7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari and Primates Tracking Experience

The 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari and Primates Tracking Experience is a journey through Africa’s most captivating natural realms an adventure that merges thrilling wildlife exploration with rare primate encounters and timeless scenic beauty. Designed by Deks Safaris and Tours for discerning travelers, this immersive expedition gracefully blends Uganda’s iconic savannahs, misty forests, and serene highland lakes into one unforgettable safari story.

Your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari begins with the golden sunrise of Uganda’s lush countryside as you travel north to the vast Murchison Falls National Park, where the legendary Nile explodes through a narrow gorge before fanning into the continent’s most powerful waterfall. This is a land where elephants graze beneath acacias, lions stalk the grasslands, and the elusive leopard melts into the shadows at dusk. The Big Five beckon from Rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary to buffalo herds, towering giraffes, and hippos basking along the Victoria Nile.

 

Day

Activities

Accommodation

Day 1

 Morning Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary and Hike to the top of Murchison Falls Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 2

 Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3

 Morning Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp and Community Walk Turaco Treetops Lodge

Day 4

 Go Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Game Drives Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 5

 Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Afternoon Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Mist Camp

Day 6

 Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Day 7

 Reserved for Departure, Morning Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport and Flight Back Home None

Tour Quotation Based on a Solo Traveler: US$3,800

7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari Experience

As the 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari unfolds, you’ll wander through Kibale Forest National Park, the “Primate Capital of East Africa,” to witness playful Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) swinging high in the canopy. From there, venture into Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most scenic wildlife corridor a sanctuary where the Rwenzori Mountains frame golden plains dotted with elephants, Uganda kobs, and prowling tree-climbing lions.

Your grand finale arrives in the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Here, beneath the cathedral of towering trees, you’ll share a breathless hour with the world’s most gentle giants. Finally, serenity calls at Lake Bunyonyi, “The Place of Many Little Birds,” where winding waters and misty islands offer reflection, luxury, and peace before your return home.

This 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari is a celebration of Uganda’s soul wild, warm, and deeply alive. It’s not merely a tour; it’s a transformation.

 

Detailed 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari

Day 1: Journey to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary and Hike to the Top of the Falls

  • Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

The 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari begins early as your Deks Safaris and Tours driver-guide welcomes you at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport. After a warm introduction and safari briefing, your 4×4 luxury vehicle sets course north toward the captivating plains of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The journey, rich with rural beauty and cultural glimpses, passes through small trading towns, tea plantations, and undulating countryside landscapes that shimmer under the tropical sun.

Your first stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70-square-kilometer conservation area where the once-extinct-in-Uganda Southern White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) now roam freely again. Accompanied by an expert ranger, you’ll take a guided walking safari to track these impressive mammals a rare opportunity to complete your Big Five checklist. Walking among these prehistoric giants in the wild, observing their behavior and feeding patterns, is both humbling and exhilarating.

Scenic Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

After lunch, continue your scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, where the landscape expands into a mosaic of savannah, woodland, and riverine forest. Before sunset, you’ll stop at the top of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge before thundering 43 meters into a turbulent cauldron below. The mist rising from the chasm paints rainbows in the air, and the power of the falls vibrates through the rocks beneath your feet a spectacular introduction to Uganda’s natural drama.

Evening finds you checking into Pakuba Safari Lodge, perched elegantly above the Albert Nile. As you sip your welcome drink, you might spot elephants or giraffes wandering near the lodge. Dinner is served with a view of the starlit sky the first of many wild nights in the heart of Africa.

Animals to Spot:

  • White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
  • African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  • Nubian Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)
  • Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
  • Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
  • Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
  • Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius)
  • Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus)

 

Uganda Big Five Safari and Primates Tracking

1O-Day Kenya Uganda Safari Experience

Day 2: Wildlife Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile

  • Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

At dawn, the golden light spills across the savannah as your safari vehicle crosses the Nile via the new bridge into the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours are alive with movement lions returning from their nocturnal hunts, elephants leading their herds to water, and kob antelopes grazing beneath the watchful eyes of hyenas.

Your professional 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari guide navigates the trails across the Buligi Circuit, famed for its concentration of wildlife. The open grasslands offer a photographer’s dream from a pair of Jackson’s Hartebeests (Alcelaphus buselaphus jacksoni) locking horns, to elegant Rothschild’s Giraffes feeding against the backdrop of distant blue hills. With patience and expert eyes, you might even spot the elusive Leopard (Panthera pardus) resting on a shaded branch or slinking through tall grass.

Preparation for an Afternoon Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

After a rewarding morning game drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some leisure time by the pool or terrace. Later in the afternoon, the rhythm of the safari changes as you embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The riverbanks teem with wildlife pods of hippos, herds of buffalo, basking crocodiles, and an extraordinary birdlife that includes African Fish Eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer), Goliath Herons (Ardea goliath), and Red-throated Bee-eaters (Merops bulocki) that nest in the river cliffs.

The climax comes as the boat approaches the base of Murchison Falls, where the deafening roar of cascading water fills the air. The mist cools your face as you capture the falls’ raw power from below an image forever etched in memory. Return to the lodge at sunset, where campfire stories, gourmet cuisine, and the distant calls of the wild close another perfect African day.

Animals to Spot:

  • Lion (Panthera leo)
  • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
  • African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
  • African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  • Jackson’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus jacksoni)
  • Uganda Kob (Kobus kob thomasi)
  • Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
  • Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
  • Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
  • African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

 

Day 3: Scenic Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Afternoon Bigodi Swamp and Community Walk

  • Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari continues southwest toward the lush and undulating landscapes of Kibale Forest National Park, one of East Africa’s most enchanting natural treasures. The drive, approximately six hours, winds through traditional homesteads, tea plantations, and the rolling foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains the “Mountains of the Moon.” Along the way, your guide shares stories about the region’s history, its people, and the deep harmony between culture and nature that defines Uganda’s heartlands.

Arrive in Fort Portal, a clean and vibrant town nestled beneath the Rwenzori peaks, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area that borders Kibale Forest. This guided nature walk offers a slower, more intimate pace of wildlife viewing. The swamp, fed by natural springs, is a paradise for birdwatchers home to more than 200 bird species including the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata), Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), and White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra).

A Nature Walk Adventure in Bigodi Swamp

But Bigodi is more than birds it’s a place where nature meets people. You’ll encounter local villagers weaving baskets, distilling banana gin, and crafting souvenirs that support sustainable livelihoods. The walk offers a window into Uganda’s rural beauty, blending environmental awareness with cultural immersion.

As the sun sets, transfer to Turaco Treetops Lodge, nestled on the forest edge. Here, the symphony of nature takes over the echoing hoots of Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys (Colobus guereza), the distant cries of Chimpanzees, and the gentle murmur of forest streams. Dinner is served under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the peaceful rhythm of the jungle.

Animals to Spot:

  • Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
  • Black-and-white Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza)
  • Red-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius)
  • Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni)
  • L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti)
  • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
  • Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii)
  • Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
  • Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
  • Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)

 

Uganda Big Five Safari and Primates Tracking

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Day 4: Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Game Drives

  • Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The forest awakens in song as dawn mist drifts through the towering canopy of Kibale National Park, the most biodiverse primate habitat on Earth. After an early breakfast, you’ll assemble at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers who will guide your Chimpanzee tracking expedition. Armed with your camera, binoculars, and curiosity, step into a living green cathedral where sunlight filters through mahogany and ironwood trees, and the air hums with life.

The trail winds through tangled vines and roots, rich with forest scents and bird calls. The guide reads subtle signs knuckle prints in the mud, half-eaten figs, and distant hoots echoing through the canopy. Suddenly, the forest comes alive as you encounter a troop of Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) a bustling community grooming, feeding, and calling in excitement. Their expressions are startlingly human, their social bonds deeply familiar. Watching them swing effortlessly through the treetops or cradle their young is an experience that touches the heart of every traveler who ventures here.

A Scenic Road Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After your magical hour with the chimps, return to the trailhead and enjoy a relaxed drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari descends through the Kasese–Rwenzori corridor, offering glimpses of crater lakes and banana plantations. Arrive by afternoon and check in at Elephant Hub Lodge, an elegant eco-retreat overlooking the savannah plains.

Later, embark on a short evening game drive through the Kaseny Plains, a classic savannah landscape where elephants stride across the horizon, buffalo graze in herds, and Uganda Kobs (Kobus kob thomasi) leap through golden grass. As the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains, you may catch sight of a lion (Panthera leo) perched regally on a termite mound, scanning the plains for prey. The evening light sets the landscape aflame a photographer’s dream ending to another unforgettable day.

Animals to Spot:

  • Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
  • Red Colobus Monkey (Piliocolobus tephrosceles)
  • Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
  • African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  • Uganda Kob (Kobus kob thomasi)
  • African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
  • African Lion (Panthera leo)
  • Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa)
  • Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela)
  • Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)

 

Day 5: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

  • Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rise to a symphony of sounds echoing from the African bush the haunting calls of distant hyenas, the deep trumpeting of elephants, and the sweet chorus of weaverbirds greeting dawn. Today’s early game drive through the Kasenyi Savannah plains is a celebration of wildlife diversity and the quintessential East African safari experience. With the morning light casting long shadows across the dew-kissed grass, you’ll venture into open landscapes alive with movement.

The Kasenyi sector, famed for its dense game concentrations, is home to prides of lions stalking the kob breeding grounds, herds of buffaloes, and massive elephant families bathing in dust. Leopards may be spotted resting in acacia trees, while hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) skulk along the fringes of the plain. The park’s mosaic of habitats lakeshore, acacia woodland, and savannah grassland makes it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Scenic Transfer Toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and later embark on a scenic transfer toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park home of the legendary tree-climbing lions. This rare behavior, unique to Ishasha, offers remarkable photographic opportunities as the big cats drape themselves lazily over fig tree branches. Along the way, marvel at the vibrant tapestry of rural life: tea plantations, roadside markets, and panoramic views of the Rift Valley escarpments.

By late afternoon, arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Check into Gorilla Mist Camp, a charming eco-lodge nestled on the forested slopes. The air here is crisp and cool, scented with the aroma of wet earth and mountain flora. As night descends, the forest hums with mystery cicadas, tree frogs, and distant owl calls mingling beneath a star-studded sky.

Animals to Spot:

  • African Lion (Panthera leo)
  • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
  • African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  • African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
  • Uganda Kob (Kobus kob thomasi)
  • Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela)
  • Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa)
  • Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius)
  • Tree-Climbing Lion (Panthera leo nubica)
  • Defassa Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa)

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

  • Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is the day that defines your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari journey the Gorilla Trekking Experience. After an early breakfast, you’ll proceed to the Bwindi Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing led by experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The forest, shrouded in mist and mystery, holds ancient secrets an emerald labyrinth where every sound, shadow, and scent tells a story.

Accompanied by trackers and porters, you’ll venture deep into the forest on foot. The trek can last anywhere between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. The path winds through thick undergrowth, moss-draped vines, and steep ridges, where sunlight occasionally pierces the canopy to illuminate clouds of butterflies. Every step heightens the anticipation until, suddenly, the guide halts and there they are.

The Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience

Before you stand a family of Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) a silverback, his females, and playful infants tumbling among the foliage. You are allowed one unforgettable hour in their presence, observing their gestures, their warmth, and the quiet wisdom in their eyes. This intimate connection so profound and unfiltered remains one of the rarest and most moving wildlife experiences on Earth.

After descending from the forest, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a serene highland lake known as “the Switzerland of Africa.” Dotted with 29 emerald islands, Bunyonyi’s waters mirror the rolling hills and terraced farmlands. Settle into Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, perched on a hill overlooking the lake. Spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace or take a sunset boat ride, where the soft hum of paddles and the songs of kingfishers accompany you across tranquil waters.

Animals to Spot:

  • Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
  • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
  • L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti)
  • Black-and-white Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza)
  • Chameleon species (Kinyongia adolfifriderici)
  • Various Butterfly species
  • African Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
  • Kingfisher species (Alcedo spp.)
  • Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum gibbericeps)

 

Day 7: Morning Drive Back to Entebbe – Flight Back Home

  • Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the misty islands of Lake Bunyonyi, it’s time to begin your return 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari to Entebbe. The scenic drive retraces the route through the green highlands, small villages, and bustling roadside markets, offering one last taste of Uganda’s vibrant countryside. You’ll make several photographic stops along the way, capturing the ever-changing landscapes from terraced hills to banana plantations and papyrus-lined wetlands.

En route, enjoy lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara, where you can explore exhibits that showcase the traditional art, music, and heritage of western Uganda’s Ankole Kingdom. The center’s museum and craft shop provide one final opportunity to collect meaningful souvenirs before heading back to the city.

As you approach Entebbe International Airport, your guide offers heartfelt farewells. You’ve journeyed through savannahs, forests, and mountains tracking the Big Five, locking eyes with gorillas, and walking in the footsteps of explorers. This 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari has revealed Uganda’s living heartbeat wild, soulful, and endlessly beautiful. With your spirit enriched and camera full, you depart with memories that will last a lifetime.

Animals to Spot (Enroute and During Departure):

  • Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
  • Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
  • Ankole Long-Horned Cattle (Bos taurus indicus)
  • African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
  • Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
  • Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius)

7 Days Uganda Big Five and Primates Tracking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • Park entry fees for all national parks mentioned
  • Rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Gorilla trekking permit (per person)
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit (per person)
  • All game drives and boat cruises as indicated in the itinerary
  • Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Drinking water in the safari vehicle
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Community visit and Bigodi Swamp nature walk
  • Ranger guides and armed escorts during park activities
  • All government taxes and levies

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Uganda
  • Visa and travel insurance fees
  • Personal expenses such as tips, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges
  • Pre- and post-tour accommodation in Entebbe (on request)
  • Medical expenses or evacuation costs

 

Final Note from Deks Safaris and Tours

The 7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari and Primates Tracking Experience by Deks Safaris and Tours is more than an itinerary it’s a handcrafted journey designed for travelers who seek both adventure and comfort, luxury and authenticity, and above all, a deep emotional connection with Africa’s wild heart. From the thundering roar of Murchison Falls to the gentle hum of Lake Bunyonyi, this safari embodies Uganda’s essence a harmony of strength, serenity, and spirit.

Every encounter, from the charging elephant to the playful chimp, from the silent stare of a gorilla to the fiery African sunset, tells a story and by the end, that story becomes yours.

 

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