Big Five Safari and Primates Safari Tour Uganda

6 Days | 5 Nights

From $2,475 / person

Your trip overview

Go on a thrilling 6-day safari adventure through Uganda’s most iconic national parks. This tour blends exhilarating game drives across vast savannahs, immersive primate trekking experiences, and serene boat cruises on two of Africa’s most scenic waterways, the Kazinga Channel and the Victoria Nile.

You’ll start your journey in Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world, for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Then venture into the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where classic game drives bring you face to face with elephants, lions, buffaloes, and over 600 bird species.

The journey crescendos in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through mist-covered rainforests to encounter these gentle giants in one of the world’s most moving wildlife experiences.

This safari offers a unique chance to witness the Big Five, track primates in their natural habitat, and support local conservation and community efforts, all while enjoying exceptional comfort and hospitality.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Uganda

Batwa Cultural Experience

Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Uganda

Kibale Forest

Uganda

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Uganda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your unforgettable adventure begins with an early morning pickup in Entebbe at 7:00 am by your professional driver-guide. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic road trip heading west to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Along the way, you’ll stop at the Mpambire Drum Makers Center, a cultural hub where you can witness traditional drum crafting. Another highlight is the Equator stop, where you’ll enjoy a fun photo session and learn about this geographical marvel.

The journey continues through Mbarara town, often called the “Land of Milk and Honey,” where the lush countryside and terraced hillsides offer spectacular views.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the edge of Bwindi’s enchanting forest. Settle into Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, your serene base for the night, and take the evening to relax and prepare for the next day’s thrilling gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure & Batwa Cultural Experience

Rise early for a hearty breakfast at 6:30 am, then head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a pre-trek briefing conducted by experienced park rangers. By 8:00 am, you’ll step into the enchanting, mist-covered rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guided by rangers in search of one of the most remarkable creatures on Earth, the mountain gorillas.

The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. The trail may be challenging, but the reward is extraordinary. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, you’ll have one magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat—watching them groom, feed, and play in the forest depths.

To ease your trek, consider hiring a porter (recommended), and use a walking stick provided at the start of the hike.

After this once-in-a-lifetime encounter, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on your experience. In the late afternoon, embark on a cultural walk to the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers. Learn about their unique traditions, hear their stories, and enjoy traditional music and dance, offering a rich cultural contrast to your wildlife adventure.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha - Tree-Climbing Lions Encounter

After breakfast, you’ll depart from Bwindi and embark on a scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector, a renowned hotspot for the elusive tree-climbing lions. With luck, you’ll spot these majestic predators lounging on the branches of fig trees, a rare and unforgettable sight unique to this region.

As you continue toward the northern part of the park, keep your eyes open for a variety of wildlife along the way, including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and more. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out for a game drive, exploring the diverse landscapes of the park in search of even more wildlife and birdlife. The golden hour offers prime photography opportunities as the animals become more active and the savannah glows with soft light.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at your comfortable lodge near the Kyambura Gorge.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Kyambura Gorge (Chimps)

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Your day begins early with breakfast at 6:00 am, followed by a thrilling morning game drive through the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early hours offer the best chance to spot predators on the prowl, such as lions and leopards, along with elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and a rich variety of birdlife. The cool morning light and active wildlife create perfect conditions for wildlife photography and unforgettable sightings.

After an exhilarating safari, return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch and some downtime before your next adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is a highlight of the park, renowned for its high concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and a dazzling array of water birds, including the malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, and pink-backed pelican. Glide past herds of wildlife as they gather at the water’s edge, an incredible way to observe nature in its purest form.

Wrap up your day with dinner and an overnight stay back at your lodge.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Kyambura Gorge (Chimps)

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 5: Morning Game Drive, Baboon Cliff Visit & Transfer to Kibale Forest

After a hearty breakfast, set out on a morning game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed the previous day. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s iconic residents, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and, with luck, a few elusive predators.

You’ll then head to Baboon Cliff, a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s crater lakes and sprawling plains. It’s a great spot for photos and a peaceful moment to soak in the natural beauty.

Return to the lodge for lunch, after which you’ll embark on a 2 to 3-hour journey to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. This lush rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including the famous chimpanzees.

You’ll arrive in the evening, check in to your lodge, and enjoy a warm dinner before settling in for the night.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge – Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Where to stay

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Transfer to Entebbe

What an amazing day awaits! After an early breakfast, check out of your lodge and head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Be sure to carry plenty of bottled drinking water, a rain jacket, and your spirit of adventure.

At around 8:00 am, accompanied by an experienced UWA ranger, you’ll begin your trek into the dense rainforest in search of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, and swing through the trees. Along the way, expect to see a variety of other primates, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, and more. The forest also teems with colorful birds, butterflies, and vibrant plant life.

After this unforgettable experience, you’ll depart Kibale and begin your drive to Entebbe via Mubende, enjoying the beautiful scenic landscapes en route. You’ll stop for lunch in Mubende, and then continue your journey. Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure.

Rates Per Person

Start Dates	Solo 1 room	2 people 1 room	3 people 2 rooms	4 people 2 rooms	5 people 3 rooms	6 people 3 rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$3,245	$2,915	$2,805	$2,695	$2,585	$2,475
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$3,245	$2,915	$2,805	$2,695	$2,585	$2,475
Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027	$3,245	$2,915	$2,805	$2,695	$2,585	$2,475

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

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 itinerary)

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

Choose a destination, pick your properties, and we’ll do the rest

Browse

Look through our itineraries for inspiration, and call our Travel Consultants

Create

Discuss your wish list with us, and we’ll use our expertise to design a unique itinerary for you

Customise

We’re committed to refining your itinerary until we’ve created the perfect personalised trip for you

Tanzania

Safari from Zanzibar

Kenya

Uganda

Rwanda

Botswana

Kilimanjaro

Mount Meru

Ol Doinyo Lengai

Mount Hanang

Mount Longido

Mount Kenya

Big Five Safari and Primates Safari Tour Uganda

6 Days | 5 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Batwa Cultural Experience

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Kibale Forest

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Where to stay

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Rates Per Person

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

Membership/Affiliate's

Follow us

Contact Details

Top Destinations

Safari Experiences

Mt. Trekking

The Company

Useful Link

Safari Packages