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Source of the Nile to the Gorillas
East to west across the whole country: the source of the Nile at Jinja, the waterfalls of Sipi, Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth — then the gorillas from Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi, and out through Rwanda.
The other long way round. Where the Full Circuit goes north to Kidepo, this one starts in the east — the Nile where it leaves Lake Victoria, and the three falls of Sipi on the slopes of Mount Elgon — and finishes in Kigezi, leaving through Kigali so there is no drive back to Entebbe.
At a glance
| Length | 16 days, 15 nights |
|---|---|
| Gorilla treks | One |
| Parks and places | Jinja · Sipi Falls · Murchison Falls · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Ishasha · Kisoro · Lake Bunyonyi |
| Starts and ends | Arrive Entebbe, depart Kigali |
| Accommodation | Full board throughout, in the lodges named below |
| Price | being finalised — ask for a quote |
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrive at Entebbe
We meet you at the airport.
Overnight: Boma Guest House, Entebbe
- Day 2
Jinja and the source of the Nile
East to Jinja, where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. A visit to the source and a tour of the town.
Overnight: Jinja Haven Lodge
- Day 3
To Sipi Falls
North-east to Sipi, on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Overnight: Sipi River Lodge
- Day 4
The three waterfalls
A full day hiking to Sipi’s three waterfalls, finishing with a sundowner.
Overnight: Sipi River Lodge
- Day 5
To Murchison Falls
The long transfer west to Murchison Falls National Park.
Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
- Day 6
Murchison — game drive and the Nile
A morning game drive, then the afternoon boat upstream to the foot of the falls.
Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
- Day 7
Over the top of the falls, to Kibale
Via the top of Murchison Falls, then south to the forest at Kibale.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
- Day 8
Chimpanzees, and Bigodi
Chimpanzee tracking in the morning, and the Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
- Day 9
Crater lakes, then Queen Elizabeth
A morning walk to the caves and crater lakes, then on to Queen Elizabeth.
Overnight: Bush Lodge
- Day 10
Game drive and the Kazinga Channel
A game drive in the morning and the boat on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon.
Overnight: Bush Lodge
- Day 11
Ishasha
A day in Ishasha looking for the tree-climbing lions, then back to the lodge.
Overnight: Bush Lodge
- Day 12
To Kisoro
South into the Kigezi highlands and on to Kisoro.
Overnight: Lake Mulehe Lodge
- Day 13
Gorilla trekking
The day with the gorillas.
Overnight: Lake Mulehe Lodge
- Day 14
To Lake Bunyonyi
A short drive to the lake — our home ground.
Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
- Day 15
Lake Bunyonyi
A boat out among the islands, each with its own story.
Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
- Day 16
To Kigali, and home
Across the border at Katuna to Kigali for your flight.
What is included
- Vehicle, fuel and a driver-guide throughout
- All accommodation as listed, full board
- Park entrance fees, boat trips and the Sipi hike
- One gorilla permit and one chimpanzee permit, booked in your name
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Pick-up at Entebbe, drop-off at Kigali
What is not
- International flights, Uganda and Rwanda visas
- Travel insurance — required, see booking terms
- Drinks, tips and personal spending
- Optional activities not listed above
About the gorilla permit
The permit is included in the price and bought in your name from the Uganda Wildlife Authority — currently USD 800 each for foreign non-residents, less in April, May and November. We pass it through at cost and send you the reference number so you can see it is real.
UWA takes full payment when the permit is booked and does not hold them, so a trek is only confirmed once the permit is paid. How permits work →