11-Day Classic Uganda Big Five and Primate Safari

Trip Overview

This 11-day classic Uganda Big Five and Primate Safari offers an unforgettable journey through Uganda's iconic national parks, where you'll encounter both the endangered mountain gorillas and the Big Five—rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes—amidst the stunning natural beauty of the country. Trek through the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe the gentle giants, while also exploring renowned parks such as Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo.

This safari is a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes, ensuring that each day brings new discoveries. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or an adventure seeker, this carefully crafted itinerary promises an enriching experience that will stay with you long after the journey ends. Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure through Uganda's wilderness!

Safari Highlights

  • Sightseeing
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
  • Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
  • Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Stopover at the Equator

What’s Included

  • Safari accommodation
  • Transportation in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
  • A professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Gorilla permits
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits
  • All activities included in the safari itinerary

What’s not Included

  • Travel Insurance
  • International flights
  • Any optional activities excluded from the trip itinerary
  • Personal expenses

Trip Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your friendly guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for a restful evening. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful night, while taking in the serene atmosphere by Lake Victoria.

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will brief you on your safari adventure before starting the exciting journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The first stop will be at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking experience, where you’ll have the rare chance to observe Uganda’s only wild rhino population up close. After a morning with the rhinos, you’ll head to Masindi for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Refueled, continue your drive to Murchison Falls National Park, checking into your lodge upon arrival. Enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking in the stunning landscapes of the park. Dinner and overnight stay in Murchison Falls.

Travel time: About 5 to 6 hours.

Start your day at 6:30 am with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park, famous for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 75 mammal species, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and leopards, as well as more than 450 bird species. Your expert guide will help you spot as many animals as possible while sharing insights about the park’s ecosystem. Return to your lodge for a late breakfast and some relaxation. After lunch, you’ll embark on a thrilling boat cruise along the Nile River. This rewarding experience offers incredible views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes at the riverbanks, as well as various bird species like kingfishers, hornbills, and the rare shoebill. The boat will take you to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the powerful Nile cascading through a narrow gap in the rocks. Overnight stay in Murchison Falls National Park.

After an early breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the powerful waterfall, capturing the dramatic sight of the Nile crashing down. Then, embark on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kibale National Park, with a lunch stop in Fort Portal town. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening before dinner. Overnight in Kibale Forest National Park.

In the morning, head out for an exciting chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest, Uganda’s prime chimpanzee destination. Begin with a briefing at the Kanyanchu Tourism Center before your expert guide leads you on a search for your assigned chimp group. Once found, enjoy an hour observing their behaviors and interactions. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to diverse wildlife and over 140 bird species. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

Trekking Time: 1 to 4 hours (depending on the chimp group)

After breakfast, drive south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s most visited and second-largest national park. The journey will take around 3 to 4 hours, and along the way, expect to pass through a beautiful landscape dotted by crater lakes and the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive, drive to your lodge and check-in. Have lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Later, enjoy an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Area. This part of the park is known for its lions and is one of the best spots for viewing wildlife including Uganda Kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Start the day with an early morning game drive to catch wildlife in action, including predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards. The park is also home to elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. After a 3 to 4-hour drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer stretch connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, abundant with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. On the way, stop for a brief game drive in Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. After spotting these unique predators, continue to Bwindi, arriving in time for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, visit the Batwa communities to interact with one of Uganda’s most unique cultures. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Travel time: About 4 to 5 Hours.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is the highlight of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your trek. Assigned to a group of eight trekkers, you will embark on a search for the mountain gorillas, led by an expert guide. The trek can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once found, spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, capturing moments while respecting trekking guidelines. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax. Overnight stay in Bwindi.

Trekking Time: About 1 to 6 Hours.

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, home to a wide variety of wildlife including the largest population of zebras and impalas in the country. The 4 to 5-hour journey takes you through the picturesque rolling hills of western Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, have lunch, and relax. In the late afternoon, embark on an evening game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, and possibly a leopard. Overnight stay at Lake Mburo National Park.

Travel time: About 4 to 5 Hours.

Start your day with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, the only park in Uganda offering this unique experience. Get up close to wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and giraffes, while enjoying the park's landscapes. After the walk, return to your lodge for a late breakfast, then check out and begin your drive back to Entebbe. Make a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs before continuing your journey. You’ll arrive in Entebbe in time for your departure flight or an overnight stay, depending on your flight schedule. End your unforgettable 11-day Uganda Big Five and Primate Safari with lasting memories.