Murchison Falls tour with Bwindi and Kibale. Imagine standing beside the thundering Murchison Falls as the entire River Nile forces itself through a gap just seven metres wide. A few days later, you are deep in the forest of Kibale, watching a chimpanzee family groom and feed above your head. Then, on the final leg of your journey, you climb the misty hills of Bwindi and sit quietly for an hour with a family of endangered mountain gorillas.

A Murchison Falls tour with Bwindi and Kibale brings together Uganda’s most iconic experiences in one unforgettable safari: big game and the mighty Nile in the north, chimpanzees in the west and mountain gorillas in the southwest. It is the trip that truly earns Uganda its title as the “Pearl of Africa.”

This guide gives you everything you need to plan it: a detailed day-by-day itinerary, shorter and longer alternatives, current permit prices for 2026 and 2027, realistic costs, lodge options, the best time to travel and answers to the questions our guests ask most.

Kenlink Tours has been crafting Uganda safaris since 2010, and this north-to-south route is one of the journeys we know best. Our guides drive it every month, which means we know the best lodges, the smoothest roads and the little stops that turn a long drive into part of the adventure.

Why Combine Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi?

Each of these parks is outstanding on its own. Together, they create a safari with remarkable variety that few other African countries can match in a single trip.

Murchison Falls: Big Game and the Mighty Nile

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest park. Its northern savannah is home to elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, lions, leopards, Uganda kob and hartebeest. A launch cruise on the Nile brings you face to face with hippos and crocodiles before reaching the foot of the falls, and the Nile delta is one of the best places in Africa to spot the shoebill stork.

Kibale: The Primate Capital of the World

Kibale Forest National Park protects around 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Chimp tracking here has excellent success rates, and the surrounding crater lakes, tea plantations and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary add depth to your visit.

Bwindi: Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through its ancient forest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family is often described as the most moving wildlife encounter on earth.

Queen Elizabeth on the Way

The route from Kibale to Bwindi passes through Queen Elizabeth National Park, so most itineraries add a game drive, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. You get four parks for the price of a single journey.

A Natural North-to-South Route

The parks line up neatly along Uganda’s western side. Starting at Murchison in the north and ending at Bwindi in the south means you never backtrack, and you can finish by flying back to Entebbe or crossing into Rwanda to fly home from Kigali.

10-Day Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi Safari: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Ten days is the ideal length for this route. It allows time for every highlight without exhausting travel days, and it includes a buffer for weather or extra activities.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Your Kenlink Tours driver-guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax by Lake Victoria, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or stop at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. Track southern white rhinos on foot with experienced rangers — an exciting and safe experience. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls in the late afternoon, when the light is golden and the spray rises from the gorge. Overnight at a lodge in Murchison Falls.

Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Launch Cruise

Cross the Nile at dawn for a morning game drive on the northern bank. Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest and, with luck, leopards. Return for lunch, then board the afternoon launch cruise upstream towards the base of the falls. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water’s edge and countless birds make this one of Uganda’s most memorable boat trips. Overnight in Murchison Falls.

If you only had time for Murchison alone, this is what the 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls covers — on this route, it is just the opening chapter.

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale

After an optional early Nile delta cruise to search for the shoebill, begin the scenic drive south through Hoima and the Albertine Rift escarpment, with views over Lake Albert. The journey takes about six to seven hours, arriving at your lodge near Kibale in time for dinner. Overnight near Kibale.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

This morning, head to the Kanyanchu visitor centre for your chimpanzee tracking briefing. Follow your ranger into the forest to find a habituated chimp community and spend an unforgettable hour watching them feed, groom and call through the trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to spot red colobus monkeys, great blue turacos and many other birds. Overnight near Kibale.

For a stand-alone version of this experience, see our 3 Days Chimp Tracking Safari to Kibale.

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south past crater lakes and tea plantations, crossing the equator before entering Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, take a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with buffalo, elephants and abundant birdlife. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Enjoy an early game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions often hunt Uganda kob at dawn. Then continue south through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions resting in the branches of fig trees. Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon. Overnight near your gorilla trekking sector. Our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari explores this park in more depth.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set off with your ranger and trackers into the forest. Treks can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. When you find them, you spend one magical hour watching the silverback, mothers and playful youngsters go about their day. Return to your lodge to relax and reflect. Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 9: Batwa Experience or Lake Bunyonyi

Spend a gentler day with a Batwa cultural experience, a community walk through local villages or a second gorilla trek for the enthusiasts. Alternatively, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a peaceful canoe ride among its 29 islands. Overnight in Bwindi or at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 10: Departure

Fly from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip back to Entebbe for your international flight, drive back to Entebbe (about nine hours) or cross into Rwanda and fly home from Kigali, just four to five hours away. Your safari ends with memories of Uganda’s greatest wildlife wonders.

Shorter and Longer Versions of This Safari

Not everyone has ten days. The good news is that this route is flexible, and we can shorten or extend it to fit your schedule and budget.

7–8 Days: The Fast-Paced Version

With seven or eight days, you can still visit all three parks by trimming the Queen Elizabeth stop to a single drive-through with a game drive in Ishasha, and by flying out from Kihihi rather than driving back. The days are fuller, but the highlights remain. Our 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari and 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari are good templates, and the 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour shows another way to plan a single week.

If you prefer to skip Murchison and focus on the apes, a 5 Days Chimps & Gorilla Safari covers Kibale and Bwindi only.

10–12 Days: The Classic Version

This is the itinerary described above, with room to add a second gorilla trek, the gorilla habituation experience or a relaxing night at Lake Bunyonyi. See our 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari and 10 Days Best of Primate & Culture, or compare with the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife itinerary.

14 Days or More: The Grand Uganda Safari

With two weeks or more, you can add Lake Mburo for walking and horseback safaris, Kidepo Valley for remote wilderness, Jinja for the source of the Nile or the Rwenzori foothills. Explore our 18-Day Adventure in Uganda, 20-Day Wildlife and Nature Experience and 25-Day Wildlife, Gorilla and Chimps Adventure. The 14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure is another strong two-week option.

Adding Rwanda

Because Bwindi is close to the Rwandan border, many travellers finish in Kigali and add Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu or Akagera. Our 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari and the 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari show how the two countries fit together.

Permits and Park Fees for 2026 and 2027

Permits are the most important item to book early on this route. They are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and numbers are limited — especially for gorillas. Since March 2026, UWA requires full payment at the time of booking, so permits can no longer be held without paying.

Permit or fee (foreign non-resident)	Standard rate	Low season (April, May, November)	Notes
Gorilla trekking, Bwindi	US$800	US$600	Includes park entry on the trekking day; minimum age 15
Gorilla habituation experience	US$1,500 (US$1,800 from 1 January 2027)	—	About four hours with a gorilla group
Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale	US$250 (US$300 from 1 January 2027)	US$200	Includes park entry; minimum age 12
Murchison Falls entry (per 24 hours)	US$45	—	Children 5–15: US$25
Queen Elizabeth entry (per 24 hours)	US$40	—	Children 5–15: US$20

Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled once booked, so they suit travellers with fixed dates. Activities such as the Nile launch cruise, game drive fees and the Bigodi wetland walk are charged separately and are normally included in your tour price.

Choosing Your Bwindi Sector

Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Coming from Queen Elizabeth through Ishasha, Buhoma and Ruhija are the closest. If you plan to finish in Kigali, Rushaga or Nkuringo are better. We choose your sector based on permit availability, your fitness and your onward travel.

How Far Ahead Should You Book?

For peak months (June to September and December to February), book gorilla permits four to six months ahead, or even earlier for groups. In the low season, two to three months is usually enough. Chimp permits are easier to obtain but still sell out in busy months.

How Much Does a Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi Safari Cost?

The total cost depends on your trip length, lodge style, group size and season. As a guide, a private 10-day safari for two people sharing typically costs:

Comfort level	Approximate price per person (10 days)	What to expect
Budget	US$3,200–US$4,200	Simple lodges and bandas, private 4×4, all permits and activities
Mid-range	US$4,200–US$6,000	Comfortable en-suite lodges with views and pools, full board
Luxury	US$6,500–US$12,000+	Top lodges, fine dining, optional domestic flights

These ranges include one gorilla permit and one chimp permit per person, which together account for around US$1,050–US$1,100 of the cost. Travelling in a group of four or more lowers the per-person price, because vehicle and guide costs are shared.

Where You Will Stay

• Murchison Falls: Riverside lodges near Paraa or on the northern bank put you close to the best game drive circuits and the launch cruise jetty.
• Kibale: Lodges on the forest edge near Kanyanchu save time on tracking mornings, while crater lake lodges near Fort Portal offer spectacular views.
• Queen Elizabeth: Choose a lodge on the Mweya Peninsula or near Kasenyi for game drives, or in Ishasha for tree-climbing lions.
• Bwindi: Stay close to the sector where your permit is booked — the gorilla trek starts early, and roads between sectors are long.

Kenlink Tours also operates Honeybee Safari Camp, and our partners run Ikoro Hotel near Mgahinga — both warm, good-value bases in southwestern Uganda.

Getting Around: Road and Air

Most travellers make this journey in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, which is ideal for game viewing and rough roads. You can see the vehicles we use on our car hire page. The longest drives are Murchison to Kibale (six to seven hours) and Bwindi back to Entebbe (eight to ten hours).

To save time, many guests fly one leg. Domestic flights connect Kihihi (for Buhoma and Ruhija) and Kisoro (for Rushaga and Nkuringo) with Entebbe. Alternatively, finish in Kigali: our 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda shows how convenient the southern border crossing is, and our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris specialise in gorilla safaris starting from Kigali.

Saving Money on This Route

• Travel in April, May or November to use the discounted US$600 gorilla and US$200 chimp permits.
• Join a group tour to share vehicle costs.
• Choose mid-range lodges inside or near the parks to avoid extra entry fees and long transfers.
• Book directly with a local operator rather than through an overseas agent.

Best Time for a Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi Safari

This safari runs all year, but the seasons affect conditions and prices.

• June to September and December to February (dry seasons): The most popular months. Forest trails are drier for gorilla and chimp trekking, animals gather near water in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth, and roads are in better condition. Book permits and lodges early.
• March to May and October to November (wet seasons): Lush green scenery, fewer visitors, excellent birding and discounted permits in April, May and November. Expect muddy trails and some afternoon rain, but the wildlife is still superb.

Whichever month you choose, remember that Bwindi is a rainforest — rain can fall on any day, so a rain jacket is always essential.

Fitness Requirements

Gorilla trekking is the most demanding part of this safari. Treks can involve steep, muddy slopes at altitudes of up to 2,600 metres and can last up to six hours. A reasonable level of fitness makes the experience far more enjoyable. Porters are available at the trailhead for a small fee to carry your bag and help on difficult sections — hiring one also supports the local community. Chimp tracking in Kibale is easier, on mostly flat forest trails.

What to Pack

• Lightweight long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• A breathable rain jacket
• Garden gloves for gripping vegetation on treks
• Warm fleece for cool mornings and evenings in Bwindi
• Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Face masks for primate trekking
• Your passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate and printed permit details

Pack in a soft duffel bag, especially if you plan to take a domestic flight, as small aircraft have luggage limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi?

We recommend at least eight days, with ten days being ideal. Ten days gives you two nights in each main park, time for Queen Elizabeth on the way and a buffer against long travel days.

Can I do this safari in reverse?

Yes. Starting in Bwindi and finishing at Murchison Falls works well, especially if you fly into Kigali and depart from Entebbe. The highlights are the same; only the order changes.

Is it better to start in Entebbe or Kigali?

Starting in Entebbe makes sense for this route because Murchison Falls is in the north. However, finishing in Kigali saves a long drive back from Bwindi. Many of our guests fly into Entebbe and out of Kigali to get the best of both.

Can I see gorillas in Mgahinga instead of Bwindi?

Yes. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also offers gorilla trekking, plus golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes. It is a good alternative if Bwindi permits are sold out, and it suits travellers finishing in Kigali.

Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes, for families with older children. Gorilla trekking requires a minimum age of 15 and chimp tracking a minimum age of 12. Younger children can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, rhino tracking at Ziwa and nature walks while older family members trek.

Is Uganda safe for this kind of safari?

Uganda is a welcoming and safe destination for travellers on a guided safari with a licensed operator. Kenlink Tours is fully licensed and a member of Uganda’s main tourism bodies, and our experienced driver-guides stay with you throughout the journey. Learn more about the country on our About Uganda page.

Where can I find more long safari ideas?

Browse our scheduled departure safaris, or compare the long safari trips and full list of East African destinations from Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Book Your Murchison Falls Tour with Bwindi and Kibale

Few safaris anywhere in Africa offer as much variety as this one. In a single journey, you witness the raw power of the Nile at Murchison Falls, track rhinos on foot, watch chimpanzees in the forests of Kibale, cruise among hippos on the Kazinga Channel and finally sit face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi. It is the complete Uganda experience and a trip you will talk about for the rest of your life.

Planning it well makes all the difference. Gorilla permits are limited, the distances are long and the best lodges book up early. Kenlink Tours takes care of every detail — securing your permits, choosing the best lodges for your budget, planning comfortable driving days and pairing you with an experienced driver-guide who knows this route inside out.

Ready to start? Contact our safari experts with your travel dates, group size and budget, and we will send you a tailor-made Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi itinerary within 24 hours.

Call or WhatsApp: +256 789 210 067 | Email: info@kenlinktours.com