12-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Big Five Safari in Uganda

Day 1: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP

Your safari begins with a morning departure from Entebbe, heading north toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable guided rhino trekking experience, supporting Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls NP, arriving at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy the wilderness surroundings. Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise – Murchison Falls NP

An early morning game drive reveals Murchison’s rich wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. The park is home to over 76 mammal species. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Expect close-up encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and countless waterbirds lining the riverbanks. Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3: Murchison Falls NP – Kibale Forest (Crater Lakes Region)

After breakfast, travel south through Uganda’s changing landscapes toward Kibale Forest National Park. The journey passes dramatic Rift Valley escarpments, rural villages, tea plantations, and the scenic crater lakes region near Fort Portal. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge surrounded by lush forest and primate-rich habitats. Overnight: Isunga Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking – Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, head into Kibale Forest, often called the Primate Capital of the World, for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by expert rangers, you track these intelligent primates as they feed, groom, play, and communicate in the forest canopy. An optional chimpanzee habituation experience allows you to spend the entire day with the chimps for deeper observation. After the trek, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight: Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with a game drive across Queen Elizabeth’s savannah plains, where elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs, and hyenas are frequently spotted. The park also hosts an exceptional diversity of birds, especially around wetlands and salt lakes. In the afternoon, enjoy the classic Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a 36-kilometer waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless waterbirds dominate this unforgettable experience. Overnight: Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP – Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions)

After a relaxed breakfast, travel through fishing villages and scenic park landscapes toward the remote Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Wildlife sightings often occur along the drive. An evening game drive offers the best chance to spot lions resting in fig trees, along with buffaloes, elephants, and antelope species. Overnight: Topi Lodge

Day 7: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Community Walk

Journey south into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa community walk, learning about the traditional forest lifestyle of the Batwa people and their deep cultural connection to Bwindi. Overnight: Buhoma Community Camp

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking – Lake Bunyonyi

Today is the highlight of the safari — Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Accompanied by expert guides, trek through Bwindi’s dense forest to spend a magical hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat. After the trek, travel through terraced hills to the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Day 9: Leisure Day at Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy a full day at leisure by Lake Bunyonyi. Optional activities include canoeing, swimming (safe and bilharzia-free), nature walks, hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the lake’s birdlife and scenery. Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park yet rich in wildlife. An afternoon game drive introduces you to zebras, giraffes, elands, impalas, topis, buffaloes, and occasionally leopards. Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 11: Walking Safari – Entebbe

Begin the day with a guided walking safari, offering an intimate way to experience wildlife and birds up close. After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and lunch. Overnight: Lake Victoria View Cottages

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Ugandan safari experience.