12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari, Chimps, & Gorilla Trekking Tour by Renai Venture Safaris

Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Your epic 12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari adventure begins as we pick you up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park is a scenic 5-6 hour drive that takes you through Uganda’s countryside. As you travel, you’ll pass rolling hills, vibrant green forests, and bustling villages, which offer a perfect introduction to Uganda’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Tracking Rhinos on Foot

On the way to Murchison Falls, we will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the home to Uganda’s only population of white rhinos. Tracking rhinos on foot is a thrilling experience and offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these endangered giants. With a knowledgeable 12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari guide, you’ll learn about the rhino conservation efforts in Uganda, contributing to the protection of these magnificent creatures.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

Once we arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll embark on a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in Africa. As the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, you’ll witness the stunning power and beauty of the falls. The panoramic views from the top are perfect for photographs and will be a highlight of your visit.

Evening Game Drive: Introduction to Murchison’s Wildlife

In the evening, you’ll enjoy your first game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos. The evening game drive offers a unique chance to spot nocturnal animals like hyenas and leopards, making it an exciting start to your safari experience.

Morning Game Drive: Exploring Murchison’s Savanna

Start your second day with an early morning game drive in the vast savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. The cooler morning hours provide the best opportunity to spot wildlife as animals are more active during this time. The park’s open plains are home to lions, giraffes, and elephants, while the riverbanks attract hippos and crocodiles. Your expert 12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari guide will take you to prime wildlife spots for great viewing opportunities.

Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile: A Water Safari

After lunch, you’ll board a boat for a cruise on the Victoria Nile, which offers an incredible wildlife viewing experience. The boat takes you close to the base of Murchison Falls, providing fantastic views of the falls as well as wildlife along the banks, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. This cruise is an ideal opportunity to spot shoebill storks, which are considered one of the rarest birds in Africa.

Evening Game Drive: A Chance for Predators

Later in the evening, you’ll head out for another game drive. As the sun sets, the park comes alive with predators like lions, hyenas, and jackals coming out to hunt. The fading light makes for great photography opportunities, capturing the dramatic landscape as the animals become more active.

Morning Game Drive: Last Chance to Explore Murchison’s Wildlife

On Day 3, you’ll enjoy a final morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours offer one last opportunity to witness the park’s wildlife in action. As you drive through the park’s varied landscapes, you may spot giraffes grazing on the savannah or elephants crossing the river.

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After the morning game drive, you’ll embark on a scenic 5-6 hour road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is known for its dense rainforests and is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees. As you travel, you’ll pass through lush landscapes and traditional villages, offering a window into the heart of rural Uganda.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Day 4 is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is home to over 1,000 chimpanzees, and you’ll have the chance to track a habituated group of these remarkable primates. After a briefing by your 12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari guide, you’ll hike through the forest in search of the chimps. Once found, you’ll spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching them interact, feed, and play. This thrilling experience is one of the highlights of the tour.

Bigodi Swamp Walk: A Nature Walk Through the Wetlands

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a Bigodi Swamp Walk, which offers a unique opportunity to explore Kibale’s wetlands. The swamp is home to a variety of bird species, including the great blue turaco and white-winged warbler, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The walk also provides a chance to spot other primates like the red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On Day 5, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which takes approximately 2-3 hours by road. As you approach the park, you’ll begin to see the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in the distance, setting the scene for your next adventure. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most famous national park and offers diverse landscapes, from savannahs to wetlands, home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Once you arrive, you’ll embark on a game drive to explore Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife. The park is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and a range of antelope species. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector, which have made the park renowned among wildlife enthusiasts.

Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The morning starts with another game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife in the park’s diverse habitats, including the Kasese plains, where large herds of buffaloes and elephants roam. You might also encounter cheetahs or leopards as they hunt.

Drive to Ishasha Sector: Spot the Tree-Climbing Lions

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These rare lions have adapted to climbing trees to escape the heat of the savannah, and you’ll have the chance to witness this fascinating behavior. The Ishasha sector is also home to large populations of buffaloes, topis, and kobs, providing further opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Morning Game Drive in Ishasha

Day 7 begins with a game drive in the Ishasha Sector. The early hours are ideal for spotting tree-climbing lions, who often rest in the shade of fig trees. The sector is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and a host of antelope species.

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After the game drive, you’ll embark on a 4-5 hour road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of the most famous destinations in Africa for mountain gorilla trekking. As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including rolling hills and terraced farms.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

On Day 8, you’ll embark on the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. After a briefing, you’ll hike through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend an hour with them, observing their behavior and interactions. The experience of being in the presence of these incredible creatures is truly life-changing.

Relaxation at the Lodge

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge to unwind and reflect on the incredible experience. Many lodges in Bwindi offer spa treatments, delicious meals, and stunning views of the surrounding forest, allowing you to relax and enjoy the serene environment.

Scenic Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 9 will see you traveling to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful and picturesque lake surrounded by hills and dotted with small islands. The journey to Lake Bunyonyi offers breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside, with lush green hills and terraced farmland.

Adrenaline Activities and Nature Walks at Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a popular destination for adventure seekers. You can engage in ziplining, canoeing, or simply enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the lake. For those interested in nature, you can take a nature walk around the lake’s shores, capturing the stunning scenery with your camera.

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

On Day 10, you’ll transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, which takes around 5-6 hours by road. Lake Mburo is a small but beautiful park located between Kampala and Mbarara, known for its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Game Drives and Nature Walks in Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo National Park offers an exciting opportunity for game drives and nature walks. You’ll explore the park’s savannahs, forests, and wetlands, spotting zebras, giraffes, impalas, and buffaloes. The park also offers one of the few opportunities in Uganda to enjoy a cycling safari, allowing you to experience the wildlife up close.

Final Scenic Transfer

On your final day of 12-Day Uganda Big Five Safari, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Uganda Equator line crossing in Kayabwe for a photo opportunity and a chance to shop for souvenirs.