8 Days Gorilla, Big 5 and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda

Embark on an 8-day adventure through Uganda’s most iconic destinations, where you’ll experience the best of Africa’s wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. This safari is designed to offer a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. From thrilling game drives and primate trekking to cultural encounters and scenic landscapes, this trip promises unforgettable memories. The journey begins and ends at Entebbe International Airport, with all transfers, accommodations, and meals meticulously planned for your comfort

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Tracking

• Activities:

  • Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your tour representative.

  • Begin your journey with a 5-6 hour scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area.

  • Enroute, stop for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a one-hour rhino trekking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This is your chance to see the endangered white rhinos up close and learn about conservation efforts.

  • Continue to your lodge, where you’ll check in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Murchison Backpackers

  • Midrange: Red Chill Rest Camp

  • Luxury: Murchison Falls Bamboo Village

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise

• Activities:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge.

  • Embark on a 3-4 hour morning game drive through the open savanna grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. Your ranger guide will provide fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors and habitats.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

  • In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and spot aquatic wildlife such as Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of waterbirds.

  • Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and a peaceful night at the lodge.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Murchison Backpackers

  • Midrange: Red Chill Rest Camp

  • Luxury: Murchison Falls Bamboo Village

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• Activities:

  • After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, a 7-8 hour drive through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. Enjoy views of lush greenery, rolling hills, and rural homesteads.

  • Stop for lunch at a local restaurant enroute.

  • Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park in the evening, check into your lodge, and enjoy dinner.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Lake Nyamirima Cottages

  • Midrange: Isunga Lodge-Kabale

  • Luxury: Top of the World Lodges

Day 4: Primate Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

• Activities:

  • Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the lodge.

  • Head to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing by the ranger guides. Learn about the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking.

  • Embark on a 1-4 hour trek through the dense forest in search of chimpanzees and other primates, such as red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Spend an hour observing and photographing these fascinating creatures.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and some downtime.

  • In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk. This community-based project is home to a variety of primates, birds, and butterflies. Interact with the local community and learn about their traditions and way of life.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Lake Nyamirima Cottages

  • Midrange: Isunga Lodge-Kabale

  • Luxury: Top of the World Lodges

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Katwe Salt Lake Tour

• Activities:

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before checking out.

  • Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 2-hour journey with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, and lush landscapes.

  • Arrive at the park in time for lunch at your lodge.

  • In the afternoon, visit the Katwe Salt Lake to learn about traditional salt mining methods and interact with the local community.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Simba Safari Lodge

  • Midrange: Tabingi Safari Lodge

  • Luxury: Tembo Safari Lodge

Day 6: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Activities:

  • Start your day with an early breakfast.

  • Embark on a 3-4 hour morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch.

  • After lunch, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 4-5 hour journey through scenic landscapes. Arrive at the Rushaga sector, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

  • Check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

  • Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Havens

  • Luxury: Bwindi Lodge

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmy Cultural Tour

• Activities:

  • Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking.

  • Arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a pre-trekking briefing and document verification. The ranger guides will assign you to a gorilla family and explain the trekking guidelines.

  • Trek through the dense forest for 1-8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, spend an hour observing and photographing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

  • In the evening, visit the Batwa Pygmy community for a cultural tour. Learn about their traditional way of life, listen to stories, and enjoy traditional dances.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

  • Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Havens

  • Luxury: Bwindi Lodge

Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe – Equator Tour

• Activities:

  • Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before beginning your 7-8 hour drive back to Entebbe.

  • Stop for lunch enroute and visit the Equator for a photo opportunity and a demonstration of the unique geographical phenomenon.

  • Arrive in Entebbe in the evening and check into the Protea Hotel for your final night.

  • End of Safari.

• Accommodation: Protea Hotel

Price Inclusions

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: X1

• Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

• Complementary City Tour (depending on arrival time)

• Park Entrance Fees

• All Activities Mentioned in the Itinerary

• Accommodation on Fullboard Basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Transfers in a 4WD Safari Vehicle

• Professional English-Speaking Guide

End of Safari

This 8-day safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. From the thrill of gorilla trekking to the serenity of boat cruises and the warmth of local communities, every moment is designed to leave you with lasting memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a cultural explorer, this safari has something for everyone.