9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Uganda

Rates From $8,700

About This Tour

Uganda’s diverse landscapes come alive in this comprehensive expedition across the country’s premier national parks. The journey connects the powerful Murchison Falls with the ancient rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. It is a transition from open savannahs and sprawling wetlands to the misty heights of the gorilla highlands.

The itinerary focuses on rare primate encounters and classic Big Five sightings. Guests move from the Nile’s edge to the crater lakes of Fort Portal and the dense canopy of the southwest. Each day is designed to reveal a different layer of East Africa’s natural heritage.

The experience is defined by professional guiding and immersion in wild habitats. The flow of the trip ensures that travelers witness the full spectrum of Uganda’s biodiversity. This is an active adventure that prioritizes authentic wildlife observation and scenic variety.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow Tours works closely with local community groups in Rushaga and Bigodi. Your visit supports the Ride for a Woman project, which empowers local women through craft and skills training. We also partner with local porters and guides, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits the families living near the parks.

Our Sustainability Promise

We are committed to low-impact tourism by utilizing lodges that use solar power and rainwater harvesting. Our safari operations strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles, especially during primate trekking. We provide reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste and support reforestation efforts in the Albertine Rift.

Why This Safari Works

This route follows a logical loop that minimizes long drive times between major highlights. It starts with the expansive scenery of Murchison Falls to build excitement before the physical trekking in the forests. By including both gorillas and chimpanzees, the itinerary offers a complete primate experience. The choice of luxury lodges like Kyaninga and Mweya ensures high comfort after active days. It works perfectly for wildlife enthusiasts who want a deep, multi-species immersion without sacrificing quality.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Boat Safaris
  • Children Allowed
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Photography Safaris
  • Private Safari
  • Rare Wildlife Sightings
  • Solo Traveller
  • Spa & Wellness
  • Special Diets on Request
  • Walking Safari

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to Kampala
  • Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Day 3: Boat Cruise on the Nile and Afternoon Game Drive
  • Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
  • Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
  • Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
  • Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga
  • Day 9: Departure to Entebbe via the Equator

Destinations

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Kibale Forest National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)

Where You Stay

  • Kampala Serena Hotel – 1 Night
  • Paraa Safari Lodge – 2 Nights
  • Kyaninga Safari Lodge – 2 Nights
  • Mweya Safari Lodge – 1 Night
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge Rushaga – 2 Nights

Safari Highlights

  • On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary
  • Watching the Nile squeeze through a seven-meter gorge
  • Sunset boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
  • Chimpanzee tracking in the "Primate Capital of the World"
  • Scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains from Kyaninga
  • Large elephant herds along the Kazinga Channel
  • A face-to-face hour with a wild Mountain Gorilla family
  • Crossing the Equator for a unique photo opportunity

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Airport meet and greet

  • Private transfer to your hotel

Itinerary information

The safari begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport. A representative assists with luggage before the short drive to the capital city. The evening is spent relaxing at the Kampala Serena, allowing for recovery after international travel. The city’s energy provides a brief introduction to Ugandan culture.

  • Meals: Bed & Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel

Itinerary Highlights

  • Guided rhino tracking at Ziwa

  • Arrival at Murchison Falls

Itinerary information

The journey moves north through green countryside toward the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Guests join rangers on foot to track the southern white rhinos in their natural habitat. After lunch, the drive continues into Murchison Falls National Park. The day ends with a peaceful evening at Paraa Safari Lodge overlooking the Nile.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning game drive in the savannah

  • Afternoon boat cruise to the falls

Itinerary information

Early morning light reveals lions, giraffes, and elephants on the northern banks of the Nile. After a midday rest, a boat takes guests upstream toward the world’s most powerful waterfall. The sight of the water crashing through the gorge is a true sensory experience. Hippos and crocodiles line the riverbanks throughout the cruise.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive through tea plantations

  • Check-in at Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Itinerary information

This day involves a long but beautiful drive south along the Albertine Rift. The landscape changes from dry savannah to lush tea estates and crater lakes. Arrival at Kyaninga Lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanic scenery. It is a day for relaxation and enjoying the changing Ugandan vistas.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale

  • Guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Itinerary information

The morning is spent in Kibale Forest searching for our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. The forest floor is alive with bird calls and the sounds of various monkey species. In the afternoon, a walk through Bigodi Swamp reveals rare birds like the Great Blue Turaco. This community-led initiative showcases the local efforts to preserve the wetland.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Drive to the savannah plains

  • Kazinga Channel boat safari

Itinerary information

The route heads toward Queen Elizabeth National Park with the Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop. An afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers some of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. Elephants and buffaloes often come to the water’s edge to drink. The evening is spent on the Mweya Peninsula with views over the water.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning game drive in Kasenyi

  • Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Itinerary information

A final morning drive explores the Kasenyi plains, famous for its lion sightings. The journey then continues further south into the steep, mist-covered hills of Bwindi. The air becomes cooler and the vegetation denser as you reach the gorilla highlands. The lodge offers a quiet sanctuary before the big trekking day.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge Rushaga

Itinerary Highlights

  • Mountain Gorilla trekking

  • Cultural interaction or forest rest

Itinerary information

This is the highlight of the safari. After a briefing, guests hike into the dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Standing just meters away from a Silverback is a profound and silent experience. After the trek, there is time to visit the local community or simply reflect on the encounter at the lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge Rushaga

Itinerary Highlights

  • Drive across the Equator

  • Transfer to Entebbe for departure

Itinerary information

The final leg of the journey passes through the rolling hills of Mbarara. A stop at the Equator provides a chance for souvenirs and a geographic milestone photo. The drive concludes in Entebbe in time for evening flights. Memories of the forest and savannah stay with you as you head home.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ Uganda is unique because it combines classic safari landscapes with deep jungle trekking. My advice is to bring a good pair of waterproof boots and a camera with a fast lens for the shaded forest light. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season ( July – Oct, 22 Dec – 3 Jan, 2027)$10,200$9,2358,700

Important Rate Notes

  • Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are non-refundable and must be secured at the time of booking.
  • The minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is 15 years.
  • A high level of physical fitness is recommended for the Bwindi forest terrain.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for Uganda.

What's Included

  • 9 Days 8 nights accommodation
  • Transport in a Safari Landcruiser Jeep
  • Flight Tickets
  • Game drives
  • All meals as specified
  • Park entrance fees, Gorilla Permits for Gorilla trekking and boat cruises
  • Wildlife Boat cruise & Rhino tracking at Ziwa sanctuary
  • Chimp Permits for Chimpanzees trekking & Bigodi nature walk in Bigodi Community

Optional Addons

  • Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 hours with the gorillas)
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls
  • Lion Tracking Research in Queen Elizabeth Park
  • Batwa Cultural Trail in Bwindi

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Uganda Visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls)
  • Optional activities and addons

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The terrain is steep and can be slippery. Treks can last from two to six hours depending on where the family moved that morning.
You will see rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes across the different parks, though leopard sightings always require a bit of luck.
Yes, the lodges listed provide high-standard international and local cuisine prepared with fresh, safe ingredients.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
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