Murchison Falls to Bwindi: Great Apes, Big Game & the Mighty Nile

Entebbe is the jump-off point for most Uganda safari holidays, as it is home to the country’s only international airport.

It’s also the hub for light-aircraft flights to all the main attractions, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.

Most stays in Entebbe will be short and sweet, providing a place of rest and recharge after a long international journey, ahead of an early flight out the following morning. However, for those willing to stay longer, its location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria provides a charming setting for a buzzing town

Budongo Forest is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations for chimpanzee trekking, offering an immersive experience in one of the country’s largest and most beautiful natural forests.

Set within the wider Murchison Falls landscape, the forest is home to habituated chimpanzee communities as well as a rich variety of birdlife, monkeys and other forest species.

A guided trek takes you beneath the forest canopy in search of chimpanzees, with the chance to observe these fascinating great apes as they move through their natural environment.

Break up the drive north with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll head out on foot with a ranger to look for Uganda’s rhinos. It’s a wonderful introduction to the country’s wildlife before continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda’s largest national park is a wonderful mix of savannah, woodland and the mighty Nile, with excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo and a variety of predators.

The Nile is central to the experience here, with game drives complemented by boat trips towards Murchison Falls and into the wildlife-rich Nile Delta.

From Murchison Falls, take a scheduled light-aircraft flight south to Kihihi, before transferring into the misty forests of Bwindi.

Your base is Erebero Hills, ideally placed for exploring this extraordinary region and for your gorilla trekking experience in the Ruhija sector.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most magical and evocative safari locations on the planet.

Its name alone conjures up images of mist-covered rainforest, home to the legendary mountain gorillas.

Once at risk of extinction, the gorilla population of Bwindi is now thriving, thanks to tireless conservation efforts and the benefits of international tourism. Today, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than 50% of the world’s wild mountain gorillas.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi is also home to some stunning hiking trails, phenomenal community co-operatives, and colourful birdlife. In short, no Uganda safari holiday would be complete without some time spent here.

Just 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, Karibu Entebbe is a peaceful and welcoming base for families beginning or ending a Uganda safari.

Set on the leafy hillside of a former presidential residence, this intimate boutique hotel is surrounded by mature tropical gardens, abundant birdlife and views towards Lake Victoria.

With just a handful of guests at any time, the atmosphere is relaxed and personal, making it a lovely place to settle into Uganda after a long journey.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Budongo Forest and Lake Albert, Pabidi Lodge is a beautiful boutique tented camp and is ideally placed for chimpanzee tracking and excellent birdwatching.

Elevated canopy-level tents bring families right into the surrounding forest, with private verandas offering sweeping views across the lush landscape.

Families can head out on game drives in search of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, antelope and other wildlife, or take a boat safari along the Nile towards the spectacular Murchison Falls.

Nestled in a remote location with sweeping views of the Nile River, Nile Safari Lodge is a stylish eco-lodge in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park.

The luxury bandas are privately situated along the river, each featuring indoor/outdoor ensuites, private viewing decks, and comfortable swing chairs. The two-bedroom family banda offers two master rooms with mezzanines, where up to four children can sleep, plus a private pool and terrace perfect for family BBQ lunches.

The highlight of the park is Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges 45 meters from the Albertine Rift Valley. Guests can hike to the top for a picnic with breathtaking views or opt for a tranquil boat cruise.

The river is teeming with wildlife, including Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of waterbirds.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy excursions on the river, while others can spot elephants, buffalo, and giraffes that often come to drink at the river’s edge.

Perched on the northern edge of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Erebero Hills is a beautiful base for a family adventure in one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Meaning ‘a place where you can see far’, the lodge has sweeping views across the forest from every suite, creating a wonderful sense of space and connection with the surrounding wilderness.

For families travelling with older children, the highlight is undoubtedly gorilla trekking in Bwindi, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Expert guides and trackers lead you deep into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family, while the lodge’s convenient location makes access to the trekking areas straightforward. Gorilla trekking is available for guests aged 15 and over.

There is plenty to discover beyond the gorillas, too. Guided nature walks explore the hillside, forest and waterfalls, while Batwa cultural experiences offer a fascinating insight into the communities and traditions connected to Bwindi.

Families can also learn about Erebero’s 45-acre reforestation project and its work supporting local communities.

Back at the lodge, spacious forest-view suites, a swimming pool and beautiful spaces to relax make Erebero Hills a wonderful choice for a luxury family gorilla trekking holiday in Uganda.

Most visits to Entebbe will involve little more than a welcome meal and perhaps some time by the pool in one of its charming hotels. However, there is much more to enjoy for those who would like to spend a little more time in the city.

Recently, modern shopping malls have been built offering a variety of retail choices. There’s also a scenic golf course to enjoy. The botanical gardens provide an attractive respite in the city centre.

The proximity to Lake Victoria also means that visitors can head out on the lake and enjoy observing the birdlife and wildlife to be found there.

Chimpanzees are endangered, so there aren’t many places left where you can see them in the wild. Luckily, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all feature incredible chimpanzee trekking.

Though the terrain is sometimes challenging, it is also spectacular, and your efforts are rewarded a hundredfold with forest-dwelling wildlife and a number of other primates as well as large numbers of chimpanzees. The birdlife is also outstanding and, in our book, would warrant the hike in its own right.

Your chimpanzee safari will depend on where the family group is on the day. Scouting guides head out early to locate their whereabouts; once they’ve been found, you’ll follow with your own guide.

A boat safari along the mighty Nile is one of the highlights of a stay in Murchison Falls, offering a completely different perspective on the park and its wildlife.

Cruise towards the base of the dramatic falls, watching for hippos and crocodiles in the water while elephants, buffalo and an abundance of birdlife gather along the riverbanks.

Later, a private sundowner cruise provides a wonderfully peaceful way to experience the river as the light softens across the surrounding wilderness.

The itinerary also includes a Nile Delta boat excursion, exploring the quieter waterways before your flight onwards to Bwindi.

Mountain gorillas are only found in two locations in Africa, one of which is Bwindi, where 50% of their number are found.

A day of gorilla trekking involves walking through pristine rainforest, followed by an hour spent in the company of a gorilla family.

You’ll be amazed at how they interact; their social hierarchy, and how they tend their young. This hour will be one to live on in the memory forever.