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8-Day Mgahinga-Queen Elizabeth-Murchison Falls Big Five

8-Day Mgahinga-Queen Elizabeth-Murchison Falls Big Five

Set out on an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary moments! Trek mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, take in the stunning scenery of Lake Mutanda, and enjoy an authentic local coffee experience. Unwind with a stay at Lake Bunyonyi before seeking out the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Track chimpanzees in Kalinzu, embark on boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel and Nile River for exceptional wildlife viewing, and encounter white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary. With expert guides, diverse wildlife encounters, and comfortable accommodations, Wildhorn Africa ensures a truly remarkable safari experience. Book today!

An extraordinary 8-day safari experience is offered, taking travelers through three of Uganda’s most remarkable national parks—Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls.

This journey is designed to showcase the country’s incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes, from the misty volcanic slopes of Mgahinga, where mountain gorillas roam, to the vast savannahs and sparkling waterways of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Encounters with the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino—are complemented by opportunities to track chimpanzees, cruise along wildlife-rich waterways, and witness one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Each day is thoughtfully planned to blend adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Over the course of the trip, a variety of unforgettable experiences are arranged. Gorilla trekking in the lush forests of Mgahinga is followed by tranquil moments at Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. Game drives reveal abundant wildlife, while boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Nile River bring hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife into view. Visits to Kalinzu Forest for chimp tracking and to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a close-up encounter with rhinos ensure a complete Big Five experience. Comfortable accommodations are selected for rest after each day’s exploration, and expert guidance is provided throughout, ensuring the journey is as enriching as it is memorable.

8-Day Mgahinga-Queen Elizabeth-Murchison Falls Big Five

itinerary

Departure is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. from the designated pick-up point, followed by a stop at the Equator landmark to experience the earth’s rotation along its axis. The journey continues to Biharwe for a short hike to the Eclipse Monument before proceeding to Igongo Cultural Centre for a one-hour lunch break. From there, the drive heads to Kabale, where an aerial view of Lake Bunyonyi will be enjoyed from a scenic viewpoint for 15 minutes. The trip continues toward Kisoro, with a stop at the Mt. Muhavura volcano viewpoint for another 15 minutes, before proceeding to Kisoro for an overnight stay at Ichumbi Hotel.

This is a full-day activity. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m., followed by a transfer to Mgahinga National Park. It is recommended to carry a packed snack for lunch and at least 1.5 liters of drinking water. Upon arrival at the park gate, registration and a briefing will be conducted. Afterward, participants will be assigned to trekking groups accompanied by a guide and rangers. Gorilla trekking will then commence, lasting between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once located, an hour will be allocated for viewing before returning to the briefing point, where a trekking certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will be presented.

After the trek, relaxation awaits with swimming at the hotel pool and an evening steam bath to unwind from the day’s adventure.

Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., followed by a boat tour on Lake Mutanda. During the tour, there will be opportunities to spot various bird species, enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic ranges, and visit notable sites such as the royal tombs cave with mummies and Punishment Island. This activity lasts approximately two hours.

Afterward, a local coffee tour will be experienced, offering insights into the entire process from garden to cup. Guests will taste Uganda’s arabica coffee in light, medium, and dark roasts, with the activity lasting around two hours. A souvenir pack of coffee, based on personal preference, will be provided. The day will then continue with a visit to a local restaurant to savor traditional Ugandan cuisine at a locally based hotel.

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m., with departure set for 7:00 a.m. The journey will proceed to Irungu Forest Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, lunch will be served, followed by an evening game drive in the park to experience its diverse wildlife. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for the night.

Trek Chimps and Boat ride on Kazinga Channel

Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m., followed by a 7:00 a.m. departure to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. After a briefing, the trek will commence and last approximately 2–3 hours. The group will then return to the hotel. In the afternoon, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel will be undertaken, offering sightings of hippos, elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and a wide variety of bird species.

The day will conclude with dinner at the hotel, followed by an evening of rest.

Travel to Murchison National Park

Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m., with departure at 7:00 a.m. for the journey to Murchison Falls National Park via Kyenjojo District. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel will be followed by lunch. In the evening, a visit to the top of Murchison Falls will be made before returning to the lodge.

Game drive and Boat Cruise

Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., followed by departure at 8:00 a.m. for a 2–3 hour morning game drive in the national park. Afterwards, there will be time to rest and enjoy lunch at the hotel. At 2:00 p.m., a two-hour boat cruise on the Nile will take place before returning to the hotel.

Track Rhinos and Travel Back

This day is dedicated to traveling back to Kampala; however, a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino tour will be included. The tour is expected to last 1–2 hours. Afterward, the journey will continue to Kampala or Entebbe.

Included

  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
  • Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water(On all days)

Excluded

  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)

The best time to visit is generally considered to be during the dry season, when weather conditions are more pleasant and travel is less likely to be disrupted, typically based on your preferred destinations. During this period, landscapes are at their most vibrant, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and activities can be enjoyed with greater ease. While visits are possible year-round, choosing this window is often recommended to ensure the most rewarding and comfortable experience.

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