10 days pearl of Africa big five & primate safari

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, where the mighty Nile roars through Murchison Falls, wild rhinos tread protected lands, chimps hoot through dense forests, and mountain gorillas dwell in mist-shrouded jungles. This safari is a handpicked blend of Uganda’s finest destinations: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Lake Mburo each offering striking wildlife experiences and immersive natural beauty. You’ll travel through diverse ecosystems ranging from lush forests and savannah plains to crater lakes and wetland sanctuaries, staying at authentic mid-range and budget lodges that immerse you in local charm.

Starting and ending in Entebbe, this guided safari is tailored for travelers seeking both the Big Five and Uganda’s iconic primates. Whether it’s tracking rhinos on foot, witnessing lions on the hunt in Queen Elizabeth, trekking chimps in Kibale, or locking eyes with a silverback in Bwindi, every day delivers a new adventure. Transfers are thoughtfully timed to balance scenic drives with ample time to experience each park. All activities, from boat safaris to forest treks, are arranged with expert local guides to ensure deep connections to Uganda’s wildlife and people

Why Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Gorilla trekking
Chimpanzee tracking
Rhinoceros tracking
Game drives and boat rides
Bigodi sanctuary nature walk

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to ViaVia Guesthouse, just a short 10-minute drive away. Nestled in a lush garden setting with views of Lake Victoria, ViaVia provides a relaxing and comfortable environment to unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace, explore the botanical garden nearby, or take a short stroll to the lake shore.
Later in the evening, your guide will brief you about the adventure ahead. Dinner is available on-site, offering local and international cuisine. Get a good night’s rest because tomorrow begins your expedition northward into the heart of Uganda’s wildlife territory

Day 2

Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino Tracking Experience

After an early breakfast, your safari begins with a scenic drive north through the bustling suburbs of Kampala and into the open savannahs of Nakasongola District. You’ll arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary by midday, where the only wild rhinos in Uganda roam free. Following a short briefing, you’ll set off on foot with a ranger into the sanctuary, tracking rhinos through the bush for a rare and humbling wildlife encounter. Expect to also see bushbuck, oribi, and plenty of birdlife in the acacia woodland.
After your rhino tracking, enjoy lunch at the Ziwa guest restaurant before continuing your journey to the Lodge, on the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll reach the lodge in the late afternoon, crossing the Albertine Rift Valley as the landscapes turn increasingly wild. Settle into your safari tent or room overlooking the River Nile and enjoy dinner under the stars, listening to the distant calls of hippos and nightjars.

Day 3

Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake early for coffee and head out on a sunrise game drive across the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park. With your guide’s sharp eyes and local knowledge, you'll seek out elephants, giraffes, buffalo, Jackson's hartebeest, and with possible chances of viewing predators like lions and leopards. The open savannah, palm-dotted landscapes, and riverine woods offer spectacular views, and the golden morning light is perfect for photography. The game drive lasts about four hours, with a mid-morning bush break.
Return to the lodge for a hot lunch and a short rest before heading to the Nile for your afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. As the boat glides upriver, look for crocodiles basking on the banks, hippos bobbing in the water, and elephants coming down to drink. The highlight is the dramatic sight of the Nile squeezing through a 7-meter gorge and exploding down the falls—an unforgettable climax to the day.

Day 4

Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest – Journey to the Primate Capital

After breakfast, depart Murchison and begin your journey southwest toward Kibale Forest. This long but beautiful drive follows the Albertine Rift, passing remote villages, tea plantations, and panoramic views of Lake Albert. Along the way, you may stop in Hoima or Kagadi for a local lunch, soaking in rural Uganda’s rhythm and culture. Your guide will share stories of the regions you pass through and highlight changes in terrain and biodiversity.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the lodge, tucked into a peaceful forested area just outside the national park. The lodge is simple but atmospheric, with canvas tents set on wooden platforms and a central thatched restaurant. Enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the forest, as black-and-white colobus monkeys leap through the treetops nearby

Day 5

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk – Kibale Forest NP

Rise early for breakfast and a short drive to the Kibale Forest visitor center. Here, rangers will brief you before you head into the forest to track one of Africa’s most intelligent primates—the chimpanzee. As you trek through thick forest paths, your guide will point out birdlife, forest elephants' footprints, and medicinal plants. Once you locate a troop, you'll spend an exhilarating hour observing their dynamic behavior, from grooming and feeding to high-energy displays and vocalizations.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of rest before an afternoon nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-project rich in biodiversity. You’ll walk along raised boardwalks and jungle trails, guided by a local expert, as you spot red colobus, mangabeys, hornbills, turacos, and countless butterflies. It’s an intimate experience with Uganda’s often-overlooked wetland habitats and a strong example of conservation in action.

Day 6

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Crater Lakes and Game Drive

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the scenic Fort Portal-Kasese road. En route, you’ll pass through the Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes region, a stunning landscape of extinct volcanic craters filled with turquoise water. Stop at a viewpoint for photos and perhaps a cup of local coffee before descending into the rift valley toward the savannah.
Check in at Irungu Safari Lodge near the Kazinga Channel, have lunch, and relax before heading out on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. These open grasslands are home to large herds of Uganda kob, often followed by lions on the hunt. Your guide will use a network of tracks to scout for wildlife while sharing insights into the ecosystem. Return at dusk for dinner and an overnight in your cozy safari tent or cottage.

Day 7

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari and Transfer to Bwindi (via Ishasha)

Start the morning with a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat safari is one of the most rewarding in Uganda, known for large pods of hippos, bathing elephants, and prolific birdlife like African fish eagles, pelicans, and saddle-billed storks. Crocodiles line the banks, and the proximity to the animals makes for incredible photography.
After the cruise, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. While driving through Ishasha, you’ll pause frequently to scan the fig trees for these elusive cats. Continue to Kisoro and check in at the Hotel by early evening. This historic lodge has hosted Dian Fossey and other famous primatologists, and it offers views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy a hearty dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trek

Day 8

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

Wake up early, have a packed breakfast or quick meal, and transfer to the nearby Bwindi park headquarters. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla group and led into the forest by a team of trackers and guides. The trek can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the terrain is steep, muddy, and dense. Your guide will help you navigate safely and comfortably.
Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend one magical hour in their presence, observing behaviors, interactions, and expressions that feel strikingly human. It’s a moment that many describe as spiritual, emotional, and life-changing. After the trek, return to the hotel to rest your legs and reflect on the experience with a drink by the fire or a massage (optional) before dinner

Day 9

Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park – Savanna Safari & Walking Tour

After breakfast, begin your return journey eastward, descending from the highlands into the acacia woodlands of Lake Mburo National Park. This small but beautiful park is the only one in Uganda with impalas and large populations of zebras, elands, and topis. Upon arrival, check in at a budget-friendly lodge such as Eagle’s Nest or Rwakobo Rock and have lunch overlooking the park.
In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking safari led by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. This is a rare opportunity in Uganda to walk safely among zebras, antelope, and giraffes on foot. You’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify plants, and gain a new appreciation for the environment without the hum of an engine. Return for sunset views from the lodge, followed by dinner.

Day 10

Lake Mburo to Entebbe – Farewell Uganda

Enjoy a final sunrise game drive or morning coffee while watching zebras from the lodge deck. After breakfast, begin your drive back to Entebbe, passing through small towns, banana plantations, and rolling hills. You’ll make a stop at the Equator crossing for photos and souvenirs, as well as lunch en route at a roadside restaurant or café.
Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt for a day room at a hotel or head straight to the airport for your departure. You leave with a heart full of wild memories from the deep green forests of the gorillas to the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth—carrying a piece of Uganda's soul with you.

Included

Chimpanzee permits.
Gorilla trekking
Bottled water.
Boat Rides.
Game drives
Good English speaking guide.
Park Entrances.
All activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Full board accommodation.
Enroute lunch
Bigodi swamp walk
Nature walks

Excluded

International flight fare.
All passports and visa fee.
Laundry services.
Tips.
Alcoholic Drinks

$3,075

/ person

10d / 9n Max 10

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