8-Day Uganda Big five Gorilla and Chimpanzee  Tracking Safari. Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and wildlife reserves. This safari offers a perfect blend of classic African game drives, thrilling primate encounters, and stunning landscapes. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the lush rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, and the wide savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will experience the very best of Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Get ready to meet the Big Five, track chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat, cruise the legendary Nile River, and immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations.

Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Morning: Pick up from Kampala or Entebbe by your safari guide. Begin your journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park.
• Stopover: Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience on foot — your chance to see Uganda’s rhinos up close in the wild.
• Afternoon: Continue driving to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, famed for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
• Evening: Visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 45 meters. Take photos, feel the spray, and enjoy the thunderous roar of the falls.
• Overnight: Lodge near or inside Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 2: Murchison Falls – Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

• Morning: Head out early for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, oribis, and many bird species.
• Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants on the riverbanks, and plenty of water birds, including African fish eagles and shoebill storks.
• Evening: Relax at your lodge.
• Overnight: Same lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 3: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, known as one of Africa’s top primate destinations.
• Along the Way: Pass through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and rural villages, with a possible stop for lunch in Fort Portal.
• Evening: Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest. Prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking.
• Overnight: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Morning: Head into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. Walk through the tropical forest with a guide, listening for the calls of chimps and observing their social interactions, feeding, and play.
• Afternoon: After lunch, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems, known for its savannah plains, wetlands, and volcanic features.
• Evening: Settle into your lodge and enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains or crater lakes.
• Overnight: Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth – Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

• Morning: Enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, waterbucks, and an array of antelopes and birdlife.
• Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife lining the shores.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for relaxation.
• Overnight: Same lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, drive south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Along the Way: Pass through Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions (optional game drive if time allows), and continue through scenic highlands and rural communities.
• Evening: Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi. Rest and prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.
• Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking

• Morning: After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Trekking: Venture into the dense forest with a ranger guide, tracking a habituated gorilla family. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Spend a magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and interact.
• Afternoon/Evening: Return to your lodge for rest and reflection.
• Overnight: Same lodge near Bwindi.

Day 8: Drive Back to Kampala or Entebbe

• Morning: After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
• Along the Way: Make stops at the equator for photos and local crafts.
• Evening: Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in time for your onward travel or international flight.