7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari, Chimps, & Gorilla Trekking Tour

A Scenic Start to Your Adventure

Your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari begins with a pickup from Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda’s primary international airports, where you will meet your safari guide. From there, you will be driven to Murchison Falls National Park, which is approximately 5-6 hours away. As you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, you will enjoy the picturesque views of Uganda’s countryside—rolling hills, vast farmland, and lush green landscapes.

The drive is filled with the excitement of what lies ahead, and along the way, your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari guide will give you insights into the local culture and history, making the journey both educational and entertaining.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The First Encounter with Uganda’s Wildlife

Before reaching Murchison Falls, you’ll visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a conservation project dedicated to reintroducing rhinos into Uganda. This sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only white rhinos, and your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari guide will take you on a rhino tracking adventure on foot. The experience provides a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts in Uganda to protect them. This stop adds an exciting and unique twist to your safari journey.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls: A Natural Wonder

Afterward, you’ll continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where your first thrilling adventure awaits. You will go on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, one of Uganda’s most famous natural landmarks. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the Victoria Nile as it surges through a narrow gorge and cascades down with incredible power. The surrounding landscape is equally stunning, and the hike allows for plenty of photo opportunities.

Evening Game Drive: A Glimpse into Murchison Falls’ Wildlife

In the evening, you’ll set out for your first game drive within the park. Murchison Falls is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros), along with other animals such as giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. As the sun begins to set, the game drive offers the perfect chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, making for a unique and unforgettable 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari experience.

Early Morning Game Drive: The Thrill of Wildlife Spotting

Day 2 begins with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The cool morning hours are prime time for spotting predators, and you will have the chance to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas as they hunt or rest. The park’s expansive savannas and wooded areas are perfect habitats for these predators, and the early start ensures the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari guide will take you through the park’s most wildlife-rich areas, offering fascinating insights into the habits and behaviors of various species. The early morning light enhances the safari experience, providing beautiful backdrops for wildlife photography.

Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile: A Different Perspective on Wildlife

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. This boat ride offers a completely different perspective of Murchison Falls, and it is the best way to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, including the elusive shoebill stork. The boat cruise takes you closer to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the raw power of the falls from a unique viewpoint. The lush riverbanks also provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Evening Game Drive: More Wildlife Exploration

As the day winds down, you’ll head out for another evening game drive in Murchison Falls. The evening is a great time to spot elephants, buffaloes, and zebras as they graze and roam the park. Depending on the season, you might also witness a dramatic lion kill or see other large mammals preparing to settle down for the night.

A Final Game Drive in Murchison Falls

On the morning of Day 3 of 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari, you’ll enjoy your final game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This early drive allows you to explore new areas of the park, perhaps spotting animals you didn’t see in previous drives. You might encounter herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes, along with smaller animals like hyenas and jackals. The park is teeming with wildlife, and each drive presents new opportunities for exciting sightings.

Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After your morning safari, it’s time to head to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its incredible primate population, including the famous chimpanzees. The drive to Kibale takes around 5-6 hours, with scenic views of Uganda’s beautiful rural landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and have some time to relax and prepare for the primate adventures ahead.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Day 4 begins with the highlight of your visit to Kibale Forest National Park—chimpanzee tracking. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and tracking them is an unforgettable experience. The day starts with a briefing from your expert guide, and then you’ll enter the forest, trekking through lush vegetation in search of a chimpanzee group. Once located, you will spend one hour observing these highly intelligent creatures in their natural environment, watching them interact, groom, and forage.

Bigodi Swamp Walk: A Serene Nature Experience

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a walk through the Bigodi Swamp, an area known for its rich biodiversity. The swamp is home to a variety of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a wide range of birds, including the Great Blue Turaco. This tranquil walk through the swamp provides a peaceful escape and an opportunity to see the forest from a different perspective.

Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, you will begin your road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the Mountain Gorillas. The drive will take around 6-7 hours, and along the way, you will pass through picturesque landscapes, small villages, and rolling hills. Upon arrival in Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge, nestled in the heart of the forest, and relax in preparation for the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.

Batwa Cultural Experience: Learning from the Forest People

In the afternoon, you will engage in a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa people are Uganda’s indigenous forest dwellers, and they have a rich cultural history tied to the forests of Bwindi. During this visit, you will learn about their traditional lifestyle, including how they hunted, gathered food, and lived in harmony with the forest. The Batwa people will share their stories, music, and dance, giving you an intimate look into their culture and history.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 6 is the highlight of your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek begins early in the morning, and you’ll be briefed by expert rangers before heading into the forest to search for one of Bwindi’s gorilla families. The trek can be challenging due to the dense vegetation, but the reward is an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience with Mountain Gorillas. You will have an hour to observe the gorillas as they go about their daily activities—feeding, playing, and socializing.

Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to the lodge to relax. The afternoon is yours to unwind, reflect on your incredible experience, or take a leisurely walk around the surrounding forest. Many lodges offer spa treatments and other activities for guests to enjoy during this downtime.

Road Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

On the final day of your 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari, you will embark on a scenic road transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for your departure. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and along the way, you will enjoy more beautiful views of the African countryside. Once in Kigali, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.