Gorillas
in the Mist

Trek through Bwindi’s misty forests, hike volcanic lakes, witness the roar of Murchison Falls, and connect with Uganda’s heritage through hands-on barkcloth making in Masaka.

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Gorillas in the Mist
with Lubugo Tours

Embark on a thrilling 9-day journey through Uganda's most iconic national parks. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the tranquil Kazinga Channel, the misty jungles of Bwindi to the golden savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, this safari delivers the best of Uganda's wildlife. You'll track rhinos, chimpanzees, and the endangered mountain gorillas, cruise the Nile, and witness lions lounging in trees. This itinerary is perfect for adventurous travellers who want to experience the raw beauty and biodiversity of Uganda.

Please note, prices vary depending on season, group size, activities, accommodation and more. To get a quote for a tour, fill out our enquiry form and one of our travel consultants will get back to you as soon as possible. If you're looking for other options on where to go, what to see and what to do, take a look at our home page:

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Trip Overview

This 9-day Uganda safari is a deep dive into the country's rich wildlife and landscapes. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks, and trek with gorillas and chimpanzees. With game drives, boat cruises, and immersive cultural moments, you'll leave with unforgettable encounters and a profound connection to Uganda's wild heart.

Trip Highlights:

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
Scenic boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
Visit the dramatic top of Murchison Falls
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
Optional Batwa cultural experience

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Inclusions:

Accommodation: 8 nights’ accommodation across all locations Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks (Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury options based on your preference).
Meals: Meals as specified in the itinerary: Day 1: Lunch and Dinner. Days 2–8: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). Day 9: Breakfast and Lunch
Transport: All ground transportation in a comfortable, private 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel included - from Kampala through all destinations.
Driver/Guide: Professional, English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour.
Water: Bottled drinking water provided during road travel and activities.

Activities & Fees:

Entry to all national parks and activity sites
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
All boat cruises and guided nature walks
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Park Ranger:
Certified local guides for national park activities (Elgon, Sipi Falls, Queen Elizabeth).

Daily
Itinerary

Choose this tour or use it to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrival in Entebbe Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in, relax, and enjoy a welcome dinner while preparing for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation:
Botanical Beach Hotel (Mid-range) or equivalent

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Drive south through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, with a lunch stop in Fort Portal. Arrive at the park in the evening and enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge with views over the savannah or crater lakes.

Accommodation:
Mweya Hostels / Bush Lodge Tents (Budget)
Twin Lakes Lodge / Ihamba Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge (Luxury)

Day 7: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Keep an eye out for the famed tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Continue to your Bwindi lodge, with a cultural visit to a Batwa community along the way for storytelling, traditional dances, and crafts.

Accommodation:
Buhoma Community Bandas / Gorilla Resort (Budget)
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range)
Ride 4 a woman (Mid-range)
Buhoma Lodge / Silverback Lodge (Luxury)

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Murchison Falls

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking safari to see endangered white rhinos up close. Continue to Masindi for lunch before entering the park. Visit the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile violently crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous cascade and misty spray.

Accommodation:
Red Chilli Rest Camp / Heritage Lodge (Budget)
Pakuba Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison (Mid-range)
Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kob, and possibly a leopard. Return for lunch, then embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 40 km natural channel is famous for hosting the world’s highest density of hippos and a vast array of birdlife.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Then set off into the misty jungle with experienced guides and trackers in search of mountain gorillas. Trek times vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location. You’ll spend up to one hour with the gorillas once found - a truly unforgettable encounter. Return to the lodge to rest and reflect.

Accommodation: Same as Day 7

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Begin with an early morning game drive in the park’s northern sector for sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, hartebeest, and various antelope species. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and fish eagles. Option to hike to the top of the falls.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Start the day with chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge—a lush, forested canyon carved into the savannah. With luck, you'll encounter a group of habituated chimps. After lunch, enjoy optional activities such as a Maramagambo Forest walk, visiting the bat cave, or relaxing at the lodge.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 9: Return to Kampala / Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe with a lunch stop in Mbarara. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a brief city tour or be transferred directly to the airport for your onward journey.

Cihan C, Germany

"Wonderful trip and a unique experience: my holiday was simply outstanding! I highly recommend Lubugo Tours to anyone who wants to explore incredible wildlife and landscapes, whilst also being amongst an authentic, creative environment. Exciting projects are happening behidn the scenes of Lubugo Tours, and you’re right in the middle of it all. The atmosphere is consistently warm and welcoming, which made my stay even more enjoyable."