8-Days in Uganda: Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Habituation, & Big 5 Safari
Day 1 - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at your hotel or Entebbe Airport, where your private, English-speaking driver—with 16 years of experience—picks you up in a comfortable safari Land Cruiser.
- Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos roam freely. Home to 47 rhinos, including two newborns as of February, Ziwa offers a rare chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Accompanied by expert guides, embark on an exciting rhino trekking experience, walking through the bush for an intimate and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
- After the trek, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular safari destination. Arrive in the evening, check in to your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the thrilling wildlife experiences ahead.
Day 2 - Safari and Nile Adventure at Murchison Falls National Park
- Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out on a thrilling safari through Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. Here, you can spot the rest of the Big 5—buffaloes, lions, leopards, and elephants. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, with over 451 bird species and more than 76 mammal species, including Jackson hartebeests, antelopes, kobs, giraffes, hyenas, bushbucks, and warthogs.
- After lunch, get ready for an unforgettable two-hour Nile cruise! The River Nile, is the longest river in the world, winding through nine countries, with its source in Uganda. Our adventure takes us right to the heart of Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness the full force and majesty of the most powerful waterfall from below. As we cruise, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—giant Nile crocodiles, massive hippos, herds of buffalo, and a dazzling array of birds.
Day 3: On Top of the World’s Most Powerful Waterfall
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off, crossing Murchison Falls National Park once more. Stay alert for wildlife sightings, including hyenas, as you travel. End your journey with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile surges through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall.
- Continue your adventure toward Kibale National Park, passing through Uganda’s
- stunning countryside filled with rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant greenery.
- Upon arrival, take time to relax and recharge for the exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure that awaits you.
- Alternatively, embark on an optional Bigodi Swamp Walk and explore the vibrant culture of the area, where you can learn about traditional coffee making, medicinal plants, local crafts like weaving, and the unique process of brewing banana beer and gin.
Day 4 - Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
- Start your day with an early breakfast before heading into Kibale National Park for an exclusive Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Unlike a standard trekking excursion, this full-day adventure allows you to spend extended time with a wild chimpanzee troop, observing their behavior as they wake, feed, groom, and interact in their natural rainforest habitat. Accompanied by researchers and expert guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these intelligent primates and their daily lives.
- Afterward, continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations. As you approach the park, keep an eye out for wildlife, often spotted even before entering the main game-viewing areas.
Day 5: Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Safari
Wake up early for an exhilarating morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises, watch the savannah come alive with elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing in the golden light. The thrill of possibly encountering lions or leopards adds an element of anticipation, making this safari a truly unforgettable experience.
After lunch, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Glide through the water, witnessing massive pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and a stunning variety of birdlife, from majestic African fish eagles to playful kingfishers. Elephants and buffaloes often gather at the water’s edge, providing fantastic opportunities for close-up photography.
After lunch, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Glide through the water, witnessing massive pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and a stunning variety of birdlife, from majestic African fish eagles to playful kingfishers. Elephants and buffaloes often gather at the water’s edge, providing fantastic opportunities for close-up photography.
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake up to the sounds of the wild and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Since your accommodation is within Queen Elizabeth NP, your journey will take you through the park’s diverse landscapes, offering one last chance to spot elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and even big cats as you drive.
As you leave the open savannah behind, the scenery transforms into rolling hills and dense forests, marking your approach to Bwindi, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing and soaking in the serene atmosphere, preparing for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 7 - Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Begin your day with breakfast before setting off for an unforgettable adventure—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this ancient rainforest offers a rare chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. As you trek through the dense jungle, guided by expert trackers, the moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family will be one you’ll treasure forever.
- After your trek, journey to Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden gem brimming with diverse wildlife, from giraffes and zebras to buffaloes, elands, hippos, and even the elusive leopard, alongside over 350 bird species.
Day 8 - Get Up Close to Wild Uganda
- Start your final day with an exhilarating Nature Walk in Lake Mburo National Park. Get up close to Uganda’s wildlife as you venture on foot with a knowledgeable ranger, exploring areas where vehicles can’t reach. This thrilling walk brings you within arm’s reach of animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, and even hippos in their natural habitat, offering a unique and intimate experience.
- Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive to Entebbe, making a stop at the Equator for some memorable photos and a visit to local craft shops before your adventure comes to a close.
All-Inclusive Private Safari Pricing
Solo Traveler
$3,950
Group of 2
$2,950 Per Person
Group of 3
$2,650 Per Person
Group of 4+
$2,450 Per Person
Interested? Contact us
Get in touch today to start planning this unforgettable safari in Uganda! Whether you have questions, need a custom itinerary, or are ready to book your trip, fill out the form below, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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