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

Setting the Stage: Your Safari Begins

Your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari begins with a pickup from either Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda’s international gateway cities. From here, your guide will drive you towards the renowned Murchison Falls National Park, located in the northwest of Uganda. The drive, which lasts approximately 5-6 hours, offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside—rolling hills, verdant farmland, and charming villages. As you approach the park, the anticipation of the safari experience grows.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A Unique Wildlife Encounter

Before reaching Murchison Falls, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s premier rhino conservation area. Here, you will have the opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the guidance of an experienced ranger. Ziwa is home to Uganda’s only wild rhino population, and the sanctuary plays a vital role in their preservation. This unique experience offers a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, adding a special dimension to your safari.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls: A Natural Wonder

Once you arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, your first adventure awaits: the hike to the top of Murchison Falls. This moderately challenging hike takes you through lush landscapes, with stunning views of the Victoria Nile as it plummets over the rocks. As you approach the top, you’ll witness the thunderous power of the falls and the breathtaking landscape around it, creating a dramatic start to your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure.

Evening Game Drive: A Glimpse of Murchison’s Wildlife

To cap off your first day, you’ll embark on an evening game drive in the park. As dusk falls, wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelope emerge to graze. Murchison Falls is renowned for its diverse fauna, and this early evening safari offers an opportunity to spot animals as they prepare for the night. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy an informative and thrilling wildlife viewing experience.

Morning Game Drive: A New Wildlife Experience

On Day 2, your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari begins early with a morning game drive. The cool morning hours are the perfect time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Your guide will take you deep into the park’s diverse ecosystems, where you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a wide range of species, including waterbuck, impalas, and kobs. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic African elephants, which are frequently seen in this area.

Victoria Nile Boat Cruise: A Serene Safari

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, one of the most scenic boat rides in Africa. The boat ride provides a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, such as the shoebill stork. As you approach the base of Murchison Falls, you’ll witness the power of the river, creating an awe-inspiring sight that adds to the magnificence of the park. The cruise offers ample opportunities for photography, making it a highlight of your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Evening Game Drive: A Nocturnal Safari Adventure

In the evening, you’ll venture out once again for another game drive, this time in search of nocturnal wildlife. As darkness falls, the park’s predators become more active, and you’ll have the chance to witness hyenas, leopards, and other night creatures as they come out to hunt. With your expert guide’s knowledge of the park’s wildlife, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into the nocturnal side of Murchison Falls.

Final Game Drive in Murchison Falls

Before leaving Murchison Falls, you’ll embark on one final game drive to soak in the beauty of the park. The morning is an excellent time to spot herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes in the park’s open plains. Your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari guide will also be on the lookout for more elusive species, including leopards and lions. This final safari drive ensures that you make the most of your time in this incredible park.

Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After your morning game drive, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through picturesque Ugandan villages, rolling hills, and lush landscapes. Upon arriving in Kibale, you’ll check into your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Kibale Forest is known for its diverse primate species, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to track chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Day 4 is dedicated to the exciting adventure of chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world for this activity. After a briefing, you’ll enter the forest with your guide in search of a chimpanzee family. Once found, you’ll have an hour to observe these intelligent and social primates, watching them interact, forage, and play. This encounter with chimpanzees is a unique and enriching experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

Bigodi Swamp Walk: A Peaceful Nature Walk

In the afternoon, you’ll take a walk-through Bigodi Swamp, a protected wetland area adjacent to Kibale Forest. The swamp is home to various species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like the Great Blue Turaco and the Papyrus Gonolek. This tranquil walk allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the swamp while learning about its unique ecosystem.

Road Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On Day 5, you will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous parks. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, offering stunning views of the landscape. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems, making it an essential stop on your safari.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth, where you’ll encounter an impressive array of wildlife. From lions to elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, the park is teeming with big-game species. You will also have the chance to spot hippos and crocodiles in the park’s waterways, making this a fantastic opportunity for wildlife photography.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, as you will see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birds along the shores. The birdwatching here is particularly excellent, with species like the African fish eagle, pelicans, and kingfishers often spotted.

Ishasha Sector: A Unique Safari Experience

Day 6 begins with a visit to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These rare lions are known for their unusual behavior of climbing into the branches of fig trees, providing an extraordinary opportunity to witness a unique wildlife spectacle. You will also encounter other animals like elephants, buffaloes, and various antelopes in this beautiful sector.

Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After the game drive, you’ll head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the home of Mountain Gorillas. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, passing through beautiful countryside and local villages. Upon arriving in Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge, where you can relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: The Highlight of Your Safari

On Day 7, you will set out for the exhilarating experience of Mountain Gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population, making it one of the best places to observe these endangered animals. The trek can be physically challenging due to the dense forest, but the reward is extraordinary. Once you find a gorilla group, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience you will never forget.

Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge

After the thrilling gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation. Many lodges in Bwindi offer spa treatments, scenic views, and cozy accommodations where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible experience of spending time with gorillas.

The Final Journey: Transfer to Kigali

On the final day of your 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Safari, you will journey to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. This scenic drive takes around 4-5 hours, with breathtaking views of the Rwandan countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.