9 Days Uganda Primate & Big Five Safari Experience

Overview

The 9 Days Uganda Primate & Big Five Safari Experience combines Uganda’s richest wildlife regions into one seamless journey. The itinerary connects the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park with the primate forests of Kibale National Park, the wildlife-filled ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the mountain gorilla habitats of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This safari focuses on Uganda’s two strongest wildlife experiences: Big Five game viewing and primate encounters. You track rhinos at Ziwa, explore the Nile, walk through rainforest in search of chimpanzees, cruise the Kazinga Channel, and finish with a life-changing gorilla trekking experience.

Tour Highlights

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile
Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Bigodi Wetland birding experience
Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Scenic cross-country drives across Uganda
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with expert guide.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

You arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your safari guide welcomes you. You transfer to your hotel and rest after your journey. The evening remains free for relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: No.5 Boutique Hotel / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Midrange: The Boma Hotel / 2 Friends Beach Hotel

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

You depart early and drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. You stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking. After lunch, you continue into the park and visit the Top of the Falls where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

You start the morning with a game drive across the savannah. You search for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. You see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the river.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

You travel south through scenic countryside, passing tea plantations and rural villages. You arrive in Kibale Forest in the evening and settle into your lodge surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

You enter Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. You walk through dense rainforest with experienced rangers and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment. In the afternoon, you explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its birds and primates.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. You look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, and other savannah wildlife.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

You begin the day with a morning game drive across the park. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many bird species along the shoreline.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge

Day 8: Ishasha Sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You travel through Ishasha Sector where you look for tree-climbing lions. You continue into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Departure

You attend a briefing early in the morning before entering Bwindi Forest for gorilla trekking. You hike through dense jungle with rangers until you find a gorilla family. You spend one hour with them before returning to the lodge. Later, you begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala for departure.

Inclusions

Airport or hotel transfers
Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Rhino tracking at Ziwa
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional driver-guide
Game drives and boat cruises
Park entry fees
Full-board meals during safari
Bottled drinking water

Exclusions

International flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional Batwa cultural experience
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Laundry services
Any services not listed in inclusions