9 Days Uganda Big Five and primate safari

Overview

This 9-day safari delivers Uganda’s most complete wildlife experience, combining the Big Five with unforgettable primate encounters. You track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore the vast savannah of Murchison Falls National Park, trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, discover the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and end with a life-changing gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey flows across Uganda’s most iconic landscapes, offering depth, variety, and seamless travel.

Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & transfer to hotel
• Day 2: Ziwa Rhino tracking & transfer to Murchison Falls
• Day 3: Game drive & Nile boat safari
• Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
• Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland walk
• Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 7: Game drive, Kazinga Channel & Ishasha sector
• Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Day 9: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Hotel

You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. This day allows time to relax after your journey and prepare for the safari ahead.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe / Best Western Premier Garden Hotel / Hotel No.5
Meal Plan: Dinner

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Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

You depart early and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot. Rangers lead you through the bush to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat.

After the experience, you continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, you visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge and plunges down with incredible power.

You proceed to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

You begin with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park. Expect sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat safari on the Nile towards the base of the falls. The riverbanks are rich with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife.

You return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you begin your journey southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its high concentration of primates. The drive passes through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills.

You arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge.

Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

You head into Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by rangers, you track a habituated group and observe their behavior in the wild.

In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area rich in birdlife and other primates.

You return to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You depart after breakfast and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through crater lakes and scenic landscapes.

You arrive in the park and check in at your lodge, with time to relax before the next day’s activities.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge / Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 7: Game Drive, Kazinga Channel and Ishasha Sector

You begin with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species are commonly seen.

In the afternoon, you take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and birdlife. Later, you proceed to the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions.

You overnight in or near Ishasha or return to your lodge depending on preference.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

You transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, you trek through dense forest guided by rangers in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The encounter offers a rare opportunity to observe mountain gorillas up close. You spend one hour with them before returning to your lodge.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 9: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, you begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be arranged for a faster transfer.

You arrive in the evening, marking the end of your Uganda Big Five and primate safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of Tour