5-Day Safari to Bwindi and Murchison Falls National Parks – This 5-day safari will take you to two protected national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you will encounter the incredible great apes, the gorillas, and enjoy a cultural experience with the “Batwa,” the indigenous people who once lived in the forest, followed by Murchison Falls National Park.
You will also spot various wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, large herds of elephants and buffaloes, lions, rhinos in their sanctuary, giraffes, and numerous bird species. This 5-Day Safari to Bwindi and Murchison Falls offers a glimpse into beautiful bird species, endemic plants, flowers, and butterflies.
5-Day Bwindi & Murchison Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
- Day 3: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
- Day 5: Departure Back to Kampala
Detailed 5-Day Bwindi & Murchison Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Set off for Murchison Falls National Park after breakfast. You will have a stopover in Masindi for lunch, followed by a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos before proceeding to your booked hotel in Murchison Falls.
Spend about 2 hours with the rhinos, learning about their social behaviors with the help of a guide, then continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
As the largest protected area in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park provides an unforgettable experience. During a game drive, expect memorable moments as you spot large herds of buffaloes, elephants, oribi, waterbuck, giraffes, baboons, and many other animals. Return to the lodge for lunch.
At 3 pm, embark on a boat cruise to view schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles, the rare shoebill stork, and other bird species at the base of the falls. If time allows, continue with a hike to the top of the falls for an even greater experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This day marks your last in Murchison Falls National Park. After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Bwindi. Upon arrival, head to the lodge for refreshments and accommodation.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, drive to the park’s briefing center, where you will be grouped and briefed on the dos and don’ts of trekking. Gorilla trekking typically takes 2–6 hours, depending on how quickly you locate the primates.
Spend a magical hour with the gorillas, learning about their behaviors, how they play, and how they care for their young in their natural habitat.
After lunch, embark on a cultural experience in the Batwa community. Interact with the Batwa people, who once lived in the forest before conservation efforts were introduced. They will entertain you with traditional dance and music, and elders will share stories about their survival in the jungle.
Visit their traditional homes and learn how they used herbs to treat different diseases. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Departure Back to Kampala
Arise early for breakfast, pack your belongings, check out of the lodge, and begin the journey back to Kampala. Stop at the Kayabwe Equator for a final visit, where you can explore the craft shops and buy souvenirs for remembrance.
Then, continue your journey to Kampala, where you will be dropped off at your agreed destination, marking the end of your 5-Day Safari to Bwindi and Murchison Falls.
