Ultimate Uganda Safari: A 7-Day Adventure to Spot the Big Five
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day safari adventure through Uganda’s most iconic national parks, designed to give you the ultimate wildlife experience and the chance to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). From the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park to the rich biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of thrilling game drives, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s diverse wildlife. You’ll also visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where rhinos have been reintroduced, completing the Big Five experience.
Highlights of the trip include:
- Murchison Falls National Park: Spot elephants, lions, and more during game drives and a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
- Kibale National Park: Track wild chimpanzees in the lush rainforest and encounter other primates.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Experience a range of wildlife, including the chance to see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, and enjoy boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Witness the incredible success of rhino conservation in Uganda.
This comprehensive itinerary is ideal for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience Uganda’s rich natural beauty while tracking the iconic Big Five.
Highlights
- Murchison Falls National Park Big Five Safari: Spot elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards in Uganda’s largest national park. Murchison Falls: Witness the powerful Nile River crashing through a narrow gorge on a scenic hike to the top of the falls. Nile Boat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to the base of the falls, with close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
- Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through lush rainforests to track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, one of Uganda’s most thrilling primate experiences. Primate Encounters: See other primates like red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha: Witness the rare and unique sight of tree-climbing lions in the southern sector of the park. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a rich variety of bird species in one of Africa’s most scenic waterways. Big Five Safari: Encounter a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and lions, in diverse landscapes ranging from savannahs to wetlands.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking: Visit Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary and enjoy a guided walk to see these majestic creatures up close, contributing to the successful rhino reintroduction program in Uganda.
- Scenic Landscapes & Cultural Experiences Drive through Uganda’s stunning countryside, dotted with rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and local villages. Experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Ugandan people, including visits to local communities near the parks.
Details
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day safari adventure through Uganda’s most iconic national parks, designed to give you the ultimate wildlife experience and the chance to spot the
Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). From the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park to the rich biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of thrilling game drives, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s diverse wildlife. You’ll also visit the
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where rhinos have been reintroduced, completing the Big Five experience.
Highlights of the trip include:
- Murchison Falls National Park: Spot elephants, lions, and more during game drives and a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
- Kibale National Park: Track wild chimpanzees in the lush rainforest and encounter other primates.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Experience a range of wildlife, including the chance to see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, and enjoy boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Witness the incredible success of rhino conservation in Uganda.
This comprehensive itinerary is ideal for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience Uganda’s rich natural beauty while tracking the iconic Big Five.
Highlights
- Murchison Falls National Park Big Five Safari: Spot elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards in Uganda’s largest national park. Murchison Falls: Witness the powerful Nile River crashing through a narrow gorge on a scenic hike to the top of the falls. Nile Boat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to the base of the falls, with close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
- Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through lush rainforests to track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, one of Uganda's most thrilling primate experiences. Primate Encounters: See other primates like red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha: Witness the rare and unique sight of tree-climbing lions in the southern sector of the park. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a rich variety of bird species in one of Africa's most scenic waterways. Big Five Safari: Encounter a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and lions, in diverse landscapes ranging from savannahs to wetlands.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking: Visit Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary and enjoy a guided walk to see these majestic creatures up close, contributing to the successful rhino reintroduction program in Uganda.
- Scenic Landscapes & Cultural Experiences Drive through Uganda’s stunning countryside, dotted with rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and local villages. Experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Ugandan people, including visits to local communities near the parks.
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.Meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe.Optional Activities: If time permits, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to get a glimpse of Uganda’s wildlife.Overnight: Stay at a hotel or lodge in Entebbe.
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- Early Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Murchison Falls National Park.
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- Drive to Murchison Falls: A scenic drive (approximately 5-6 hours) through the Ugandan countryside, passing through local villages and lush landscapes.
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- Arrive & Check-in: Check into your lodge near the park (e.g., Paraa Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge).
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- Evening Game Drive: Head out for an evening game drive in the park, where you may spot elephants, buffalo, and lions.
- Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Murchison Falls.
Morning Game Drive: Set off early for a game drive in search of the Big Five—elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards. Murchison Falls is home to a rich variety of wildlife.Boat Cruise on the Nile River: After the game drive, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This is an excellent opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birds.Hike to the Top of the Falls: After the boat cruise, take a short hike to the top of the falls, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Nile River as it surges through a narrow gorge.Overnight: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Early Breakfast & Check-out: After breakfast, begin your drive towards Kibale National Park (approximately 7 hours drive).Arrive & Check-in: Check into your lodge near the park (e.g., Primate Lodge Kibale or Kibale Forest Camp).Evening at Leisure: Relax at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a short walk around the area.Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Kibale.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Early morning trek in Kibale Forest to track wild chimpanzees. Kibale is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. You’ll also encounter other primates like red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons.Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch after your chimpanzee experience.Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park: After lunch, embark on a 2.5-3 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.Evening Activity: Arrive and check in at your lodge (e.g., Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp). If time permits, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a great spot for hippos, elephants, and birdwatching.Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth.
Morning Game Drive: Set out early for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife. Look out for lions, buffalo, elephants, and other game, with the opportunity to spot tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector.Lunch at the Lodge.Afternoon Boat Safari: Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species like flamingos, pelicans, and African fish eagles.Optional Visit to Katwe Salt Lakes: In the late afternoon, visit the Katwe Salt Lakes, where you’ll learn about traditional salt mining by local communities.Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth.
Early Breakfast & Depart: After an early breakfast, begin your drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 3-4 hours).Rhino Trekking at Ziwa: On arrival at the sanctuary, enjoy a guided walk to track the rhinos in their natural habitat. This is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild.Lunch at Ziwa: After your rhino trek, enjoy lunch at the sanctuary.Return to Entebbe: After lunch, drive back to Entebbe (approximately 2.5 hours).Evening Arrival in Entebbe: Arrive in Entebbe by late afternoon or evening.Overnight in Entebbe (optional): If your flight departs the next day, spend the night at a hotel in Entebbe.
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