9-Day Uganda African Big Five Safari Experience with Ziwa Rhinos

About this expedition

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Duration

9 days

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Countries

Uganda

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Activities

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park Boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest Kazinga Channel boat cruise Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities Scenic crater lakes and tea plantations Excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities

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Guide

Expert led

Experience the ultimate Uganda wildlife adventure on this exciting 9-Day Uganda African Big Five Safari Experience with Ziwa Rhinos. This carefully designed safari takes you through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and wildlife destinations, offering unforgettable encounters with the famous African Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos — alongside breathtaking landscapes, boat cruises, primates, and rich birdlife.

The safari begins with rhino tracking at the famous Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before continuing to the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park known for powerful waterfalls, savannah wildlife, and the Nile River.

You will also explore Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and the scenic Ishasha Sector famous for tree-climbing lions.

This safari combines wildlife viewing, primate experiences, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters, making it one of Uganda’s most rewarding safari packages.

Tour itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Hotel

Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide who will brief you about your upcoming Uganda safari adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour around Entebbe including visits to local craft markets, botanical gardens, or the shores of Lake Victoria. Later, transfer to your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay as you prepare for the safari.

Airport pick-up Safari briefing Optional Entebbe city tour Relaxation at the hotel

Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Continue to Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda

After an early breakfast, begin your journey to northwestern Uganda with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will track white rhinos on foot in their natural habitat, offering one of the best wildlife encounters in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. After the rhino tracking activity, continue to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route. Upon arrival, visit the top of the magnificent Murchison Falls where the Nile River forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging dramatically below. Later, proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Scenic transfer to Murchison Falls National Park Visit to the top of Murchison Falls Photography and sightseeing

Morning Game Drive – Nile Boat Cruise

Uganda

After an early breakfast, depart for a morning game drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to diverse wildlife including: Lions Leopards Elephants Buffaloes Rothschild giraffes Jackson’s hartebeests Uganda kobs Oribis Bird species commonly spotted include: Secretary Bird Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Grey Crowned Crane African Fish Eagle Saddle-billed Stork Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls. The boat cruise offers excellent opportunities to view: Hippos Nile crocodiles Elephants Buffaloes Water birds along the riverbanks Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Morning wildlife game drive Big game viewing Nile River boat cruise Birdwatching Wildlife photography

Transfer to Kibale National Park

Uganda

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin your scenic journey to Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The drive offers beautiful views of the Albertine Rift Valley, tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural countryside. Arrive in the evening and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Scenic transfer to Kibale National Park Countryside sightseeing Photography opportunities

Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi Wetland Walk

Uganda

After breakfast, proceed to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking experience. Enjoy guided forest walks in search of habituated chimpanzees while also spotting other primates and forest birds. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary known for rich birdlife and primates. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Chimpanzee tracking Forest birdwatching Bigodi Wetland nature walk Primate viewing

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive

Uganda

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Scenic transfer Evening game drive Wildlife viewing Birdwatching

Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Uganda

Enjoy an early morning game drive for more wildlife viewing opportunities before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel where large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds can be seen along the shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Morning game drive Kazinga Channel boat cruise Wildlife viewing Bird photography

Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Lake Mburo

Uganda

After breakfast, transfer to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of the lions often seen resting in fig trees before continuing to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Ishasha game drive Tree-climbing lion tracking Wildlife viewing Scenic transfer to Lake Mburo

Morning Nature Walk – Return to Entebbe/Kampala

Uganda

After breakfast, enjoy a guided morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park where you may spot zebras, giraffes, impalas, and numerous bird species. Later, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with a stop at the Equator crossing for photography and souvenir shopping. You will either be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your departure flight

Guided nature walks Wildlife viewing Equators stop Scenic transfer back to Entebbe/Kampala

What's included

Included

Airport transfers Private 4x4 safari vehicle Professional English-speaking guide Accommodation for 8 nights Meals as indicated Rhino tracking permit Chimpanzee tracking permit Boat cruises Park entrance fees Game drives Bottled drinking water

Not Included

International flights Uganda visa fees Travel insurance Tips and gratuities Alcoholic beverages Personal expenses

Where you'll sleep

Through the lens

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