Signature Safari
7 Day Budget Uganda Big Five, Chimps and Gorilla Safari Tour
The Experience
This 7 day budget safari in Uganda combines Big Five wildlife viewing with primate tracking and cultural highlights. The tour begins with a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, including a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Day two features game drives, a boat safari on the Nile, and a hike to the top of the falls. From there, you head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, followed by a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The fifth day includes tree climbing lions in Ishasha before continuing to Bwindi. Day six is dedicated to gorilla trekking with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi. The final day concludes with a return to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for photos and souvenirs.
Duration7Days/6Nights
Price00
DestinationsUganda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans
Overview
This 7 day budget safari in Uganda combines Big Five wildlife viewing with primate tracking and cultural highlights. The tour begins with a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, including a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Day two features game drives, a boat safari on the Nile, and a hike to the top of the falls. From there, you head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, followed by a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The fifth day includes tree climbing lions in Ishasha before continuing to Bwindi. Day six is dedicated to gorilla trekking with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi. The final day concludes with a return to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for photos and souvenirs.
The Journey
Day by Day
Day01
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhinos
On arrival in Uganda, you will be met by your safari guide and start the drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to see rhinos in their natural habitat. This stop adds the first of the Big Five to your safari experience. Continue the drive through rural landscapes and towns before reaching Murchison Falls in the evening. Check into your lodge, have dinner, and rest. Staying near the park ensures you are ready for the next day’s game drives and boat safari. Overnight stay in Murchison Falls National Park
AccommodationLodge in Murchison Falls
Day02
Day 2: Game Drives, Boat Safari and Top of the Falls Hike
Begin the day with an early morning game drive across Murchison Falls National Park. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes roaming the savannah. Return to the lodge for breakfast before heading out for a boat safari along the Nile River. This trip offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, with elephants often seen along the banks. In the afternoon, hike to the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below. The view is dramatic and highlights the power of the falls. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
AccommodationLodge in Murchison Falls
Day03
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and First Game Drive
After breakfast, start the long drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes through towns, farmlands, and rolling hills, giving you a glimpse of Uganda’s countryside. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth by late afternoon and check into your lodge. Depending on time, enjoy a short game drive in the park where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. This first drive introduces you to the park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodationlodge in Queen Elizabeth park
Day04
Day 4: Chimps Trekking in Kyambura and Boat Safari
Start the day with breakfast before heading to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. Guided by rangers, you will track chimpanzees through the forest and spend time observing them in their natural habitat. The gorge is also home to monkeys and birds, making the trek rewarding. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is rich in wildlife. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodationlodge in Queen Elizabeth park
Day05
Day 5: Tree Climbing Lions and Continue to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. Game drives here provide opportunities to see these lions resting in fig trees along with elephants and topis. After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening. Check into your lodge near the park headquarters, have dinner, and rest in preparation for gorilla trekking the next day. Overnight stay in Bwindi.
AccommodationLodge in Bwindi
Day06
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation
After breakfast, report to Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest with guides to track mountain gorillas. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but once found, you spend one hour observing their behavior. Watching them feed, play, and care for their young is a rare wildlife experience. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. The lake is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with islands, offering peaceful views and canoe rides. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi.
AccommodationLodge at Lake Bunyonyi
Day07
Day 7: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The route takes you through rural villages and farmlands, offering a glimpse of daily Ugandan life. A highlight of the return trip is a stop at the Equator line, where you can take photos, buy souvenirs, and learn about the geographical significance of this landmark. Lunch is enjoyed en route before continuing to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in time for your evening flight or onward travel. This marks the end of your seven-day budget safari combining Big Five wildlife, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, and cultural highlights.
What's Included
Gorilla permit ($800 per person)
Chimpanzee trekking permits
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day73
Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
English-speaking professional driver-guide
Meals
Accommodation
Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch,
dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride or swimming experience
Not Included
International flights to/from Entebbe
Visa charges Uganda Rwanda
Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage
mandatory)
Domestic flight
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge
staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Any meals not explicitly stated as included
Begin Your Adventure
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