Sample itinerary - ACROSS UGANDA - 10 Days in Murchison, Kibale & Bwindi

Day notes

The journey begins with a drive north from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse savannah reserve. Sitting on the southern bank of the Victoria Nile, Nile Safari Lodge offers a calm and luxurious introduction to the country, with views across the river and easy access to the park’s highlights. The lodge itself is an eco-conscious retreat, with sculpted wooden chalets spaced along the riverbank, blending into the landscape and offering privacy and sweeping views. 

With just one night here, the focus is on a gentle arrival and a first taste of Uganda’s wildlife. Activities typically include a boat cruise along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls—one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls—where hippo, crocodile and abundant birdlife line the banks. Time permitting, a game drive on the northern plains introduces giraffe, elephant, buffalo and lion, setting the tone for the safari ahead.

Day notes

From Nile Safari Lodge, the journey continues deeper into Murchison Falls National Park, into a far more exclusive and remote area along the Nile. Papa’s Camp is located in a low-impact, private-use zone on the southern banks, offering a very different experience from the busier northern sector. With just a handful of tents, the camp is intimate and atmospheric, inspired by the classic era of safari and named after Ernest Hemingway. 

Over three nights, this is where the safari becomes more immersive. Game drives explore quieter areas with strong predator presence, while boat safaris and guided walks add variety. The sense of exclusivity is a key highlight—this part of the park feels wild and largely untouched, with very few other vehicles. Evenings are spent by the river, with wildlife often moving through camp, creating a relaxed yet authentic safari atmosphere.

Day notes

The drive southwest brings a complete change in scenery, from open savannah to lush highlands and rainforest around Fort Portal. Kibale Lodge sits on a ridge overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains and the surrounding crater lakes, offering a striking setting and a sense of calm after the safari portion of the trip. 

Kibale National Park is widely regarded as the “primate capital of the world,” home to around 13 primate species including a large population of chimpanzees. Over two nights, the focus is on chimpanzee trekking, with two opportunities to track habituated groups through the forest. The experience is active and engaging—following the sounds of chimps through dense vegetation before observing their behaviour up close.

The lodge itself is stylish and contemporary, with handcrafted bandas, panoramic views, and a strong emphasis on local culture and hospitality. Between treks, guests can enjoy forest walks, community visits or simply relax and take in the scenery.

Day notes

The final leg of the journey heads south into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s most iconic and biodiverse rainforests. Gorilla Forest Lodge is uniquely positioned within the national park itself, offering direct access to the trekking start points and an immersive forest setting. 

Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and the two included treks are the clear highlight of the itinerary. Each trek is different, ranging from relatively gentle walks to more challenging hikes through dense forest, but all culminate in a deeply moving hour spent with a habituated gorilla family. The experience is widely regarded as one of the most powerful wildlife encounters in Africa. 

The lodge itself offers comfortable tented suites surrounded by rainforest, with the possibility of wildlife—occasionally even gorillas—moving through the grounds. Time outside of trekking can be spent on community visits or forest walks, but the rhythm here is largely shaped by the anticipation and reflection around the gorilla encounters.

Day notes

After the forest experience, a short road transfer to Kihihi airstrip connects you by scheduled flight back to Entebbe, avoiding a long return drive and providing a scenic aerial perspective of Uganda’s varied landscapes—from forest canopy to lakes and rolling hills—before departure.