7-Day Amazing Big Five, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.