7 Day Uganda Primate and Big Game Safari

All Safari Packages
Wildlife Safaris
7 Days / 6 Nights Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi Moderate Private & tailor-made

Overview

Uganda's greatest hits in one week. Track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa, watch the Nile squeeze through the 7-metre gorge at Murchison Falls, cruise the Kazinga Channel, trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, search for the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and spend a magical hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Upon arrival you'll be welcomed by our guide, who will transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost or self-booked.

Safari Highlights

  • On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Top of the Falls and a Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi and a stop at the Equator

Day-by-day Itinerary

  1. Day1

    Pick-up & transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe by our professional guide. You'll drive north through Uganda's countryside with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a memorable on-foot rhino tracking experience, learning about conservation efforts while observing the endangered white rhinos in their natural habitat. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and most diverse park, and visit the spectacular Top of the Falls, where the River Nile thunders through a narrow 7-metre gorge - one of Africa's most powerful natural sights. Later, transfer to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner and stay overnight, surrounded by sweeping views of the Nile.

    Activity time
    Rhino tracking, Top of the Falls
    Accommodation
    Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range)
    Meals
    Half board (lunch & dinner) plus non-alcoholic drinks
  2. Day2

    Morning game drive & Nile boat cruise

    Begin your day with an early morning game drive through the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. Watch for lions lounging under trees, elephants grazing, buffalo herds and graceful giraffes moving across the savannah. After the game drive, head to the Nile for a scenic boat cruise towards the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, spot hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking and colourful birdlife including fish eagles and kingfishers, with stunning views of the falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge with a thunderous roar.

    Activity time
    Game drive, Nile boat cruise
    Accommodation
    Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range)
    Meals
    Full board plus non-alcoholic drinks
  3. Day3

    Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

    After an early breakfast, depart Murchison Falls for a scenic drive south-west to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rural villages, rolling hills and fertile farmland, with an en-route lunch and brief stops for refreshments and photography. Arrive in the late afternoon, framed by crater lakes and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Depending on your arrival time, proceed for an optional evening game drive with chances to spot elephants, buffalo, antelopes and predators as they become active at sunset. Later, transfer to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner and stay overnight.

    Drive time
    6-7 hours (Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth)
    Activity time
    Optional evening game drive
    Accommodation
    Bush Lodge (mid-range)
    Meals
    Full board plus non-alcoholic drinks
  4. Day4

    Chimpanzee tracking & afternoon boat safari

    After an early breakfast, transfer to Kyambura Gorge for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by expert rangers, descend into the lush forested gorge in search of habituated chimpanzees, encountering other primates, birds and unique plant life along the way. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa's best wildlife-viewing waterways, observing large herds of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and a wide variety of birdlife along the banks. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

    Activity time
    Chimpanzee trekking, Kazinga Channel boat cruise
    Accommodation
    Embogo Lodge (mid-range)
    Meals
    Full board plus non-alcoholic drinks
  5. Day5

    Ishasha game drive & transfer to Bwindi

    After an early breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting in fig trees. Enjoy a rewarding morning game drive across the open savannah in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, topis and other plains game. Continue south through scenic countryside and rolling highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with beautiful views of terraced hills and rural villages. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, check in to your lodge and relax as you prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the following day.

    Drive time
    3-4 hours (to Buhoma)
    Activity time
    Morning game drive in Ishasha
    Accommodation
    Four Gorillas Lodge (mid-range)
    Meals
    Full board plus non-alcoholic drinks
  6. Day6

    Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

    After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the highlight of your safari - gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the lush, misty rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family and spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, then drive to Lake Bunyonyi, often called the "Switzerland of Africa" for its stunning terraced hills, calm waters and over 29 islands. Arrive in the evening, enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a lakeside lodge.

    Drive time
    3 hr 30 min - 4 hours (Buhoma to Lake Bunyonyi)
    Activity time
    Gorilla trekking
    Accommodation
    Arcadia Lodge (mid-range, Lake Bunyonyi)
    Meals
    Full board plus non-alcoholic drinks
  7. Day7

    Lake Bunyonyi boat ride & transfer to Kampala

    After breakfast, begin your day with a scenic boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, gliding across its calm waters surrounded by terraced hills and over 29 islands, admiring the scenery, spotting local birdlife and learning about the island communities. Then depart for Kampala on a scenic drive through south-western Uganda, stopping at the Equator line for photos and a fun demonstration of this famous landmark. Arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon or evening and conclude your 7-day safari with a drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe Airport.

    Activity time
    Lake Bunyonyi boat ride, Equator stop
    Accommodation
    Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost
    Meals
    Half board (breakfast and lunch)

What's Included

Price includes

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • Gorilla permit (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimpanzee permit (one per person, non-resident)
  • All activities (unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
  • Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Price does not include

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$10 per person per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees

Accommodation

  • Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range) - Murchison Falls
  • Bush Lodge (mid-range) - Queen Elizabeth
  • Embogo Lodge (mid-range) - Queen Elizabeth
  • Four Gorillas Lodge (mid-range) - Bwindi
  • Arcadia Lodge (mid-range) - Lake Bunyonyi

Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking; we'll confirm or offer a comparable alternative.

Good to Know

  • Best time to go: June to August and December to February (dry seasons); June to September is peak season, when gorilla permits are scarce - book early.
  • Additional accommodation before or after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.
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