9-Day Uganda Safari: Murchison Falls, Kibale Chimps & Bwindi Gorillas.

Route Overview

Entebbe → Murchison Falls (3 nights) → Kibale Forest (2 nights) → Bwindi (3 nights) → fly back to Entebbe

This routing avoids backtracking — you loop from the north down through the west to the southwest, then fly out from Kihihi/Kisoro back to Entebbe rather than driving the whole way back (saves a full day).

Day-by-Day

Day 1 – Entebbe to Murchison Falls NP Depart early, drive ~5–6 hrs (or connect via Masindi) through the Karuma area. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls or a short game drive en route. 🏨 Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge (mid-range, night full board)

Day 2 – Murchison Falls NP Full day: sunrise game drive on the north bank (lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo) then afternoon Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls. 🏨 Same lodge

Day 3 – Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest Long transfer south (~6–7 hrs) via Hoima to Kibale/Fort Portal area. Optional stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking en route if you want to break up the drive. 🏨 Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse or Isunga Lodge (mid-range, night)

Day 4 – Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking Early morning chimp trekking permit hike (chimp permit currently around $200 for foreign non-residents). Afternoon optional Bigodi Wetland walk for birdlife and primates. 🏨 Same lodge

Day 5 – Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Scenic drive south through the Rwenzori foothills and past Queen Elizabeth NP’s Ishasha sector (tree-climbing lions possible en route) to Bwindi, ~5–6 hrs. 🏨 Buhoma Lodge, Engagi Lodge, or Silverback Lodge (mid-range, night full board)

Day 6 – Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Full-day gorilla trek (permit currently $800 for foreign non-residents, standard season). Trek duration varies from 2 to 8 hrs depending on where the family is. 🏨 Same lodge

Day 7 – Bwindi (buffer/community day): Optional second gorilla trek, or a Batwa cultural walk, village visit, or nature walk in the forest — good buffer day in case Day 6 needs rescheduling. 🏨 Same lodge

Day 8 – Bwindi to Entebbe: Drive to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for a short scenic domestic flight back to Entebbe (~1.5–2 hrs flying vs. 8–10 hrs driving). Evening free in Entebbe. 🏨 Boma Guesthouse or Karibu Guest House, Entebbe.

Day 9 – Departure Morning at leisure (Entebbe Botanical Gardens or a Lake Victoria boat trip), transfer to the airport for the international flight.

Mid-Range Lodge Cost Summary (per person/night, full board)

Key Permit Costs (2026, foreign non-resident)

• Gorilla trekking permit: $800 USD per person during peak and shoulder seasons, with a discounted rate of $600 USD per person during April, May, and November
• Chimp tracking permit (Kibale): around $200 for foreign non-residents, discounted to $150 in low season months

A few important notes: as of March 1, 2026, individual foreign travelers can no longer purchase gorilla permits directly through UWA — bookings must go through licensed Ugandan tour operators, and the old seven-day soft-hold on permits has ended, so full payment is now required upfront to secure a slot. Given peak season runs June–August and December–February, when you typically need to book at least six months ahead, I’d sort your gorilla and chimp permits first before locking in lodge dates.