing at the top as the entire Nile squeezes through a gap just seven metres wide is one of the most powerful natural sights in Africa. You return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in or near Murchison Falls National Park

Day 3: Albertine Rift Drive to Fort Portal and Kibale

After breakfast, you leave Murchison and head south through Masindi and Hoima, following the Albertine Rift. Along the way, you are rewarded with stunning views over Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the distance. The road continues through rolling farmland and tea estates to Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s most attractive towns, set at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes or simply rest at your lodge after the long drive. If you would like to add chimpanzee tracking, we recommend an extra night here so you can track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park the following morning. Learn more about Kibale Forest National Park or our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Fort Portal or near Kibale Forest

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, you drive south into Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator and passing crater lakes and savannah dotted with wildlife. You continue to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, which often rest in the branches of large fig trees. A game drive here also offers chances to see buffaloes, elephants, topis and Uganda kobs.

After a picnic lunch, you continue to Bwindi, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s gorilla trek before dinner. If you would like more time in Queen Elizabeth, including the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, consider adding a night there. Learn more about Queen Elizabeth National Park or our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near your gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you report to the park headquarters for a 7:30am briefing with the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You are assigned to a habituated gorilla family, and then set off into the forest with rangers and trackers. Each family can be visited by a maximum of eight people per day.

The trek can last from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. When you find them, you spend one unforgettable hour watching the silverback, mothers with infants and playful juveniles going about their day. After the vast landscapes and powerful waterfall of Murchison, the intimate quiet of the gorilla encounter is a perfect and emotional finale.

After the trek, you return to your lodge to relax. In the afternoon, you can join an optional Batwa cultural experience or a community walk around Buhoma, visiting local schools, craft groups and tea farms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi

Day 6: Return to Kampala, Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, you begin the journey back. By road, the drive from Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe takes about eight to ten hours via Mbarara, with a lunch stop along the way. A faster and more comfortable option is a scheduled domestic flight from Kihihi airstrip near Buhoma to Entebbe, which takes about one and a half hours. If you are flying out of Rwanda, we can arrange a transfer to Kigali instead.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Fly-In Option: Save Time Between Murchison and Bwindi

Because Murchison Falls and Bwindi are at opposite ends of Uganda, many travellers choose to fly part of the route. Scheduled and charter flights connect Entebbe with airstrips near Murchison Falls, such as Pakuba and Bugungu, and with Kihihi and Kisoro near Bwindi.

A popular fly-in version of this tour is: drive from Kampala to Murchison via Ziwa, enjoy two nights in the park, then fly from Murchison to Kihihi (usually via Entebbe or with a connecting stop), trek gorillas in Bwindi and fly back to Entebbe. This shortens the trip to about five days and removes the longest drives, though it adds the cost of flights.

Flying also offers spectacular aerial views of the Albertine Rift, Lake Albert and the forests of western Uganda. Our team can compare road and fly-in options for your dates and budget.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This north-to-south safari is ideal for travellers who want to see as much of Uganda as possible in under a week. It suits first-time visitors who want both primates and big game, photographers chasing dramatic waterfalls, savannah wildlife and intimate gorilla portraits, and adventurous travellers who enjoy long scenic drives and changing landscapes.

It is also a great fit for Big Five enthusiasts, since it is one of the few short Uganda itineraries that includes rhinos, and for repeat African travellers who have done classic safaris in Kenya or Tanzania and now want to add gorillas and the Nile to their experiences.

If you prefer fewer driving hours, a shorter trip focused on the southwest may suit you better. Our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari focuses only on Bwindi, while our 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari pairs gorillas with Queen Elizabeth rather than Murchison. You can also compare the 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari for a quick primate-only option.

What to Expect on Your Bwindi Gorilla Trek

Bwindi’s terrain is steep, muddy and covered in thick vegetation, with altitudes between about 1,160 and 2,600 metres. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but people of many ages and abilities complete the trek successfully with help from walking sticks and porters.

Hiring a porter at the trailhead is strongly encouraged. Porters carry your daypack, help on steep sections and earn valuable income for their families. With the gorillas, you should stay about seven to ten metres away, speak softly, avoid sudden movements and never use flash photography. Anyone who is unwell should not trek, as gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases. The minimum age is 15 years.

Gorilla Permits: Book Early

A gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority is required for every trekker. It allows one person to trek once and spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Rates differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens and are reviewed periodically, so confirm current prices when booking.

With only eight permits issued per family per day, they sell out quickly, especially from June to September and in December. We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance. Kenlink Tours secures your permit, matches it with suitable accommodation and plans your route efficiently. Please review our terms and conditions before booking.

Top Activities on This Tour

Rhino tracking at Ziwa: Walk with rangers to see southern white rhinos, the only wild rhinos in Uganda.

Game drives in Murchison: Explore the Buligi circuit for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and antelopes.

Nile boat cruise: Cruise towards the base of the falls among hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife, or take the delta cruise to search for the shoebill.

Top of the falls hike: Feel the full force of the Nile as it plunges through the narrow gorge.

Chimpanzee tracking: Optional in Budongo Forest near Murchison or in Kibale near Fort Portal.

Tree-climbing lions: Search for lions resting in fig trees in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth.

Gorilla trekking: The highlight of the trip, with an unforgettable hour beside mountain gorillas.

Birdwatching: From the shoebill in the Nile Delta to Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi, this route offers outstanding birding. Birders should look at our 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda or the 18 Days Uganda birding and wildlife safari.

Where to Stay on Your Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour

Murchison Falls – luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge offer comfort and stunning river views. Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge and Fort Murchison provide excellent value. Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp and simple bandas near Paraa.

Fort Portal and Kibale: Kyaninga Lodge and Ndali Lodge offer luxury crater-lake views, while Chimpundu Lodge, Isunga Lodge and Crater Safari Lodge are good mid-range options.

Bwindi – luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Mid-range: Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge and Silverback Lodge. Budget: Community guesthouses and campsites near each sector.

Our consultants know these lodges personally and will recommend the best options for your budget. Learn more about our team on our About Us page.

Best Time for a Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour

This safari can be done year-round. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are the best for game viewing in Murchison, when grass is short and animals gather near the Nile. Trails in Bwindi are also drier and easier to hike during these months.

The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and sometimes lower lodge rates. Murchison Falls is at its most dramatic after heavy rains, and the wet months are excellent for birding. Some roads can become muddy, so a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver are essential.

How Much Does a Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour Cost?

The total cost depends on the gorilla permit, the number of travellers, your choice of accommodation, optional activities and whether you drive or fly part of the route. The gorilla permit and accommodation are usually the largest costs, while flights add to the price but save time.

A standard Kenlink Tours package includes a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, fuel, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, a gorilla permit, park entrance fees, rhino tracking at Ziwa, the Nile boat cruise, game drives, accommodation and meals as described, and bottled water. Chimpanzee permits, flights, porters, drinks and tips are usually optional extras.

To save money, consider joining one of our group tours or hiring a vehicle through our car hire in Uganda service. For a tailor-made quote, contact our safari experts and we will reply within 24 hours.

What to Pack for This Safari

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip for the gorilla trek and falls hike
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
• Garden gloves for gripping vegetation in Bwindi
• A lightweight waterproof rain jacket
• A warm fleece for cool mornings in Bwindi and Fort Portal
• Light, breathable clothing for hot days in Murchison
• A hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent and any prescribed anti-malaria medication
• Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries (no flash near gorillas)
• A small waterproof daypack and reusable water bottle
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance and a copy of your gorilla permit

Practical Travel Tips

Visas: Most international visitors need a Uganda visa, which can be applied for online. If you also plan to visit Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be convenient. Always check official requirements before travelling.

Health: A yellow fever certificate is required for entry into Uganda. Malaria is present, especially in Murchison, so take precautions. Do not trek gorillas if you feel unwell.

Driving times: Expect about five to six hours from Kampala to Murchison including Ziwa, six to seven hours from Murchison to Fort Portal, six to seven hours from Fort Portal to Bwindi via Ishasha, and eight to ten hours from Bwindi back to Kampala.

Pace: This is an active itinerary with long drives. If you prefer a slower pace, we recommend adding a night in Queen Elizabeth or Kibale, or choosing the fly-in option.

Tipping: Tips for guides, rangers, porters and lodge staff are appreciated but not compulsory. We will share guidelines before your trip.

How to Extend Your Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour

Add chimpanzees and more wildlife: Our 10 Days Best of Primate and Culture tour and 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari include extra time for chimpanzees and Queen Elizabeth. You can also compare the 7 Days Uganda safari one-week tour and the 10 Days Uganda primates and wildlife itinerary.

Go on a grand Uganda safari: For the ultimate experience, see our 18-Day Uganda Adventure or 20-Day Wildlife and Nature in Uganda, or compare the 14-Day Uganda primates and safari adventure.

Add golden monkeys: Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Bwindi’s southern sectors for golden monkey tracking.

Continue to Rwanda: Bwindi is close to the Rwandan border. Explore our 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari and our full range of Rwanda safaris. For more ideas, browse these Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safaris.

Why Book with Kenlink Tours?

Uganda experts since 2010: Kenlink Tours is a Kampala-based operator with deep knowledge of every region, from Murchison in the north to Bwindi in the southwest.

Smart route planning: We design efficient routes, secure gorilla permits early and advise on when flying is worth the cost.

Professional driver-guides: Our friendly, knowledgeable guides bring Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes and culture to life.

Comfortable vehicles: Our well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles are built for long journeys and game drives.

Responsible travel: We are fully licensed and support local communities and vulnerable children through our foundation.

Learn more about the country in our guide About Uganda, or explore the safari ideas of our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour

Can I do gorilla trekking and Murchison Falls in one trip?

Yes. Although the two parks are at opposite ends of Uganda, a six-day road itinerary or a five-day fly-in itinerary allows you to enjoy both comfortably.

How far is Bwindi from Murchison Falls?

By road, it is roughly two long days of driving, usually broken with overnight stops in Fort Portal or Queen Elizabeth. By air, you can fly between the regions in a few hours, usually via Entebbe.

Can I see the Big Five on this tour?

Yes, potentially. You can see rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth. Leopard sightings are never guaranteed but are possible.

Is this tour too much driving?

It involves several long drives, but the scenery is beautiful and the route includes wildlife stops along the way. For a more relaxed trip, we recommend adding an extra night or choosing the fly-in option.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Other activities, such as game drives, boat cruises and rhino tracking, are suitable for younger travellers, though age limits may apply to some walking activities.

When is the best time for this tour?

The dry months of June to September and December to February offer the best game viewing and trekking conditions, but the tour can be enjoyed year-round.

Book Your Bwindi and Murchison Falls Tour Today

A gorilla trek in Bwindi and Murchison Falls in one tour is the ultimate way to experience Uganda from north to south. In just six days, you can walk with rhinos, cruise the Nile to the foot of a thundering waterfall, watch giraffes and elephants on the savannah, look for tree-climbing lions and spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas. It is a journey of contrasts, adventure and wonder that captures everything that makes Uganda the Pearl of Africa.

Ready to plan your adventure? Let the team at Kenlink Tours design your perfect north-to-south safari, from permits and lodges to flights and expert guiding. Send us your enquiry today, and we will reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made itinerary and quote.