5 Days Uganda Safari for Wildlife Big 5 Game and Chimpanzee Trekking

Discover the big five animals and primates in their natural habitats on this 5 Days Uganda Safari or big 5 game and chimpanzee trekking. Explore the popular Murchison falls National Park, the oldest and most popular safari destination to see four of the big 5 animals (African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, lions and leopards), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the Rhinoceros and to Kibale Forest National Park for its primates, especially chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

5 Days Uganda SafariZiwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated in Nakasongola district and so far the only home of Uganda’s Rhinoceros population in the wild. Over 33 individuals have been recorded in this Protected Area, but there are also other animals to see like Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, sitatunga, Topis and so much more. Undertake on-foot Rhino tracking adventure for intimate encounter with the Rhinos in their natural habitat.

Gazetted in 1952, Murchison falls is the oldest National Park in Uganda and sits within the north-western part of the country. It is haven to about 80 mammal species and over 500 bird species occupying its diverse ecosystems/natural habitats-wetlands, River banks, savannah grasslands, thickets and woodlands, forests, rolling hills and others.

Here, travellers are offered the opportunity of driving through the wildlife-rich game tracks with chances of seeing Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks and others.

The 795-square kilometer Kibale Forest National Park is found in the western side of the country and is known for its high concentration of primates, totaling to 13 species that include the chimpanzees.

Besides these Great Apes, there are also chances of seeing Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoests monkeys, bushbabies, pottos and patas monkeys among others. Chimpanzee treks in this Protected Area are second to none with chance of meeting one of the 6 habituated chimpanzee troops.

Highlights of the 5 Days Uganda Safari for Wildlife Big 5 Game and Chimpanzee Trekking

  • Trekking one of the chimpanzee troops in their natural habitat-Kibale Forest National Park.
  • Guided wetland walks through Bigodi to see part of the 8 primate species and birds that include globally threatened and wetland species.
  • Game drive through Murchison falls National Park.
  • Boat ride to the Bottom of Murchison falls.
  • Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

5 Days Uganda Safari Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive at Murchison falls National Park, with Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Day 2: Explore Murchison falls National Park: Game drives through the wildlife-rich tracks and Boat ride to the bottom of the falls.
  • Day 3: Long ride from Murchison falls National Park-Kibale Forest National Park.
  • Day 4: Explore Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trek & the guided wetland walks.
  • Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park- Kampala, departures.

Detailed Itinerary for the 5 Days Uganda Safari for Wildlife Big 5 Game and Chimpanzee Trekking

Day 1: Arrive at Murchison falls National Park, with Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Early in the morning, transfer to Murchison falls National Park.

Murchison falls National Park is a stunning Protected Area and a treasure trove with over 80 mammal and 500 bird species occupying varying landscapes.

The Journey to this Park is about 7-8 hours with rich views of isolated Savannah grasslands, roadside markets and the countryside with occasional stops along the way for photography or lunch. Along the way, you will see one of the big 5 game (Rhinoceros) within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

On getting at there, you will receive a warm welcome then start walking on the company of armed Ranger guides who will lead you to where the Rhinos are wandering freely in their natural habitat. Lunch will also be within this Sanctuary (at Amuka Safari Lodge) before continuing with the journey to Murchison falls National Park.

Overnight at:

  • Nile Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (luxury).
  • Heritage Safari Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge (midrange).
  • Red Chilli Rest Camp or Budongo Eco Lodge (budget).

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Explore Murchison falls National Park: Game drives through the wildlife-rich tracks and Boat ride to the bottom of the falls

After breakfast, grab your camera, binoculars and safari hat for the guided drive through the wildlife-rich areas of Murchison falls National Park. This Park is known for its 80 mammal species, most of which will be spotted during the drive.

The best way to fulfill our dream of seeing big 5 game, it is important to begin the game drive before the rise of the sun to catch up with the big cats-lions and leopards before they return to their hideouts.

Continue to spot different animals, especially African bush elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks and so much more. Afterwards, go back to the Lodge for siesta and lunch.

In the afternoon, be prepared for the boat ride to the bottom of the falls where you will spot numerous Hippos and Nile Crocodiles as well as visiting animals like African bush elephants, buffaloes, antelopes as well as birds.

Afterwards, disembark the boat and continue for the hike to the top of the falls for more opportunities of photography.

Overnight at:

  • Nile Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (luxury).
  • Heritage Safari Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge (midrange).
  • Red Chilli Rest Camp or Budongo Eco Lodge (budget).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Long ride from Murchison falls National Park-Kibale Forest National Park

Early morning, your private safari driver will take you to Kibale Forest National Park, another thrilling destination on this itinerary and undeniably one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in the country.

The Park is over 7-8 hours’ drive away and for many years has welcomed visitors from different all over the World to learn about the chimpanzees. Along the way, enjoy views of the countryside marked by traditional homesteads, farms, tea and banana plantations as well as snow-capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Hoima or Fort Portal Town (depending on the time) and dinner/overnight at the comfort of the Lodge.

Overnight at:

  • Crater Safari Lodge or Turaco Treetops (luxury).
  • Primate Lodge (midrange).
  • Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Explore Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trek & the guided wetland walks

On this day, you will head out for the chimpanzee trek through Kibale Forest National Park that starts with briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center.

Kibale forest National Park
Kibale forest National Park

Later, get assigned to one of the habituated chimpanzee troops in this Park and afterwards start searching in the company of armed Park Ranger and an experienced guide who will also provide an introduction into the forest-its animals, birds and unique tree species.

Lunch is served at the same Safari Lodge, followed by afternoon siesta.

For a real treat of Kibale Forest National Park, you will also visit the last attraction of the day – Bigodi wetland Sanctuary, managed by KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development).

The collection here includes 8 primate species and 200 bird species in addition to unique plant and tree species. Settle for a cold bath, hot meal and another unforgettable night at the Lodge.

Overnight at:

  • Crater Safari Lodge or Turaco Treetops (luxury).
  • Primate Lodge (midrange).
  • Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park- Kampala, departures

Enjoy breakfast and return back to Kamala from Kibale Forest National Park in a 5-6 hours’ journey with remarkable views and packed lunch. This brings our 5 days Big 5 game and Chimpanzee safari to an end.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.


 

Inclusions on the 5 Days Uganda Safari Package;

  • Chimpanzee trekking permit.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Game viewing.
  • Boat ride to the bottom of the falls.
  • Rhino tracking permit.
  • Transport by a 4WD Safari vehicle.
  • Guided wetland walks through Bigodi.
  • Meals including en-route.
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in only the best places.

Exclusions on the 5 Days Uganda Safari Tour;

  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Ugandan visa.
  • Personal expenses like telephone calls, laundry fees, shopping, cigarettes and drinks, tipping (to waiters/waitresses, your private safari driver and Park Rangers).

 

Plan Your Uganda Safari