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8-Day Gorilla, Chimp & Murchison Falls | Wander and Wonder Tours
Curated Primate & Savannah Journey

8-Day Gorilla, Chimp & Murchison Falls Safari

The definitive Ugandan primate and wildlife circuit. Explore two historic chimpanzee tracking sites—the mahogany canopies of Budongo and the rainforest of Kibale—alongside a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi [1].

The Grand Primate Trilogy

"To track wild chimpanzees through two distinct ecosystems, then ascend into the mist to lock eyes with a mountain gorilla, is to cross the ultimate wild frontier."

Wander and Wonder Tours welcomes you to our signature 8-day private safari [1]. This program brings together the country's most legendary natural treasures [1]. Avoid long, exhausting overland drives with domestic flights, landing directly near each premium national park [1].

Drive across Murchison Falls’ open grasslands to seek elephants and buffaloes, sail up the River Nile, and track wild chimpanzees in the tall mahogany trees of Budongo Forest. Continue south to track primate communities through the deep canopy of Kibale Forest [1], then journey south to trek mountain gorilla families in Bwindi [1]. End your grand circuit resting on the terraced, peaceful islands of Lake Bunyonyi [1].

The Grand Safari Core

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Dual Chimp Track
Budongo & Kibale Forest
Savannah Wildlife
Elephants, Buffaloes & Lions
Four National Parks
Murchison, Kibale, Queen & Bwindi
Limited Pass Allocation: Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits Require Early Booking

Retreat Investment

$3,950 USD / Per Guest Sharing (Midrange Collection)

Enjoy our flagship midrange grand safari from $3,950 per guest sharing, or upgrade to our luxury safari collection from $6,850 per guest sharing. Pricing includes your domestic flight connections, guaranteed Bwindi gorilla permits, two chimpanzee tracking permits (Budongo & Kibale), private 4x4 vehicles, park admissions, boat cruises, accommodations, and meals [1].

Bespoke Enhancements

We specialize in organizing elegant, personalized touches. You can choose to upgrade to premier luxury lodges, book private aviation charters to save transit times, or add a guided hot air balloon flight over Murchison Falls [1].

The Grand Safari Route

A seamless, active 8-day cross-country circuit designed to show you the best of Uganda's parks and wildlife [1].

I
Day 1: Entebbe to Murchison Falls NP — top of the Falls View

Savannah Welcome

Depart early morning from Entebbe, catching a short scenic flight to Murchison Falls National Park. Transfer to Pakuba Safari Lodge. In the afternoon, hike to the dramatic Top of the Falls where the River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before enjoying your welcome dinner.

II
Day 2: Murchison Falls NP — Budongo Forest Chimp Tracking & Nile Cruise

The Mahogany Canopies

Track wild chimpanzee communities through the ancient mahogany trees of Budongo Forest. In the afternoon, enjoy our famous Nile boat safari up the river to view hippos, crocodiles, and elephant herds drinking along the shore [1].

III
Day 3: Murchison Falls NP to Kibale Forest — Crater Lake Drive

To the Primate Capital

Take a scenic road transit south past Equator monuments and local crater lakes, settling down next to the ancient boundary of Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy a peaceful evening at Turaco Treetops at the forest's edge.

IV
Day 4: Kibale Forest — Full Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

The Second Primate Canopy Trails

Track chimpanzee communities through the deep canopy of Kibale Forest [1]. After tracking, walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run swamp project rich in rare bird species and primates.

V
Day 5: Kibale to Bwindi Forest — Scenic Queen Elizabeth Drive

Acacia Savannah Plains

Travel south past Queen Elizabeth National Park's open plains, spotting climbing lions and elephant herds. Continue past mountain valleys, settling next to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park [1] at Bakiga Lodge.

VI
Day 6: Bwindi Forest — Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The Giant Primate Encounter

Hike Bwindi's valleys with park rangers to search for mountain gorilla families [1]. Sit in silent reverence with these gentle giants for a quiet hour [1]. Savor a hot bath and fireplace warmth back at your lodge.

VII
Day 7: Bwindi Forest to Lake Bunyonyi — Private Canoe Voyage

Misty Islands

Enjoy a beautiful transfer to Lake Bunyonyi [1]. Settle into Birdnest Resort, and embark on a private morning boat safari [1]. This waterway provides incredible close-up views of the terraced islands, where you can canoe peacefully [1].

VIII
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe — Return Flight & Farewell

The Farewell Flight

After breakfast, transfer to the nearby Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for your return domestic scenic flight to Entebbe International Airport, connecting smoothly with your evening international departures [1].

Program Boundaries

Included in the Plan

  • Official Uganda Gorilla Tracking Permit ($800 value per permit) [1]
  • Official Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Permit [1]
  • Official Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
  • Domestic flight connections (Entebbe-Murchison & Kihihi-Entebbe sectors) [1]
  • Private 4x4 safari cruiser and experienced local guide [1]
  • Nile boat safari and Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion [1]
  • 7 Nights accommodation in hand-picked premium lodges and resorts [1]
  • All full-board meals during your safari stay [1]

Excluded from the Plan

  • Uganda Entry Visa fees
  • International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport [1]
  • Optional activities (e.g. Queen Elizabeth night safaris)
  • Tips for safari guides, rangers, trackers, and resort staff [1]
  • Personal travel, health, and medical insurance
  • Personal laundry services, phone calls, and internet charges [1]
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the lodges [1]

The Sanctuaries

Murchison Falls NP

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Located on the banks of the River Nile, Pakuba offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and easy access to northern safari trails.

Kibale Forest Canopy

Turaco Treetops

Set right on the border of Kibale Forest [1], Turaco Treetops offers comfortable forest-view cottages, a spacious dining deck, and high-quality local hospitality [1].

Bwindi Forest

Bakiga Lodge

A beautifully built eco-lodge situated on the edge of the Bwindi canopy [1]. Built from local materials, Bakiga offers wooden cabins with private valley-view balconies [1].

Lake Bunyonyi Front

Birdnest Resort

Positioned on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi [1], Birdnest features beautifully appointed lakeside rooms, local gourmet dining, and spectacular mountain-lake views [1].

Traveler Stories

★★★★★

"The ultimate Uganda primate safari. Tracking wild chimpanzees across two distinct forests (Budongo & Kibale) and trekking gorillas in Bwindi was extraordinary. The flights made everything seamless."

David & Sarah L. — United Kingdom [1]
★★★★★

"Wander and Wonder Tours managed our entire grand safari cleanly. Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi was a highly emotional moment [1]. The canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi was very peaceful."

Michael T. — Germany [1]
★★★★★

"Highly supportive booking coordinators, up-front pricing, and guides with exceptional tracking knowledge [1]. An outstanding safari operator."

Elena R. — Australia [1]

Savannah Planning Guidance

Are gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits guaranteed?
Yes, they are [1]. Because daily tracking passes are strictly capped by park authorities, we purchase your official permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority immediately upon deposit confirmation [1].
What is the minimum age for primate tracking?
The official minimum age for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi is 15 years, and for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, the minimum age is 12 years. These rules are strictly enforced [1].
What are the flight luggage limits?
Domestic flights maintain a strict limit of 15kg (33lbs) per guest, packed in soft-sided duffle bags [1]. Excess bag storage is provided safely at Entebbe if needed [1].

Plan Your Grand Safari

Have custom safari requests, or wish to arrange specific dates? Submit your details here, and our dedicated planning team will contact you within 12 business hours [1].

Your Booking Office & Ground Team
SO

Samuel Ojok

Managing Director (U.K. Operations) [1]

FA

Fassie Adyero

Chief Operations Officer (Uganda Logistics) [1]

BO

Brian Ogenrwot

Lead Tour Consultant [1]