9-Day Uganda Big Five, Primates and Birding Safari
A nine-day private circuit pairs gorilla and chimpanzee tracking with Lake Mburo wildlife, the Kazinga Channel and Murchison Falls.
About this tour
This nine-day private circuit links five major wildlife areas across Uganda. After arrival in Entebbe, the first road stage reaches Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive. A second morning in the park can be spent on either a wildlife drive or nature walk before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Bwindi is the setting for guided mountain gorilla trekking. A second trek may be possible the following morning, but only when both permit availability and the timetable allow. The route then enters Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, with wildlife drives and the possibility of tree-climbing lions. After moving to the Mweya sector, an afternoon boat safari explores the Kazinga Channel.
The northern part of the journey continues through Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and then on to Murchison Falls National Park. The final day combines a wildlife drive with visits to the upper and lower areas of the falls before the transfer back to Entebbe International Airport. Christopher customizes the final route around interests, permits, accommodation and current conditions. Drive times are approximate, and wildlife observations remain conditional.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and rest in Entebbe
After landing at Entebbe International Airport, continue to the arranged hotel. This first day has no planned field activity and is set aside for check-in and relaxation.
Day 2
Lake Mburo transfer and evening wildlife drive
Travel from Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park, a drive listed at approximately four to five hours. After arrival, join an evening wildlife drive and continue to the confirmed overnight accommodation.
Day 3
Lake Mburo activity before Bwindi
Choose between a morning wildlife drive and a nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park. Afterwards, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; the transfer is listed at approximately four to five hours.
Day 4
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Enter Bwindi for the guided mountain gorilla trek. Walking time and trail conditions depend on the gorillas’ location, while permit availability and the confirmed arrangements are checked before travel. Return to the selected accommodation after the activity.
Day 5
Optional second trek and Ishasha wildlife
A second gorilla trek may be arranged in the morning only if permits and time allow. Then travel for approximately two to three hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, followed by an afternoon wildlife drive with tree-climbing lions among the possible sightings.
Day 6
Ishasha to Mweya and the Kazinga Channel
Use the morning for another wildlife drive in the Ishasha sector. Continue for approximately two to three hours to the Mweya sector, then take an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel before the overnight stay.
Day 7
Queen Elizabeth to Kibale Forest
Begin with a morning wildlife drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Later, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park; the journey is listed at approximately three to four hours.
Day 8
Chimpanzee tracking before Murchison Falls
Join a guided chimpanzee-tracking activity in Kibale Forest National Park. After the activity, continue north to Murchison Falls National Park for the overnight stay.
Day 9
Murchison wildlife, falls and Entebbe return
Take a morning wildlife drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where large mammals are possible but not guaranteed. Visit both the upper and lower areas of the falls, then transfer to Entebbe International Airport for the confirmed departure.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Mburo National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kibale National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; dates and itinerary are customized to the guest’s interests, available time and travel preferences
Price: Price on request
Included
- All meals - Included in the customized package.
- Airport pickup and drop-off - Arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Park entry fees - Entry fees for parks in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser transport with fuel - Ground transport and fuel are included.
- Professional guide services - Professional guiding is included throughout the confirmed program.
- Boat cruises - Boat cruises named in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits when requested - These permits are included when selected by the guest and named in the personalized proposal.
Not included
- International flights and visas - Travellers arrange international flights and entry requirements.
- Travel and medical insurance - Travellers arrange suitable cover for the selected activities.
- Personal expenses, tips and unselected options - Any activity, permit or service not named in the personalized proposal is excluded.
Transport & stays
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel, plus boat cruises wher Ground transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel is included. Boat cruises are included where they form part of the customized itinerary. | Meet: Entebbe airport, hotel or another agreed starting point | Pickup: Airport pickup and drop-off are included; the exact meeting details follow the guest’s flight and accommodation arrangements.
Accommodations
- The Boma Hotel or 2 Friends Beach Hotel (day 1) Suggested mid-range options
- Rwakobo Rock or Kigarama Wilderness Lodge (days 2-3) Suggested mid-range options
- Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Eco Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge or Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (days 4-5) Suggested mid-range options
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge (days 6-7) Suggested mid-range options
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Isunga Lodge (day 8) Suggested mid-range options
- Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge (day 9) Suggested mid-range options
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is the second gorilla trek included automatically?
No. A second trek is optional and can proceed only if permits are available and the confirmed timetable allows it. The personalized proposal states which permits are included.
Are the stated road-transfer times fixed?
No. The listed drive times are approximate and can change with road, weather, park and traffic conditions.
Can the route and accommodation be adapted?
Yes. Christopher prepares the final programme around guest interests, available time, permit availability, preferred accommodation and selected activities.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.