Uganda is a land of contrasts, rolling savannahs teeming with iconic wildlife, mist-covered mountains sheltering elusive primates, and warm-hearted communities offering rich cultural heritage. This 9 Days Uganda Big 5 and Primate Tracking Safari is designed to give you the best of Uganda’s Big 5 game viewing and primate encounters, with exclusive accommodations, private guides, and immersive experiences. From the roaring lions and herds of elephants in Murchison Falls National Park to the playful chimpanzees of Kibale Forest and the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Bwindi, this safari is a perfect blend of luxury, wilderness, and wonder.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a private chauffeur will greet you and transfer you to your elegant hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, a botanical garden stroll, or simply relax in your luxurious suite with views over the gardens or lake.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5, The Boma Hotel, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart Entebbe for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Enjoy a guided walking safari to observe these incredible creatures up close a thrilling start to your Big 5 journey. Continue to Murchison Falls and check into your luxurious safari lodge set along the Nile River.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile River Safari to the Falls
Begin your day with a sunrise game drive across the savannah in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and leopards. Murchison is famous for its wide variety of wildlife and bird species. After lunch, embark on a private boat cruise along the Nile River toward the base of Murchison Falls, where the river explodes through a narrow gorge. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the riverbank before taking a short hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views. Return to your lodge for sundowners and an elegant bush dinner.
Accommodation: Baker’s Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, often dubbed the “Primate Capital of the World”. The drive is long but scenic, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural villages. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and check into your forest lodge, where the sounds of birds and monkeys will greet you.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today, embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. With the help of expert guides, you’ll trek deep into the rainforest to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat, an exhilarating and humbling encounter. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation success story where you can spot numerous bird species, monkeys, and enjoy cultural interaction with local villagers. Return to your lodge for a fire-lit dinner and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive south through the scenic Rwenzori foothills and the beautiful crater lake region toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you can spot lions, elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, and more. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most biodiverse park and offers a mix of savannah, wetlands, and volcanic features.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Begin the day with another early game drive, focusing on lion tracking or birdwatching with your expert guide. After lunch, enjoy a luxury boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s densest concentrations of hippos and a haven for elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Watch wildlife from your comfortable launch or private boat with refreshments on board. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dining.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
Depart Queen Elizabeth via the Ishasha Sector, home to the rare tree-climbing lions often found lounging in fig trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge nestled amidst misty hills and prepare for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Fly back to Entebbe.
Wake early and head to the park headquarters for a briefing and gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by professional trackers and rangers, venture deep into Bwindi to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing the majestic primates watching their interactions, play, and familial bonding. It’s a truly unforgettable and emotional experience.
After your trek, enjoy a celebratory lunch before transferring to Kihihi/Kisoro Airstrip for your domestic flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your international departure, a day room or evening transfer can be arranged.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 9 Days Uganda Big 5 and Primate Tracking Safari.
The 9 Days Uganda Big 5 and Primate Tracking Safari includes:
- All luxury lodge accommodations (full board)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and expert driver-guide
- All park and activity fees (gorilla and chimp permits included)
- Internal flights and airport transfers
- House drinks and select beverages at certain lodges
- Porter services for trekking activities
However, the tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides etc.