Big Five and Gorilla Trek Safaris in Uganda. Imagine watching a lion resting in the branches of a fig tree, tracking white rhinos on foot, cruising past elephants on the banks of the Nile, and then, a few days later, standing just metres from a family of mountain gorillas in an ancient rainforest. That is the magic of a Big Five and gorilla trek safari in Uganda.

Most African countries are known for either classic savannah safaris or great-ape encounters. Uganda is one of the very few places where you can enjoy both in a single, well-paced trip. It is possible to see all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) and trek mountain gorillas without ever leaving the country.

This guide explains exactly how to plan a Big Five and gorilla trek safari in Uganda: where to see each of the Big Five, how to combine them with gorilla trekking, how many days you need, sample itineraries, permit requirements, costs, the best time to travel and practical tips. At Kenlink Tours, this is one of our most requested safaris, and every recommendation below comes from our guides’ first-hand experience.

What Are the Big Five?

The term “Big Five” was originally used by hunters to describe the five African animals considered most difficult and dangerous to hunt on foot. Today, it has become the ultimate wildlife checklist for photographic safaris. The Big Five are:

• Lion: Africa’s top predator, found in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley national parks
• Leopard: elusive and beautifully camouflaged, present in several parks but harder to spot
• African elephant: common in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo
• African buffalo: found in large herds across Uganda’s savannah parks
• Rhinoceros: seen in Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Add the mountain gorilla, and you have what many travellers call the “Big Six”, a wildlife line-up that very few countries can offer.

Why Uganda Is Perfect for Big Five and Gorilla Safaris

Uganda packs an astonishing variety of habitats into a relatively small country, from open savannah and wetlands to rainforest and misty volcanoes. That diversity means you can combine big-game viewing and primate trekking without long flights between countries.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects close to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel.
• Murchison Falls National Park offers big game, the Nile and one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary gives you the chance to track white rhinos on foot.

Uganda’s gorilla permits are also far more affordable than Rwanda’s, which leaves more of your budget for game drives and lodges. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains more in their guide on combining gorilla trekking with the Big Five in Uganda.

Where to See the Big Five in Uganda

Unlike some countries where all five animals share one park, in Uganda you combine a few destinations. Here is where to find each one.

Lions: Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best place in Uganda for lions, especially the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector and the lions of the Kasenyi plains. Murchison Falls also has a healthy lion population on its northern bank. Read our guides to the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and seeing lions in Murchison Falls National Park.

Leopards: Leopards are present in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Kidepo, but they are shy and mostly active at night. Early morning and late afternoon game drives give you the best chance. Our article on the best time to spot lions and leopards in Queen Elizabeth has practical tips.

Elephants: Large herds roam Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, and you often see them drinking at the water’s edge during boat cruises on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel.

Buffaloes: Common in all the major savannah parks, especially Queen Elizabeth, where huge herds gather along the Kazinga Channel.

Rhinos: Rhinos were wiped out in Uganda’s wild parks decades ago, but a successful breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has brought them back. Here you can track white rhinos on foot with experienced rangers. It lies on the road between Kampala and Murchison Falls. See our guide to combining Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with Murchison Falls.

Pick and Transfer Safaris also answers the common question of where you can see the Big Five in Uganda.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two national parks:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest number of habituated gorilla families in the world, spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi also offers the four-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga. See Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park page.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Uganda’s part of the Virunga volcanoes, home to one habituated gorilla family and to rare golden monkeys.

For a Big Five and gorilla safari, Bwindi is usually the best choice because its northern and eastern sectors connect easily with Queen Elizabeth National Park.

How to Combine the Big Five With Gorilla Trekking

The most efficient Big Five and gorilla safari follows a loop through western Uganda:

1. Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos
2. Ziwa to Murchison Falls for lions, elephants, buffaloes, the Nile and the falls
3. Murchison Falls to Kibale (optional) for chimpanzee tracking
4. Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes
5. Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi for gorilla trekking
6. Bwindi back to Kampala or Entebbe by road or air, or on to Kigali in Rwanda

A shorter version skips Murchison and Kibale, combining Ziwa, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. See Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Big Five and gorilla tour in Uganda, and our Big Five and primate safari in Uganda.

How Many Days Do You Need?

• 5 to 6 days: Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, possibly with Ziwa. You will see most of the Big Five and trek gorillas, but it is a fast pace.
• 7 to 8 days: Ziwa, Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi. A good balance for most travellers.
• 10 days: The full circuit with Ziwa, Murchison, Kibale chimps, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Our recommended length.
• 12 to 14 days: Add Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, a second gorilla trek or Kidepo Valley National Park.

For most travellers who want both the Big Five and gorillas, eight to ten days offers the best mix of wildlife and comfort.

Sample Itinerary: 6-Day Big Five and Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Kampala – Queen Elizabeth National Park. Drive west through the countryside, crossing the Equator, to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 2: Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise. Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains for lions, elephants, buffaloes and possibly leopards. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Day 3: Ishasha – Bwindi. Search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, then continue to Bwindi.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking. Spend the day trekking to meet a mountain gorilla family.

Day 5: Bwindi – Lake Mburo. Drive east to Lake Mburo for zebras, impalas and possibly leopards.

Day 6: Lake Mburo – Kampala. Morning game drive or boat trip, then return to Kampala.

This itinerary covers lions, elephants, buffaloes and gorillas, with a chance of leopards. To add rhinos, include a stop at Ziwa or follow the longer itineraries below. See our gorilla trek and Queen Elizabeth safari.

Sample Itinerary: 8-Day Big Five, Chimps and Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls. Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa, then continue to Murchison Falls.

Day 2: Murchison game drive and Nile cruise. Morning game drive for lions, elephants, buffaloes and giraffes. Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. See our guides to a game drive in Murchison Falls and the Murchison Falls boat cruise.

Day 3: Murchison – Kibale. Scenic drive along the Albertine Rift to Kibale Forest.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – Queen Elizabeth. Track chimps in the morning, then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise. Look for leopards and lions on the plains, then cruise the channel.

Day 6: Ishasha – Bwindi. Search for tree-climbing lions, then drive to Bwindi.

Day 7: Gorilla trekking. The emotional highlight of your safari.

Day 8: Bwindi – Entebbe or Kigali. Fly from Kihihi or Kisoro, or drive to Kigali.

This route delivers all of the Big Five, plus chimpanzees and gorillas. See our 8-Day Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari, and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ chimps, gorilla trekking and Big Five tour in Uganda.

Sample Itinerary: 10-Day Big Five and Primate Safari

A ten-day safari gives you a relaxed pace with extra time in each park:

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
• Day 2: Ziwa rhino tracking and transfer to Murchison Falls
• Day 3: Murchison game drive, boat cruise and top of the falls
• Day 4: Murchison to Kibale
• Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk
• Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth with an evening game drive
• Day 7: Queen Elizabeth game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise
• Day 8: Ishasha tree-climbing lions and transfer to Bwindi
• Day 9: Gorilla trekking
• Day 10: Return to Entebbe or continue to Kigali

See our 10 Days Big Five and Primate Safari in Uganda for a full version of this itinerary.

Tracking Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos, and it is a highlight in its own right. The sanctuary protects a growing population of southern white rhinos, descendants of animals reintroduced to Uganda after rhinos disappeared from the wild.

Rhino tracking is done on foot with experienced rangers who monitor the animals around the clock. After a short briefing, you walk through the bush until you find a group of rhinos, then observe them from a safe distance. It is a rare chance to see these huge animals on foot rather than from a vehicle.

Ziwa lies about three hours north of Kampala on the road to Murchison Falls, making it an easy and rewarding stop. Read more about the Ziwa rhino tracking and Murchison Falls safari.

Tree-Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lions that climb trees are rare in Africa, and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places where they do it regularly. The lions rest in the branches of large fig and acacia trees, possibly to escape the heat, biting insects or to get a better view of their prey.

Spotting them is never guaranteed, but experienced guides know the favourite trees and give you a good chance. Ishasha lies on the natural route between Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, so it fits perfectly into a gorilla safari. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains the chances of seeing tree-climbing lions in Uganda and whether you can combine tree-climbing lions and gorillas in Uganda.

Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth: Which Park for the Big Five?

Both parks are excellent for big game, and each offers something different:

• Murchison Falls: the falls, the Nile boat cruise, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions and elephants on open savannah, and easy access from Kampala via Ziwa.
• Queen Elizabeth: tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel cruise, crater lakes, and a convenient location on the way to Bwindi.

If time allows, visit both. If you must choose one, Queen Elizabeth is usually more convenient for a gorilla safari because it sits right next to Bwindi. Our article on Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park: which is better? compares them in detail. See also our guides to Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park pages.

Gorilla Trekking Day: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking day starts with an early breakfast and a drive to the park headquarters for a 7:30 a.m. briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Visitors are divided into groups of up to eight people and assigned a gorilla family.

Advance trackers locate the gorillas early in the morning, and your ranger guides lead you through the forest to find them. Treks can last from under an hour to most of the day, over steep and muddy terrain. Once you reach the gorillas, you spend one magical hour watching them feed, play, groom and rest before returning to collect your gorilla trekking certificate.

Hiring a local porter is highly recommended. Porters carry your bag, help you on steep sections and earn valuable income from tourism.

Beyond the Big Five: Other Wildlife You Will See

The Big Five get the headlines, but Uganda’s parks are full of other remarkable animals that often become the favourites of a trip.

• Hippos and Nile crocodiles: seen in huge numbers on boat cruises along the Nile and the Kazinga Channel
• Rothschild’s giraffes: a rare subspecies, easily seen on game drives in Murchison Falls
• Antelopes: Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, waterbuck, topi and bushbuck
• Primates: chimpanzees, baboons, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys and vervet monkeys, in addition to mountain gorillas
• Hyenas, warthogs and giant forest hogs, often spotted in Queen Elizabeth
• Birds: Uganda has more than 1,000 recorded species, including the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird) and many colourful kingfishers and bee-eaters

This variety means every day of your safari brings something new, even when the Big Five stay hidden.

Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo: Other Big Game Options

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in Uganda’s remote northeast, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. It is one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas, with lions, leopards, elephants, large buffalo herds, cheetahs and species found nowhere else in Uganda. Because it is far from the gorilla parks, Kidepo is usually reached by domestic flight and works best as an extension for travellers with more time.

Lake Mburo National Park sits between Kampala and Bwindi, making it a convenient stop on the way to or from gorilla trekking. It has no lions or elephants, but it is excellent for zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes and leopards, and it offers walking, cycling and horseback safaris, as well as boat trips on the lake.

Starting Your Big Five and Gorilla Safari From Kigali

Many travellers now fly into Kigali, Rwanda, because it is much closer to Bwindi than Entebbe. From Kigali, you can cross into Uganda, trek gorillas in Bwindi first, then continue north to Queen Elizabeth for tree-climbing lions and big game. If you want rhinos too, continue to Murchison Falls and Ziwa, then fly home from Entebbe.

This one-way route avoids backtracking and lets you see the gorillas early in your trip, when you are fresh. It usually requires eight to ten days to include all of the Big Five, or six to seven days if you focus on Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth.

Photography Tips for Your Safari

• Bring a zoom lens of at least 300 mm for lions in trees and leopards at a distance.
• Use a beanbag to steady your camera on the vehicle roof during game drives.
• Shoot in the golden hours after sunrise and before sunset for the best light.
• Raise your ISO in Bwindi. The forest is dark, and flash is not allowed with gorillas.
• Carry spare batteries and memory cards, as charging opportunities can be limited.
• Put the camera down sometimes. Your hour with the gorillas passes quickly, so take time to simply watch.

Gorilla Permits and Other Fees

Permits are essential and should be booked before anything else:

• Gorilla trekking permit: USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500 per person (Rushaga sector only)
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale: about USD 250 per person, if included
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa: charged per person
• Park entry fees for each national park, charged per person per 24 hours
• Boat cruises on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel

Gorilla permits sell out months ahead for peak season, so secure yours first and build your Big Five route around it. Our guide on how to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda explains the process, and Pick and Transfer Safaris covers how to buy a gorilla permit in Uganda. Always confirm current prices before paying.

Best Time for a Big Five and Gorilla Safari in Uganda

• Dry seasons (December to February and June to September): The best time for both game drives and gorilla trekking. Vegetation is thinner, animals gather near water, and forest trails are easier to walk. This is also peak season, so book early.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): Green landscapes, excellent birding, fewer visitors and sometimes lower lodge rates. Game drives are still rewarding, but trails in Bwindi can be muddy.

Gorilla trekking and game drives run all year round, so you can plan around your preferred dates and permit availability.

Where to Stay on a Big Five and Gorilla Safari

Uganda offers accommodation for every budget along this route:

• Ziwa: a lodge inside the sanctuary, or continue to Murchison the same day.
• Murchison Falls: riverside lodges and camps near Paraa for easy access to game drives and boat cruises.
• Queen Elizabeth: lodges near Mweya and the Kazinga Channel, or in the quieter Ishasha sector.
• Bwindi: lodges in the same sector as your gorilla permit, from budget community lodges to luxury forest lodges.

In Bwindi, always stay in the sector that matches your permit, because trekking briefings start early and moving between sectors in the morning is not practical.

How Much Does a Big Five and Gorilla Safari Cost?

The total cost depends on the number of days, accommodation level, group size and activities. The gorilla permit is the largest single cost, followed by accommodation and transport. A mid-range eight-day safari including the gorilla permit, chimpanzee permit, park fees, private 4×4 vehicle, driver-guide and full-board accommodation typically costs several thousand US dollars per person, while budget and luxury versions are also available.

Travelling as a couple or small group lowers the per-person cost of the vehicle and guide. For a detailed quote with permits listed separately, see how our Uganda safari bookings work.

What to Pack

• Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing for game drives
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for the forest
• Waterproof hiking boots for gorilla trekking and rhino tracking
• Rain jacket and a warm fleece
• Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation in Bwindi
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• Small daypack and reusable water bottle
• Passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate and printed permits

Who Is a Big Five and Gorilla Safari Best For?

• First-time safari travellers who want the classic African wildlife experience plus something truly unique
• Returning safari-goers who have seen the Big Five elsewhere and now want to add gorillas
• Wildlife photographers looking for variety, from lions in trees to gorillas in the mist
• Families with teenagers aged 15 and over, who can join every activity
• Honeymooners and couples seeking adventure combined with beautiful lodges

Whatever your travel style, the route can be adapted to your budget, pace and interests, from comfortable mid-range lodges to exclusive luxury camps.

Tips for Seeing All of the Big Five

• Include Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is the only way to see rhinos in Uganda.
• Go on early morning game drives. Predators such as lions and leopards are most active at dawn.
• Visit more than one savannah park. Combining Murchison and Queen Elizabeth increases your chances of seeing leopards and lions.
• Take evening drives where allowed. Leopards are often seen in the late afternoon.
• Trust your guide. Experienced driver-guides communicate with rangers and other guides to find animals.
• Be patient. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and some of the best moments come from waiting quietly.

Combining Your Safari With Other Experiences

A Big Five and gorilla safari can easily be extended with:

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge
• Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga
• Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi after gorilla trekking
• Walking and cycling safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
• Adventure activities in Jinja, such as white-water rafting on the Nile
• Kidepo Valley National Park for remote wilderness and big game

Pick and Transfer Safaris explains how to combine a Queen Elizabeth safari after a gorilla trek, and how combining a game safari with a gorilla trek in Bwindi works. For shorter options, see our 7 Days Primate and Big Five Safari in Uganda and our gorilla trek and Murchison Falls safari.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Your park fees and permits fund ranger patrols, anti-poaching work, rhino protection and community projects across Uganda. You can support conservation further by keeping a respectful distance from animals, staying in your vehicle on game drives unless your guide says otherwise, following all gorilla trekking rules, not trekking when sick, and supporting local communities through porters, guides and crafts.

Why Book Your Big Five and Gorilla Safari with Kenlink Tours?

• Experienced guides who know where to find the Big Five
• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits secured on your behalf
• Tailor-made itineraries from five days to three weeks
• Comfortable 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing
• Handpicked lodges for every budget
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• 24/7 support throughout your trip

Explore our full range of combined itineraries, including the Uganda Big Five and primate tour and the 6-Day Uganda Big Five, Chimps and Double Gorilla Tracking Tour. Pick and Transfer Safaris also offers a 7 Days Best Uganda Safari with chimps, gorillas and the Big Five.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see all of the Big Five in Uganda?

Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes live in Uganda’s savannah parks, and rhinos can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Where is the best place to see the Big Five in Uganda?

Combine Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhinos with Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes.

How many days do I need for a Big Five and gorilla safari?

Eight to ten days is ideal. Five to six days is possible for a shorter trip focusing on Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?

USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

15 years. Younger children can enjoy game drives, boat cruises and nature walks.

Is it safe to track rhinos on foot?

Yes. Rhino tracking at Ziwa is led by experienced rangers who monitor the animals constantly and keep visitors at a safe distance.

Plan Your Big Five and Gorilla Safari Today

A Big Five and gorilla trek safari in Uganda is one of the most complete wildlife adventures on the planet. In a single trip, you can track rhinos on foot, watch lions lounging in trees, cruise past elephants and hippos on the Nile, and share an unforgettable hour with a family of mountain gorillas. Few destinations in Africa can offer so much in one country.

The secret to a successful trip is good planning. Secure your gorilla permit early, choose a route that links Ziwa, Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth with Bwindi, allow enough days to enjoy each park without rushing, and travel with an experienced guide who knows where the animals are. Do that, and you will return home with memories of the Big Five, the gentle giants of Bwindi and the warm welcome of the Pearl of Africa.

Ready for the ultimate Uganda safari? Contact Kenlink Tours with your travel dates and interests, and we will secure your permits and design a Big Five and gorilla safari tailored to you.