9 Day Uganda Primates & Big Five Safari

our 9-Day Uganda Primates & Big Five Safari adventure kicks off with a pickup from either Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. From here, you’ll be transferred to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey that will take approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside, with views of rolling hills, farmlands, and vibrant local villages.

Before arriving at Murchison falls you will make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s premier rhino conservation area. Here, you will have the opportunity to track the endangered white rhino on foot, an experience that will leave you in awe of these majestic creatures. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll get a chance to observe the rhinos in their natural habitat—an unforgettable start to your safari journey.

Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park the next adventure awaits. After a quick check-in at your lodge, you’ll embark on a hike to the top of Murchison falls The hike takes you along a well-marked trail, offering magnificent views of the Victoria Nile as it crashes down to form the mighty Murchison falls. The deafening roar and mist from the falls create a surreal experience, making it one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

Day 2 of your 9-Day Uganda primates & Big Five Safari begins with an early morning game drive in Murchison falls The park is renowned for its incredible diversity of animals, and the morning hours are perfect for spotting predators like lions and leopards before the heat of the day sets in.

You will also have the opportunity to see other big game animals like buffalo, elephants, and zebras, as well as many species of antelope and birdlife

In the afternoon, you will board a boat for a Victoria Nile Boat Cruise. The boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife along the Nile, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds like the shoebill stork, which is often spotted in the area. As you approach the base of Murchison falls you will witness the dramatic landscape and the immense power of the waterfall as the river surges through the narrow gorge.

As dusk falls, you’ll embark on another evening game drive, a prime time to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the park’s wildlife. With your guide, you may spot animals such as hyenas, leopards, and civets, as well as a variety of nocturnal birds and insects. This thrilling safari drive adds an exciting twist to Murchison falls.

On Day 3, you will enjoy one last morning game drive in Murchison falls early mornings in the park offer great wildlife sightings as animals are more active before the heat of the day. You may encounter the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, as well as various other species like giraffes and warthogs. This final game drive ensures that you make the most of your time in this iconic park.

After the morning drive, it’s time to leave Murchison falls and journey to Kibale forest national park which is about 5-6 hours away. Kibale is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of Chimpanzees making it a must-visit destination for primate enthusiasts. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of Uganda’s landscapes, including hills, forests, and traditional villages.

Day 4 is dedicated to the thrilling adventure of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park . Kibale is home to over 1,500 Chimpanzees and tracking them is an unforgettable experience. After a briefing, you’ll head into the forest with your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari guide, trekking through the dense jungle in search of a chimpanzee family. Once located, you’ll have an hour to observe the chimps as they play, forage, and interact with one another.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a Bigodi Swamp Walk, a serene nature walk that takes you through a lush wetland area. The swamp is home to various species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife. It’s a peaceful and informative walk, perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

On Day 5, you’ll leave Kibale Forest NP and drive to Queen Elizabeth NP is one of Uganda’s most popular parks. The drive takes about 2-3 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Queen Elizabeth NP is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savanna to wetlands, and it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Day 6 starts with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park .This early morning drive is ideal for spotting predators like lions and leopards, as well as the park’s abundant herbivores. The Kasenyi plains are particularly famous for lion sightings, so this is an exciting time to see these big cats in action.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat ride provides an excellent opportunity to view animals from a different perspective, with hippos, buffaloes, and elephants often seen along the shore. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the African fish eagle, pelicans, and kingfishers.

On Day 7, you’ll enjoy an early game drive in Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. The sector is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelope, making it an excellent area for wildlife photography.

After your game drive, you will drive to Bwindi impenetrable National Park home of the world-famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s mountainous terrain. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax and prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking.

Day 8 is the highlight of your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari —the unforgettable experience of Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable NP Accompanied by expert rangers, you will trek through dense forest trails in search of one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. The experience of encountering these gentle giants is truly humbling, and you will have the opportunity to spend up to an hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge to unwind and reflect on the incredible experience. Many lodges in Bwindi offer spa treatments, scenic views, and cozy accommodations where you can relax before your next adventure.

On the final day of your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari, you’ll have breakfast, after breakfast, Check-out and head back to the capital Kampala or Entebbe, with stops in Mbarara for a delicious lunch and at the Equator to take pictures and a cup of coffee then proceed to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure flight.