Uganda · Primate Tours

9-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari with Big Five Parks and Lake Bunyonyi

9 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest and explore primate-rich Kibale
  • 03 See white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • 04 Cruise the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls
  • 05 Look for Ishasha's famous tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 06 Relax at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's most beautiful lakes

This 9-day safari is designed to give you a summarized experience of what Uganda can offer within the shortest time possible. Carefully chosen prime parks increase your chances of encountering the Big 5, starting with rhinos and continuing through Uganda's remarkable wildlife areas. The journey also focuses on primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees, with each forest and sanctuary offering different species to discover. The experience is crowned by a stay at Lake Bunyonyi, described as the most beautiful lake in Africa.

After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative from Big Apes Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to have a detailed briefing about your travel itinerary, or go through the details the following morning.

2
Day 02

Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today, you will drive west to one of Uganda's most loved national parks. Along the way, you will take a walking safari to track the white rhinos and stop for lunch en route.

Before heading to the lodge, drive to the top of Murchison Falls. You can also take a walk to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the amazing views. This is the most scenic part of the park, and Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world.

3
Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Trip

Today, you will have an early morning game drive with an opportunity to search for elephants, hartebeests, antelopes, and many different birds. On a good day, you may be able to see lions and a leopard in a single drive.

After lunch, you will explore the River Nile up to the bottom of the falls, where the 1951 movie Queen of Africa was shot. In the evening, you can choose to take an extra game drive or simply relax.

4
Day 04

Top of the Falls Visit and Transfer to Kibale

Today, you will drive to the top of the falls. After enjoying this magnificent spot, continue south to the jungle of Kibale. You will have lunch along the way.

After the long drive, you can choose to relax at the lodge or take a guided walk through the community.

5
Day 05

Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Today begins with a Bigodi Swamp walk, which offers some of the finest birding and monkey viewing in Uganda. This 4.5 km circuit gives you an opportunity to see forest and swamp specials, as well as a good number of monkeys.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive in search of wildlife. Lunch will be taken en route.

6
Day 06

Chimp Tracking, Boat Cruise, and Game Drive

After breakfast, drive to Kalinzu Forest, managed by the National Forest Authority, where you will do chimpanzee tracking. After chimpanzee tracking, you will enjoy a UWA boat cruise followed by a game drive.

You have a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and many more animals.

7
Day 07

Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bwindi National Park. On the way, you will drive through Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

After the drive, you will immediately proceed to Bwindi, with lunch along the way.

8
Day 08

Gorilla Tracking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you will drive to the briefing point in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to be enlightened about your adventure with the mountain gorillas. You are advised to carry enough drinking water and a lunch box.

At a cost of 15 US dollars, you can hire a porter to carry your bag and give you a hand on slippery or steep parts of the forest. After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants. Rain gear is important, considering that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest.

Later, you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can take a swim in Uganda's most beautiful lake or enjoy a walk in nature and explore the surrounding communities.

9
Day 09

Return to Entebbe via the Equator

After your beautiful stay at Lake Bunyonyi, you will drive back to Entebbe to embark on your journey back home. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to cross the Equator and do some souvenir shopping.

If you would like to stay a little longer or add an extra activity, this is possible at an extra cost.

Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Entebbe 7 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Drinks

What to bring

Essential Clothing and Footwear

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: opt for long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors like khaki or olive to protect against sun and insects.
  • Sturdy hiking boots: essential for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking through varied terrain.
  • Rain gear: a waterproof jacket or poncho is vital, especially in rainforest regions like Bwindi.
  • Garden gloves: useful during primate treks to protect your hands when navigating dense vegetation.
  • Swimwear: for relaxing at lodges or taking a dip in Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Warm layers: evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so pack a fleece or light sweater.

Health and Safety Essentials

  • Insect repellent: choose one with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
  • Sunscreen: high SPF to protect against the equatorial sun.
  • First-aid kit: include basics like antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication.
  • Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated during treks and drives.
  • Personal medications: bring any prescribed medicines, plus anti-malarial tablets as recommended by your doctor.

Gear and Accessories

  • Daypack: a waterproof backpack to carry daily essentials.
  • Binoculars: enhance wildlife viewing during game drives and boat cruises.
  • Camera: capture memories; consider extra batteries or a power bank.
  • Flashlight or headlamp: useful in lodges with limited lighting.
  • Travel adapter: Uganda uses the British-style Type G plug.

Documents and Money

  • Passport and visa: ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and obtain the necessary visa.
  • Yellow fever certificate: mandatory for entry into Uganda.
  • Travel insurance: covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
  • Cash: carry some Ugandan Shillings for tips and small purchases; credit card facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

Essential Travel Tips

  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits should be secured well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.
  • Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations, such as yellow fever, and malaria prophylaxis.
  • Packing essentials:
    • Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for forest treks.
    • Sturdy hiking boots.
    • Rain gear, especially during the wet seasons.
    • Binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens.
  • The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is widely used. Carry some cash for remote areas, though major towns accept cards.
  • Best Time to Visit
  • The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
  • Accommodation Options
    • Murchison Falls: Pakuba Safari Lodge offers comfortable stays with views of the Nile.
    • Bwindi: Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge provides luxury accommodations near gorilla trekking starting points.
    • Queen Elizabeth: Kyambura Gorge Lodge combines comfort with proximity to wildlife hotspots.
  • Travel Logistics
    • Transportation: Consider hiring a 4x4 vehicle for flexibility, especially during the rainy season.
    • Guided tours: Engaging a local tour operator can enhance your experience with expert knowledge and logistical support.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe, Uganda
Tour start
Entebbe, Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Entebbe.

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