7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Safari

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional guide from Otter African Safaris. After a short briefing, you will begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes approximately six hours but is filled with scenic views of rural landscapes, roadside markets, and rolling hills. Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track southern white rhinos on foot. This guided rhino tracking experience is both educational and thrilling, offering your first encounter with one of the Big Five.

After the rhino experience, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where the River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters into the Albertine Rift Valley. On arrival, you will enjoy a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you will witness the power and beauty of the world’s strongest waterfall. The views from the top are breath-taking, with the thunderous roar of the Nile creating a dramatic backdrop.

You will then proceed to Pakuba Safari Lodge, located within the park, for check-in. The lodge offers stunning views of the Albert Nile and is frequently visited by wildlife such as giraffes and antelopes. Dinner will be served in the evening, giving you time to relax and prepare for the adventure-filled day ahead.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drives, Boat Cruise, and Photography in Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and leopards. The morning hours are particularly rewarding, as predators are often still active, and large herds of herbivores graze freely across the plains. With luck, you might spot the elusive leopard lounging in acacia trees. The open landscapes also provide excellent opportunities for photography, with wildlife silhouetted against the golden sunrise.

In the afternoon, you will take part in a boat cruise along the Nile River, one of the most iconic activities in Murchison Falls. The cruise offers close-up views of schools of hippos wallowing in the water, Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and elephants coming down to drink. Bird lovers will be delighted by sightings of African fish eagles, bee-eaters, and shoebill storks. The boat ride leads you to the base of the falls, where you will witness the Nile’s dramatic plunge into the gorge from below, a spectacular view that complements the hike you experienced at the top of the falls.

In the evening, you may opt for a sunset game drive or relax at Pakuba Safari Lodge, enjoying the serene atmosphere as wildlife roams nearby. Dinner will be served at the lodge, and the night will be spent under the vast African skies.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, a drive that takes approximately seven to eight hours. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and small towns that provide insight into Uganda’s culture and daily life. Lunch will be served en route before arriving in Kibale by afternoon.

Upon arrival, you will check in at Turaco Treetops Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge designed to provide comfort while blending seamlessly with the forest environment. After some relaxation, you will head for the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation project known for its rich biodiversity. The swamp walk offers sightings of primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. Birdwatchers will find the sanctuary rewarding, with species like the great blue turaco and papyrus gonolek frequently spotted.

Beyond wildlife, the swamp walk also provides opportunities to interact with local communities who are actively involved in conserving this unique ecosystem. Guides share knowledge about medicinal plants, cultural practices, and the importance of community-led conservation.

You will return to Turaco Treetops Lodge in the evening, where dinner will be served, and overnight rest awaits. The day’s long journey will be compensated by the tranquil forest surroundings and the anticipation of chimpanzee trekking the following day.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest National Park Headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing. With over 1,500 chimpanzees, Kibale provides one of the best opportunities in Africa to observe these primates in their natural habitat. The trek takes you deep into the forest, where you will encounter chimpanzee troops as they feed, groom, and interact. Spending one hour with them offers an intimate connection to these intelligent creatures, often described as our closest relatives.

After lunch, you will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most visited parks. The drive takes about three hours, and upon arrival, you will embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi sector. This area is rich in wildlife, with lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs often seen in abundance. The sector also offers spectacular views of crater lakes and open plains, making it perfect for photography.

In the evening, you will check in at Aardvark Safari Lodge, a well-located lodge offering comfortable accommodation and excellent views of the park. Dinner will be served at the lodge, and the night will be spent enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness.

• Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, you will head out for another morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, maximizing your chances of spotting predators and other iconic species. The Kasenyi plains are particularly good for lion sightings, while elephants and buffaloes roam the savannah in large numbers. With luck, you may even spot the rare giant forest hog or leopards resting in trees.

Later in the morning, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. This two-hour cruise is a highlight of Queen Elizabeth, offering extraordinary opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at close range. The birdlife is equally impressive, with over 600 species recorded in the park.

In the afternoon, you will begin your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a journey of approximately five to six hours. The drive passes through the beautiful landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” with terraced hills and scenic valleys.

Upon arrival, you will check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, located close to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. The lodge offers comfort and spectacular views of the forest, preparing you for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day. Dinner will be served in the evening.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

This day marks the highlight of your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from rangers on trekking rules and guidelines. The trek can last between two to six hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location, but every step through the dense forest is rewarding.

Once you encounter the gorillas, you will spend a remarkable hour observing their behavior. Watching them feed, play, and interact is an awe-inspiring experience that is often described as life-changing. The close resemblance between gorillas and humans creates a deep connection that lingers long after the trek. Rangers will share valuable insights into gorilla conservation and the challenges facing these endangered primates.

In the afternoon, you will participate in a Batwa cultural experience, where the indigenous Batwa people share their history, music, dance, and forest survival skills. This cultural encounter provides perspective on the human heritage of Bwindi, offering a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and the forest.

You will return to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on an extraordinary day of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Road Transfer Back to Entebbe – End of Safari

After breakfast, you will check out from the lodge and begin your return journey to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Entebbe. The drive takes approximately eight to nine hours, passing through Uganda’s lush countryside, terraced hills, and roadside markets. Lunch will be provided en route, and there will be opportunities for scenic stops along the way.

Your professional driver-guide will ensure timely arrival for your departure flight or hotel check-in, marking the end of your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Safari with Otter African Safaris. As you leave, you carry with you memories of rhino tracking, thrilling game drives, chimpanzee and gorilla encounters, and cultural experiences that make Uganda truly unique.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water