
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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