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

Your Journey Begins: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala

Your 10-Day Uganda Big Five Safari adventure begins with a pickup from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. The excitement starts as you embark on a road transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, but the scenic drive through Uganda’s rolling hills, lush farmland, and vibrant villages offers a stunning introduction to this beautiful country.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Tracking Rhinos on Foot

Before reaching Murchison Falls, your first stop will be at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you’ll participate in rhino tracking, an exciting and rare opportunity to observe the endangered white rhinos in their natural environment. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll track these majestic animals on foot, learning about the efforts being made to protect and conserve them. It’s a thrilling experience that sets the tone for the rest of your safari.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls: A Natural Wonder

Upon reaching Murchison Falls, your next adventure awaits: a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. This moderate hike takes you through the scenic park to the top of the falls, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Victoria Nile as it crashes down through a narrow gorge. The sight and sound of the falls in full force will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Evening Game Drive: An Introduction to Murchison Falls’ Wildlife

Your first evening game drive in Murchison Falls National Park follows the hike. This drive is your introduction to the park’s diverse wildlife. As the sun begins to set, animals like elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelopes become more active, providing excellent photographic opportunities. The park’s rich wildlife and dramatic landscape will make a lasting impression on your first day.

Morning Game Drive: Exploring Murchison Falls’ Rich Wildlife

Your second day begins with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, known for its impressive variety of animals. The park is home to over 76 mammal species, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos). The early morning hours are prime for wildlife viewing, as predators are often more active at dawn. Keep an eye out for lions lounging in the grass, elephants roaming the savannah, and buffaloes grazing near waterholes.

Victoria Nile Boat Cruise: A Unique Water Safari

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, one of the highlights of your visit to Murchison Falls. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife. As you glide along the river, you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. The boat cruise also brings you to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the impressive power of the waterfall up close.

Evening Game Drive: A Chance to Spot Nocturnal Animals

In the evening, a game drive in Murchison Falls provides the perfect opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife. As night falls, predators such as hyenas, leopards, and civets come out to hunt. The nocturnal game drive adds a new dimension to your wildlife experience, providing you with the chance to witness the park’s animals in a different light.

Final Game Drive in Murchison Falls

Before leaving Murchison Falls, you will enjoy one last morning game drive in the park. The early morning hours are excellent for spotting wildlife, particularly predators. You may encounter lions on the prowl or elephants as they wander across the savannah. The game drive is a perfect way to wrap up your Murchison Falls experience, ensuring you make the most of your time in this incredible park.

Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After your game drive, it’s time to begin the journey to Kibale Forest National Park. This transfer takes around 5-6 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Uganda’s countryside. Kibale Forest is renowned for its population of chimpanzees, and it’s the perfect place to embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Chimpanzee Tracking: A Primate Safari Adventure

On Day 4, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. After a briefing by your guide, you will trek into the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee group. Once located, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates as they go about their daily activities. Tracking chimpanzees is an incredible experience that allows you to witness these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Bigodi Swamp Walk: Birdwatching and Primate Encounters

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a Bigodi Swamp Walk, a peaceful nature walk that offers the chance to explore the diverse ecosystem of Kibale Forest. The swamp is home to various primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy this walk, as Kibale is home to some of Uganda’s rarest bird species.

Road Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After your chimpanzee tracking experience, you will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park—one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. The drive takes around 2-3 hours and offers views of the Rwenzori Mountains and expansive savannah landscapes. Queen Elizabeth is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, making it an excellent location for wildlife viewing.

Game Drive: Discover Queen Elizabeth’s Wildlife

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to the Big Five, as well as hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha Sector are famous for lion sightings, and the park’s Mweya Peninsula offers a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. The afternoon game drive is a thrilling experience that introduces you to the park’s wildlife diversity.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: A Water Safari Experience

In the afternoon, you’ll board a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat cruise provides a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife, with sightings of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and an array of birdlife. The scenic beauty of the channel, combined with the abundance of wildlife, makes for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth

Day 6 starts with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The early morning hours are ideal for spotting predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as herbivores like buffaloes and zebras. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer excellent opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in different settings.

Drive to Ishasha Sector: Tree-Climbing Lions

After your morning game drive, you’ll drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. The sector’s unique landscape, with its fig trees and open savannah, provides the perfect environment for these remarkable lions to climb trees and rest. Your evening game drive in Ishasha is an excellent opportunity to spot these rare creatures.

Morning Game Drive in Ishasha

On Day 7, you’ll enjoy an early game drive in Ishasha Sector, where you’ll have a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions. The sector is also home to elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, making it a prime location for wildlife photography. After the game drive, you’ll drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the gateway to mountain gorilla trekking.

Batwa Cultural Experience: A Step Back in Time

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you will visit the Batwa People, one of Uganda’s indigenous communities. The Batwa cultural experience offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Batwa, who were originally forest-dwelling hunters and gatherers. You’ll learn about their fascinating history, customs, and culture while enjoying a traditional dance performance.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: A Life-Changing Experience

Day 8 is the highlight of your 10-Day Uganda Big Five Safari —the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll set out to track a group of habituated mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging as you navigate through dense forest, but the reward of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is worth every effort. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe them, taking in the awe-inspiring sight of these critically endangered creatures.

Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge for some much-needed relaxation. Many lodges in Bwindi offer spa treatments, delicious meals, and scenic views of the surrounding rainforest. The afternoon is yours to unwind, reflect on your gorilla trek, and prepare for the next phase of your 10-Day Uganda Big Five Safari.

Lake Bunyonyi: A Tranquil Escape

On Day 9, you’ll transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations. Known for its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal location for relaxation, photography, and adventure activities. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, visit local islands, or take a nature walk around the shore.

Adrenaline Activities: Ziplining and Hiking

For those seeking more excitement, Lake Bunyonyi offers a range of adrenaline activities. Try ziplining across the lake or go for a hike on the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the lake and its many islands.

Drive to Kampala/Entebbe

On the final day of your 10-Day Uganda Big Five Safari, you’ll embark on a scenic road transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure flight. This drive will take approximately 6-7 hours, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Uganda’s countryside before your adventure concludes.