The 14 Days Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Five & Shoebill Wildlife Safari combines Uganda’s forests, wetlands and savannahs into one comprehensive journey. Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, offering far more than traditional savannah game drives. Over two weeks, travellers can trek through ancient rainforest in search of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, explore national parks for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos, and search Uganda’s wetlands for the rare shoebill stork.
This itinerary is particularly appealing to travellers who want to experience Uganda’s primates, Big Five wildlife and birdlife in one safari rather than concentrating on a single region. Uganda offers wildlife experiences across savannah, forest, and wetland environments, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or enjoy a short exploration of Entebbe. This is also an opportunity to meet your safari guide, receive a briefing about the journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe/Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, head north to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s dedicated rhino conservation area. Here, you will take part in a guided rhino tracking experience, walking through the sanctuary in search of southern white rhinos. After the rhino experience, continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Arrive in the evening, check into your lodge and relax after the journey.
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Big Five Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The early morning is an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals are often more active before the heat of the day. The savannah may reveal elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, antelopes and, with luck, lions and leopards. After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks are home to large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, while elephants and buffaloes may be seen coming down to drink. The cruise also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and begin the journey towards western Uganda. Along the route, enjoy a shoebill tracking experience in a suitable wetland area, depending on the location and current arrangements. The shoebill is one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, famous for its enormous bill and prehistoric appearance. A guided wetland experience provides an opportunity to search for this remarkable bird while also observing other wetland species. Continue towards Kibale Forest National Park, arriving later in the day.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Today is dedicated to one of Uganda’s most exciting primate experiences: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers. As you walk through the rainforest, look and listen for chimpanzees moving through the trees. Kibale is also home to several other primate species, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Once the chimpanzee community is located, you will spend time observing their behaviour before returning from the forest.
Day 6: Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is known for its diverse birdlife, primates, butterflies and plant species. It is an excellent complement to the previous day’s chimpanzee experience. After the walk, continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic countryside and areas surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search the savannah for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, lions and other wildlife. With luck, you may also encounter a leopard. After lunch, enjoy the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes. The shoreline is also excellent for birdwatching. Return to the lodge after the cruise and relax.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, drive towards the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a game drive through this remote section of the park, searching for elephants, buffaloes, topis, antelopes and other wildlife. Ishasha is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting on large fig or acacia trees. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, searching for these unusual lions is one of the highlights of visiting this part of Uganda. Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after the game drive.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the major highlight of the safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. You will then enter the rainforest accompanied by trained guides and trackers. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. The terrain can be steep and challenging, but reaching the gorillas makes the effort worthwhile. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, spend the permitted time observing them as they feed, play, rest and interact with one another. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation & Scenic Experience
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic highland lakes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda as you travel through the terraced hills and local communities. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, relax at the lodge and enjoy views across the lake. Depending on your preference and available time, you may take an optional boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi, visiting some of its islands and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and continue towards Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside before reaching the park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Lake Mburo is home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, topis, waterbucks and other wildlife. The park is also one of Uganda’s best places for spotting zebras and impalas.
Day 12: Lake Mburo – Morning Nature Walk & Transfer to Entebbe
Begin the day with a guided nature or walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Walking provides a different perspective compared with a vehicle safari. You can appreciate smaller wildlife, birds, plants and animal tracks while accompanied by a trained guide. After breakfast, depart the park and continue towards Entebbe. You may make a stop at the Equator crossing along the way for photographs and a short cultural experience. Continue to Entebbe and check into your accommodation.
Day 13: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Excursion
Today is dedicated to another opportunity to search for the rare shoebill stork. Travel to Mabamba Swamp, a wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria and one of Uganda’s renowned locations for shoebill sightings. The excursion is conducted by boat through the papyrus channels of the wetland. Keep your eyes open for shoebills as well as kingfishers, herons, egrets, African fish eagles and other wetland birds. After the excursion, return to Entebbe and spend the remainder of the day relaxing.
Day 14: Entebbe – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your final transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for a short activity or last-minute shopping before heading to the airport. Your 14-day Uganda gorilla, chimpanzee, Big Five and shoebill safari ends with your departure from Uganda.
