9-Day Uganda African Big Five Safari Experiences with Ziwa Rhinos
This 9-day Uganda African Big Five Safari Experiences takes you through breathtaking national parks, offering encounters with rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. From thrilling game drives and boat cruises to gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking, this adventure blends wildlife, nature, and culture. The journey wraps up with a city tour in Kampala, ensuring a complete safari experience before departure.
Wondering what makes Uganda one of the top destinations for African Big Five Safari Experiences? This vibrant country offers travelers the chance to spot some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, in breathtaking landscapes. From tracking rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda present a unique blend of safari adventures. Beyond the Big Five, visitors can embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park, enriching the experience with close primate encounters. Complementing the wildlife safari are cultural interactions, boat safaris, and nature hikes, ensuring a diverse and engaging itinerary. Whether exploring the savannah, trekking through dense jungles, or cruising along the Nile, Uganda’s African Big Five Safari Experiences promise a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe, Transfer to Ziwa Rhino for Rhino Tracking and Continue to Murchison Falls
Day 2: Early Game Drive, Track Big Five and Boat Cruise
Day 3: Sunset Game Drive, Nature Walks and Hike to the Top of the Falls
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest for Bigodi Birding with Coffee and Banana Village Tour
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park for Boat Cruise and Evening Game Drive
Day 6: Early Game Drive, Visit Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking with the Batwa Experience
Day 8: Mgahinga Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kampala with Equator Stopover
Day 9: Kampala Safari Tour, Final Shopping and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Uganda Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival at Entebbe, Transfer to Ziwa Rhino for Rhino Tracking and Continue to Murchison Falls
Begin your African Big Five Safari Experiences in Uganda with arrival at Entebbe International Airport, followed by a transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an incredible rhino tracking experience. This is the only place in Uganda where you can observe wild rhinos in their natural habitat. After an immersive encounter, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, home to stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. As you settle into your lodge, prepare for the exciting African Big Five Safari Experiences ahead, where lions, elephants, and buffaloes await in the park’s vast savannah
- Day2Early Game Drive, Track Big Five and Boat Cruise
Rise early for a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you will track the African Big Five Safari Experiences, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. The morning drive maximizes sightings, as predators are most active during these hours. Later, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. With abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, this day ensures unforgettable moments in African Big Five Safari Experiences, showcasing Uganda’s rich biodiversity
- Day3Sunset Game Drive, Nature Walks and Hike to the Top of the Falls
Another action-packed day in Murchison Falls National Park starts with a sunset game drive, where you will once again encounter the African Big Five Safari Experiences as nocturnal animals begin to emerge. Follow it up with guided nature walks, allowing for an intimate experience with Uganda’s landscapes. The grand finale is a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. This blend of wildlife, adventure, and natural wonders ensures another remarkable day in your African Big Five Safari Experiences
- Day4Transfer to Kibale Forest for Bigodi Birding with Coffee and Banana Village Tour
Leave Murchison Falls behind and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its primates and birdlife. Engage in a birdwatching expedition in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a hotspot for diverse species. As part of the African Big Five Safari Experiences, visit the Coffee and Banana Village, where you’ll learn traditional farming techniques and interact with locals. This immersive cultural experience complements your wildlife adventures, making your African Big Five Safari Experiences more enriching by blending nature, conservation, and community interactions
- Day5Chimpanzee Trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park for Boat Cruise and Evening Game Drive
Wake up for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, an exciting opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural setting. The trek is a highlight of African Big Five Safari Experiences, allowing up-close encounters. Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel unveils hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Cap off the day with an evening game drive, where Uganda’s African Big Five Safari Experiences continue, offering sightings of leopards and tree-climbing lions
- Day6Early Game Drive, Visit Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi
Begin your day with an early morning game drive, maximizing chances to spot Uganda’s African Big Five Safari Experiences at their most active. Continue to the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions lounging on fig trees. After this experience, Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a world-famous gorilla sanctuary, Arriving in Bwindi sets the stage for a life-changing gorilla trekking adventure, ensuring your African Big Five Safari Experiences blend both big game and primates
- Day7Gorilla Trekking with the Batwa Experience
Step into the dense forests of Bwindi for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, a pinnacle of African Big Five Safari Experiences. Guided by expert trackers, you will navigate the thick jungle to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After trekking, experience Batwa cultural traditions, where indigenous pygmies share their ancient forest survival skills. This day enriches your African Big Five Safari Experiences, combining wildlife conservation with cultural heritage, offering profound insights into Uganda’s ecological and human history
- Day8Mgahinga Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kampala with Equator Stopover
Continue your primate expedition with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These playful and rare primates add another dimension to your African Big Five Safari Experiences, showcasing Uganda’s diversity. After trekking, return to Kampala, stopping at the Ugandan Equator for photos and cultural shopping. This transition allows you to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters throughout your African Big Five Safari Experiences, blending adventure, conservation, and iconic landmarks
- Day9Kampala Safari Tour, Final Shopping and Departure
Conclude your African Big Five Safari Experiences with a Kampala city tour, visiting landmarks like the Uganda Museum and Ndere Cultural Center. Explore vibrant markets for souvenirs and enjoy a final taste of Ugandan hospitality. As your safari tours in Uganda wrap up, head to Entebbe International Airport for departure, carrying unforgettable memories of thrilling wildlife safaris, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes