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

Your Safari Begins: Pick-up from Entebbe/Kampala

Your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari adventure kicks off with a pickup from either Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. From here, you’ll be transferred to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey that will take approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside, with views of rolling hills, farmlands, and vibrant local villages.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A Close Encounter with Rhinos

Before arriving at Murchison Falls, you will make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s premier rhino conservation area. Here, you will have the opportunity to track the endangered white rhino on foot, an experience that will leave you in awe of these majestic creatures. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll get a chance to observe the rhinos in their natural habitat—an unforgettable start to your safari journey.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls: A Natural Wonder

Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, the next adventure awaits. After a quick check-in at your lodge, you’ll embark on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. The hike takes you along a well-marked trail, offering magnificent views of the Victoria Nile as it crashes down to form the mighty Murchison Falls. The deafening roar and mist from the falls create a surreal experience, making it one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

Evening Game Drive: The First Safari Experience

As evening approaches, you will head out for a game drive in the park. The wildlife in Murchison Falls is diverse, with opportunities to spot animals like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, and waterbucks. The evening game drive is an excellent opportunity to see animals as they start to become more active, making it a perfect introduction to Uganda’s incredible wildlife.

Morning Game Drive: Exploring Murchison’s Rich Wildlife

Day 2 of your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari begins with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is renowned for its incredible diversity of animals, and the morning hours are perfect for spotting predators like lions and leopards before the heat of the day sets in. You will also have the opportunity to see other big game animals like buffaloes, elephants, and zebras, as well as many species of antelope and birdlife.

Victoria Nile Boat Cruise: A Serene Wildlife Viewing Experience

In the afternoon, you will board a boat for a Victoria Nile Boat Cruise. The boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife along the Nile, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds like the shoebill stork, which is often spotted in the area. As you approach the base of Murchison Falls, you will witness the dramatic landscape and the immense power of the waterfall as the river surges through the narrow gorge.

Evening Game Drive: The Thrill of Nocturnal Wildlife

As dusk falls, you’ll embark on another evening game drive, a prime time to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the park’s wildlife. With your guide, you may spot animals such as hyenas, leopards, and civets, as well as a variety of nocturnal birds and insects. This thrilling safari drive adds an exciting twist to your Murchison Falls experience.

Final Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls

On Day 3, you will enjoy one last morning game drive in Murchison Falls. Early mornings in the park offer great wildlife sightings as animals are more active before the heat of the day. You may encounter the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, as well as various other species like giraffes and warthogs. This final game drive ensures that you make the most of your time in this iconic park.

Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After the morning drive, it’s time to leave Murchison Falls and journey to Kibale Forest National Park, which is about 5-6 hours away. Kibale Forest is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of chimpanzees, making it a must-visit destination for primate enthusiasts. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of Uganda’s landscapes, including hills, forests, and traditional villages.

Chimpanzee Tracking: A Fascinating Primate Encounter

Day 4 is dedicated to the thrilling adventure of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and tracking them is an unforgettable experience. After a briefing, you’ll head into the forest with your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari guide, trekking through the dense jungle in search of a chimpanzee family. Once located, you’ll have an hour to observe the chimps as they play, forage, and interact with one another.

Bigodi Swamp Walk: A Peaceful Exploration of Kibale’s Ecosystem

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a Bigodi Swamp Walk, a serene nature walk that takes you through a lush wetland area. The swamp is home to various species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife. It’s a peaceful and informative walk, perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Road Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On Day 5, you’ll leave Kibale and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular parks. The drive takes about 2-3 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savanna to wetlands, and it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Big Game Viewing

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The drive will take you through the park’s different ecosystems, including Kasenyi plains, Ishasha sector, and the Mweya Peninsula.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Water-Based Safari Experience

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat ride provides an excellent opportunity to view animals from a different perspective, with hippos, buffaloes, and elephants often seen along the shore. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the African fish eagle, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6 starts with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This early morning drive is ideal for spotting predators like lions and leopards, as well as the park’s abundant herbivores. The Kasenyi plains are particularly famous for lion sightings, so this is an exciting time to see these big cats in action.

Drive to Ishasha Sector: The Tree-Climbing Lions

In the afternoon, you’ll head towards Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is known for its unique tree-climbing lions, which are often spotted lounging in the branches of fig trees. After checking into your accommodation, you’ll head out for an evening game drive to try and spot these rare and fascinating lions in their natural environment.

Morning Game Drive in Ishasha

On Day 7, you’ll enjoy an early game drive in Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. The sector is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelope, making it an excellent area for wildlife photography.

Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After your game drive, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home of the world-famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s mountainous terrain. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax and prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla Trekking: A Life-Changing Experience

Day 8 is the highlight of your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari —the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accompanied by expert rangers, you will trek through dense forest trails in search of one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. The experience of encountering these gentle giants is truly humbling, and you will have the opportunity to spend up to an hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge to unwind and reflect on the incredible experience. Many lodges in Bwindi offer spa treatments, scenic views, and cozy accommodations where you can relax before your next adventure.

Scenic Drive to Kigali

On the final day of your 9-Day Uganda Big Five Safari, you’ll travel to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. This scenic road trip takes about 4-5 hours, passing through the picturesque Rwandan countryside. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible safari journey.