Uganda Big five and Primates – 11 Days

Uganda Big Five and primate safari covers some of the best National Parks in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are home to the Big Five. The river Nile that bisects the park into two offers opportunities for river cruises, Birding and fishing trips, plus a boat ride to the bottom of the mighty falls.

Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 13 primate species, including the chimpanzee, rare Bird species and some of the oldest trees on earth.

Queen Elizabeth National Park with a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, dotted with crater Lakes, escarpments, tropical forests and the equator line. This provides perfect habitats and roaming grounds for Big game and unique Birds. Ishasha sector spices up the park with unique tree-climbing lions.

This safari is crowned by a visit to the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Let’s explore the Pearl!

Itinerary at a glance.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Uganda.
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Day 3: Game Drive & Afternoon boat ride to the bottom of the falls.
Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives.
Day 5: Scenic flight from Murchison Falls to Kasese, Drive to Fort-Portal.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi swamp walk.
Day 7: Kibale Forest NP – Queen Elizabeth NP- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 8: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 10: Gorilla Tracking & Afternoon Optional community activities.
Day 11: Fly to Entebbe – international flight – optional day excursions/Day room.

Safari description.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda.

Adventure Consults’ airport staff will meet you on arrival, assist you through customs, get your luggage, and hand you over to the field guide for a transfer to the hotel.

Depending on arrival time, you may have a briefing on your safari today/tonight or you can opt to get a briefing the following day before setting off to the field.

Overnight accommodation is included on a bed and breakfast basis.

Most recommended hotels in Entebbe are 10 – 20 minute drive from the airport.
Inclusions: Bed & Breakfast basis.
Excludes: All meals and Drinks.

Day 2: Entebbe – Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Briefing on the day’s adventures, and start for Murchison Falls National Park (latest 0730 hours). You will have a de-tour of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary drive is about 3 – 4 hours.

The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was created in 2005 to re-introduce the southern White Rhinos in Uganda after their extinction in the 1980s. As of December 2025, the rhino population at the sanctuary is at Forty-eight (48) individuals and remains the only place in Uganda with Southern white rhinos in the wild. Notably, it is the only place in East Africa that offers walking safaris in search for rhinos and other game.

The activity starts with a detailed briefing then follow the experienced guides for an escorted bushwalk. It all happens in an open grassland as you look out for the gentle rhinos that freely roam around on a 70-square-kilometer land. The sanctuary also harbors other animals including Uganda Kobs, Oribis, bushbucks, and waterbucks among others, and lots of Bird species.

Lunch will be either at the Rhino sanctuary restaurant or the nearby luxury Amuka lodge.

After lunch, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park (about 3 hours’ drive).

This afternoon, you have an option to visit the top of Murchison Falls. The vantage top point offers the best opportunity for viewing the perfected Nile’s beauty as it’s forced through a seven-meter cleft in the rocks and plunges 45 meters down, forming a spectacular rainbow. Look out for the best sunset moment as the sun kisses the Nile.

Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.

Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and none-alcoholic drinks with exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.

Day 3: Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Ride to the bottom of the falls.

0600 hours: Meet at the lobby for a snack and a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee or tea) then head out for a game drive. Please keep an eye out in the thickets, trees, and ground for rewarding wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

You may have a picnic/bush breakfast then after return at the lodge. The picnic breakfast depends on weather, personal interests among other factors.

Lunch is always ready from 1230hours.

1345 hours; Meet the guide at the lobby and drive to the jetty for a 1400 hours boat ride to the bottom of Murchison falls. You will cruise upstream by boat on the calm Victoria Nile. The boat trip offers the best opportunities of getting close to wildlife. The regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, and a plethora of aquatic birds. The Boat ride on the Nile goes towards the base of the falls with magnificent views of the “Devil’s Cauldron”. Get ready for the best photography moment.

Scheduled boats are usually considered, so the type of boat (big or small) is determined on the day of the trip. Private/exclusive boats are available on payment of supplement.

Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.

Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives.

Today is dedicated to exploring the Park with two game drives (morning and afternoon),. You will have a break in between for lunch and siesta as the sun cools down.

The Murchison falls’ rich wildlife diversity, jaw-dropping scenery with spread out Borassus palm provides for more than just game drives. Every game drive in this park is extraordinarily unique. Evening cocktails and sunsets happen here!

If you missed a tour to the top of the falls on day 2, the last opportunity is this afternoon.

Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.

Day 5: Scenic flight; Murchison Falls to Kibale via Kasese airstrip

Depending on the day’s flight schedule, you may have a relaxed morning at the lodge, or go for a game drive. You will later transfer to the airstrip in time for your flight.

The scenic flight to Kasese airstrip takes about one hour and the drive from the airstrip to the next lodge is about 2 hours (+/-).

Weather permitting, you may have breathtaking views of the Nile river, the water falls, varying ecosystems, and Wildlife that roams in this open savannah.

As you fly towards western Uganda, keep an eye out for the magnificent landscapes dotted with stunning Lakes, Rivers, wetlands, road networks, and rolling Hills. Prior to landing at Kasese airstrip, the mystical snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain Range welcomes you.

Baggage restrictions on domestic flights: Maximum luggage weight is 15 kgs /33lbs in soft-sided bags. Standard luggage should have the three dimensions of 24 inches (60cm) height, 18 inches (45cm) length, and 13 inches (33cm) width. Any excess luggage can be paid for at 5$ per Kg depending on space availability or can make advance reservation. Alternatively, any extra baggage can be kept in Entebbe at the hotel, to be returned to you at the end of the trip.

Adventure Consults’ guide will meet you at Kasese airstrip, have a snack and transfer to the next lodge near Kibale National Park, Fort Portal. The 2 hours’ drive (+/-) will take you through the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, christened the “Mountains of the Moon”.

This afternoon, you may relax at the lodge or go for a short activity. The activity will depend on the lodge you are booked to stay.

Meals and Overnight accommodation are included at the Lodge.

Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with the exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking – Kibale Forest NP and Bigodi swamp walk

Breakfast at the lodge or have a packed breakfast (depending on departure time from the lodge you are booked to stay).

The day starts with be a detailed briefing at Kanyancu park Headquarters. You are then after assigned a guide and enter the forest for an escorted forest walk and search for the elusive Chimpanzees.

The moist evergreen Kibale Forest National Park is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world – 13 species, including the very ‘local-ized’ Red Colobus as well as L’Hoests monkey.

While in the forest, the guide will give detailed explanations on more than just primates. The forest is endowed with some of the oldest trees in Africa out of which some are medicinal, and others are used by Chimpanzees for communication. Your walk will be interestingly informative and exciting. You don’t have to be a birding enthusiast to enjoy the competition of Chimpanzee calls and bird sounds.

Lunch options: a locally prepared Uganda meals is highly recommended for today’s lunch, and this will be at Tinka’s homestay. Alternatively, drive back to your lodge for lunch (discuss with the guide on type of lunch preference a day before).

This afternoon, you have an option to relax at the lodge or pick one of the available activities.

The famous and most preferred community activity is the Bigodi swamp walk for primate and birding adventure. The approximately 4.5 Km round walk takes you through a swamp that shelters over 200 species of birds that include Great Blue Turacos, Papyrus gonolek, Blue, Crowned eagles, Purple-breasted sunbirds, African Pitta, Papyrus Canary, and many more swamp endemics.

During this wetland walk, you are likely to see more primates such as Olive baboons, Black and White Colobus, Red Tailed monkeys, L’Hoests Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Blue Monkeys among others.

You will walk through homesteads as the site guides share exciting details of their lifestyles, history, and culture.

A relaxed afternoon is equally good option as you get an opportunity to enjoy the property facilities, have a swim as you wait for the sunset moment.

Meals and Overnight accommodation are included at the Lodge.

Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with the exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.

Day 7: Kibale Forest NP – Queen Elizabeth NP- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

0800 hours; start for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your first stop will be Kasese town with views of the magnificent snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain Range. You have an option to stop by the Rwenzori founders’ gallery for the finest artwork made out of bronze. If you love first-class galleries with resident artists, this is the right place.

After a short break, proceed to the equator crossing point. There are only 13 countries on earth that are crossed by the equator, and Uganda is one of them. Today, you will have an opportunity to stand at the center of the earth, take amazing photographs and listen to various stories/beliefs related to this spot. The stories here are both scientific, factual and others are culturally related.

Proceed to the lodge, arriving in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, depart for the Mweya pier in time for the 1400 hours boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a 32-kilometer – long natural water stretch that links Lake Edward and George.

The boat cruise on the channel provides the best opportunities for up-close animal and Bird viewing. It’s at this spot that you will get the best wildlife photography opportunities. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s bird life is so rich, colourful, and stupendous, totaling to 600 recorded Bird species.

Meals and Overnight accommodation are included at the Lodge.

Day 8: Morning Predator research experience – Afternoon game drive.

Predator research experience starts at crack of dawn!

Have a snack along with a hot beverage of your choice. Meet the wildlife experts for briefing then hop onto one of Adventure Consults’ jeeps and head out to look for Big cats including the Lion and Leopard.

Your guides on this bespoke adventure are members of a local predator research team that has been doing carnivores research in Uganda’s park for close to two decades.

You will get an opportunity of learning how to use telemetry in search for lion prides that freely roam this vast savannah. Undoubtably, this experience is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife photography at all levels. The drives are conducted in designated offroad routes hence assured of close encounters with other wildlife as well. During the drive, the wildlife partners will discuss human-animal conflict in communities around the park, veterinary issues within the park, and lion family dynamics as part of a very in-depth game drive experience.

A midmorning Picnic Breakfast shall be served. Rangers are available to ensure safety. The community craft market, facing Lake Bunyampaka is one of our popular breakfast spots. While here, you might see the colorful flamingos in a distance but this depends on the season. The spot also provides an opportunity for craft shopping.

A lunch break, siesta then after go for an afternoon/evening drive. ‘

Weather permitting, go for a sundowner and have a taste of Uganda’s finest gin, and a mix of both local and premium drinks as you wait for the sunset moment. Please note that soft drinks and snacks are on house. All alcoholic drinks are excluded.

Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Start for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for more that uganda has got to offer. Beautiful landscapes, people, butterflies and wildlife.

Today’s drive will be via the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree climbing Lions and multitude of animals.

The drive from Mweya sector to Ishasha is about two and a half hours, and a short game drive will take about one hour. While in Ishasha area, expect to see large herds of Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, African bush elephants, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, bushbucks and lots more. If you are lucky, you might have an encounter with the ‘super stars’ of the area are the tree-climbing lions that often spend the afternoons relaxing on fig-tree branches.

The Tree-climbing lions are magical and exceptional. There are only two known tree climbing lion populations in the world – one in Ishasha and the other in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara. Several theories explain the reason why these lions climb trees and one of them is that it is a way of protecting themselves from the biting tsetse flies while others believe the lions climb the trees to escape the stifling heat on the ground and catch a cool breeze. The other extraordinary feature on Ishasha lions is their black manes – quote unique!

Lunch will be at Simba café for a local dish or pick from the chef’s special/ala’carte menu.

The Simba café and restaurant is part of Save Wildlife Uganda project; an Adventure Consults’ initiative aimed at empowering the local communities. The day-to-day management of the project is by men and women who were previously poachers, but now are the amazing ambassadors of conservation.

The stop at the Save Wildlife Center is more than just for a meal or coffee but you will have an opportunity to check out and purchase beautiful crafts made out of local material. You will be amazed by the art pieces that were made using material previously used for catching animals (poaching). All profits from sales at the center, directly go to supporting communities neighboring the National park.

After a good meal, proceed to Bwindi, arriving at the lodge late afternoon/evening.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got almost 400 species of plants, providing habitat for over 120 mammal species (including 11 primates), 346 species of birds (including 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics), 202 species of butterflies, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many other endangered species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is notable for being home to over 50% of the approximately 1,060 Mountain Gorillas still living on earth.

A relaxed afternoon. You will later meet at the fireplace for an evening full of whispers from the wild and look up in the sky for the bright stars.

Meals and Overnight accommodation are included at the Lodge.

Day 10: Gorilla tracking – Afternoon visit to Gorilla lab and Ride for a Woman project.

Today is dedicated to visiting the Gorillas.

Breakfast is always ready by 0500 hours. You may opt for a packed breakfast or have it at the lodge, so ensure you are ready for a 0600 hours or 0700 hours departure to the park headquarters.

Departure time depends on the proximity of the sector/Gorilla family you are booked. This is in tandem with lodge location. Mandatory briefing is always at the park headquarters, then after enter the forest for a fun-filled adventurous day.

While in Northern Bwindi, you have access to Gorilla families of Buhoma or Ruhija sectors. If booked for Ruhija, departure will is always at 0600hrs for Ruhija or 0700hrs for Buhoma area. Breakfast is always ready by 0500 hours or can opt to have a packed breakfast if leaving at 0600hrs.

You will enter the forest and start the search. The rainforest is spectacular, heavily vegetated, and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for trekkers. The time taken to find the Gorillas depends on Gorilla movements and in most cases, they are either looking for food or simply taking time to walk in their territory and more importantly your walking pace.

You are allowed to spend 60 minutes/one hour with the Gorillas, so always spare the last 20 minutes for observation and connection with them for everlasting memories. Follow this link for more useful information about Gorillas.

A box lunch is available with an option for a warm lunch at the lodge (depending on trek duration).

In the afternoon, you have an option to visit Dr. Gladys’ Conservation through Public Health (CTPH) center. This is a non-profit organization that promotes conservation by improving the quality of life of the people living around protected areas. CTPH focuses on human and wildlife coexistence in and around protected areas. It’s at Conservation through Public Health that samples from the Gorillas are examined as part of the health observation process to ensure the good health of Gorillas. The team of vets at the center, will take you through detailed explanation and experiments of their day-to-day work that focuses on the heath of animals and local communities.

Your afternoon walk will end with a visit to Ride for a woman project, a charitable organization set up to support women struggling with poverty, HIV and domestic violence. Your visit indirectly supports the project work and while here, you may participate in basketry, weaving, and have an opportunity for craft shopping. You can as well place your order for African designed cautions, dresses, wrappers, table mats and all that has got an African touch on it! The ladies will ensure your orders are ready for collection in the shortest time possible.

Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.

Day 11: Scenic flight from Kihihi airstrip to Entebbe Airport – international return flight.

Two flights available everyday (0900 hours and 1400-hour departures). Check in time is one hour in advance. Flight schedules and duration can change and sometimes at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

Departure time from the lodge to be communicated the previous day. Meet your guide at the lobby and transfer to Kihihi airstrip for your flight to Entebbe Airport.

Arrival at Entebbe airport is any time before or by 1125hrs. If you have a connecting international/regional flight today, ensure it’s scheduled to depart Entebbe not earlier than 1345hrs.

On arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be directed through to customs and connect to your international/regional flight.

If you have more than 4 hours layover, Adventure consults have got exciting offers to make your day more relaxing.

Complementary transfer to the nearby restaurant (outside the airport) where you will have an early lunch (on own account), then later transfer back to the airport in time for your flight.
Day room at a hotel near Entebbe airport. This will be on payment of supplement and advance reservation is a requirement.
Optional day activities to keep you busy and get to see more of Entebbe. Please ask for detailed info and related costs to ensure reservations are in place. For more information, please follow this link.

Accommodation options.

We have long term contracts and partnerships with all hotels and lodges in East Africa. The accommodations are carefully handpicked to suite every traveler’s specification. The listed options are simply a guideline, so please discuss with us for more options.

Uganda’s National parks have got a wide array of accommodation options. Some facilities are inside the park and others all outside but within proximity of park activities. All facilities have unique locations with either magnificent views of the savannah plains, lakes, rivers, mountains, or facing a forest canopy.

Accommodation options in Entebbe/Kampala;

Hotel Number 5.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
The Boma hotel.
Papyrus Guesthouse.
Entebbe forest lodge.
Lake Victoria Serena Golf resort and spa.
2 Friends Beach Hotel.

Accommodation options in Murchison Falls National Park.

Nile Safari Lodge.
Paraa Safari Lodge.
Papa’s Camp.
Murchison Bush Camp.
Murchison River Lodge.
Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Sambiya River Lodge.
Twiga Safari Lodge.
Fort Murchison.

Accommodation options in Kibale Forest National Park

Volcanoes Kibale Lodge.
Ndali Lodge.
Kyaninga Lodge.
Crater Safari Lodge.
Primate Lodge.
Turaco Treetops.
Chimpundu Safari Lodge.
Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge.
Kibale Forest Camp.
Papaya Lake Lodge.
Isunga Lodge.
Kibale Forest Lodge.
Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort.
Guereza Canopy Lodge.

Accommodation options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Elephant Plains Lodge.
Honey Bear Bush Camp.
The River Station.
Mweya Safari Lodge.
Katara Lodge.
Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Parkview Safari Lodge.
Kasenyi Safari Camp.
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge.
Ishasha Jungle lodge.
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.

Accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Buhoma Lodge.
Mahogany Springs lodge.
Trekkers Tavern Lodge.
Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Silverback Lodge.
Buhoma Community Haven Lodge.
Engagi Lodge.
Ride 4 a woman Cottages.