Skip to content
Speak to us · +256 703 999252Mon – Sat, 0800 – 2200
Lion13

Private • Uganda

7-Day Amazing Big Five, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Murchison Falls · Kibale · Bwindi — Uganda's finest wildlife in one arc

View Itinerary7 days · From $4,850 pp · All year round

Overview

About this journey

Region
East Africa
Duration
7 days
Departures
All year round
Party size
Up to 6

Experience the very best of Uganda on this unforgettable 7-day safari that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, incredible primate experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Journey through some of Uganda's most iconic national parks in search of the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—while also enjoying once-in-a-lifetime encounters with endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

From the thunderous power of Murchison Falls to the lush rainforests of Kibale and the mist-covered mountains of Bwindi, this safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover Uganda's rich biodiversity. You'll enjoy exciting game drives, scenic boat cruises, and unforgettable moments with Africa's most fascinating wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.

Highlights

What you'll experience

6 moments

01

Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls

The Victoria Nile narrows to a seven-metre slot and drops 43 metres in a roar of white water. Your open launch passes hippo pods and Nile monitors while African fish eagles call from riverside fig trees above you.

02

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Kibale holds Uganda's densest population of eastern chimpanzees. Your UWA-certified tracker follows fresh knuckle prints and half-eaten figs until the canopy erupts — a full community drumming, screaming, swinging overhead.

03

Mountain Gorilla Trek, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

No two treks are alike. You may push through bamboo for forty minutes or steep montane forest for three hours before your guide parts the leaves and there they are — a silverback reclining, an infant wrestling a branch, the whole family carrying on as if you are simply furniture.

04

Big-Game Drives in Murchison's North Bank

Lions stretch across termite mounds in the early light. Rothschild's giraffes — one of the world's rarest subspecies — pick their way between Borassus palms. Your guide Samuel Okello has worked this ground for fourteen years and reads the grass like a page.

05

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — On Foot with White Rhino

Uganda's only wild white rhinos live at Ziwa, and you track them on foot with an armed ranger. Getting within thirty metres of a two-tonne animal with no vehicle between you is a different calibre of encounter entirely.

06

Crater Lakes Rim at Dusk

En route from Kibale toward Bwindi, the road threads between volcanic crater lakes. Stop at the Kasenda Crater Cluster as the sun drops: the water turns copper, grey-crowned cranes glide in to roost, and the air smells of eucalyptus and red earth.

Why choose us

Why choose a Private Journey?

This itinerary was built around one conviction: the best wildlife encounters happen when you are not rushed. Three parks, seven days, a private vehicle — enough time to sit with an experience rather than tick it and move on.

Private Vehicle, Your Pace

Your 4×4 and guide are yours alone. If the lions are feeding, you stay until they finish. No other guests, no schedules to negotiate.

Guides Who Know the Ground

Samuel Okello in Murchison and Agnes Birungi in Bwindi have worked their respective parks for over a decade. They notice things that even experienced travellers miss — a track in the dust, a bird alarm call, the specific silence that precedes a leopard.

Three Signature Encounters in One Arc

White rhino on foot at Ziwa, chimpanzees in Kibale's closed canopy, mountain gorillas in Bwindi — each encounter is genuinely different in character. Together they make for a week that covers more emotional ground than many longer safaris.

Itinerary

Your day-by-day journey

7 days

  1. Day 1

    Transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala by an experienced Arrive Africa Safaris guide. Travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park, passing through scenic countryside and vibrant local communities. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience, offering your first opportunity to spot one of the Big Five.

    After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls, where you'll witness the mighty Nile River squeeze through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres into the Devil's Cauldron. The roar of the falls and the dramatic scenery create spectacular photo opportunities. Enjoy an introductory game drive as you head to your lodge.

    Accommodation Options:

    Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge

    Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge

    Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp

    Meals · Lunch, Dinner

  2. Day 2

    Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

    Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest national park. Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

    Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to photograph hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an abundance of water birds along the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3

    Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest

    After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. Enjoy a scenic drive through rural villages, tea plantations, rolling hills, and local markets as you journey southwest. Lunch will be served en route. Arrive in Kibale in the late afternoon and check in to your lodge. Accommodation Options:

    Kibale Forest Lodge

    Little Monkey Camp

    Chimpundu Lodge

    Relax and enjoy dinner as you prepare for your chimpanzee trekking adventure.

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4

    Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

    After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, trek through Kibale's tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Watch these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, play, and communicate with one another.

    Kibale Forest is also home to 12 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and olive baboons. Bird enthusiasts may spot species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Black Bee-eater, and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo.

    After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, and the scenic Albertine Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy panoramic views of the park.

    Accommodation Options:

    Mweya Safari Lodge

    Kyambura Gorge Lodge

    Katara Lodge

    Kingfisher Lodge

    Tembo Safari Lodge

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Game Drive in Ishasha and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    After breakfast, depart for the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive through the open savannah in search of lions lounging in fig trees, along with elephants, buffaloes, topis, and antelopes. After your wildlife experience, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the evening and relax ahead of tomorrow's unforgettable trek.

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking times vary from two to eight hours depending on the gorillas' movements and location.

    Once you find the gorillas, you'll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as the silverback leads the family, juveniles play among the trees, and mothers care for their young. This intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas is often described as one of Africa's most profound wildlife experiences. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and share stories of the day.

    Accommodation Options:

    Buhoma Lodge

    Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

    Orugano Bwindi Lodge

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Bwindi to Entebbe — The Long Road Home

    After breakfast, begin your scenic journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. Travel through rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and rural villages, with a lunch stop in Mbarara. Continue to the Uganda Equator for memorable photographs and an opportunity to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala in the late afternoon, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

    End of Safari.

    7-day Uganda safari, Uganda Big Five safari, gorilla trekking Uganda, chimpanzee trekking Kibale, Murchison Falls safari, Bwindi gorilla safari, Uganda wildlife safari, tree-climbing lions Uganda, Uganda safari packages, Big Five and gorilla safari, luxury Uganda safari, Uganda primate safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, Uganda adventure tours, Uganda safari itinerary.

    Meals · Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

What is and isn't included

Included

  • All accommodation as listed (6 nights)
  • Private 4×4 vehicle and fuel throughout
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit, Kibale National Park
  • Mountain gorilla trekking permit, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • White rhino tracking fee, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • All park entrance fees
  • Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, Murchison Falls
  • Bottled water in the vehicle throughout
  • Airport transfers (Entebbe)

Not included

  • International flights to and from the region
  • Entry visas and any transit visas
  • Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
  • Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
  • Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary

Pricing

Available all year round

A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.

$4,850Per person · 1 – 6 guests

Journey Details

Essential information

Minimum Age

15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (UWA regulation)

Safari Duffel

Soft-sided bags only on internal charter flights if arranged; hard cases fine for road transfers

First Group Event

Departure briefing at your Kampala/Entebbe hotel, 07:00 on Day 1

Last Group Event

Drop-off at Entebbe Airport or Kampala hotel, evening Day 7

Guaranteed Departures

All listed dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests confirmed

Alternate Sightseeing

If a gorilla trek is curtailed by weather or ranger discretion, we arrange an alternative forest walk or a second-attempt permit where available

7-Day Big Five, Chimps & Gorillas Uganda Safari — Arrive Africa Safaris