11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028

What is the 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour?
This is a comprehensive wildlife safari covering Uganda’s top national parks where travelers encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) and trek endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in pristine rainforests. The tour combines Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering unmatched wildlife density, boat cruises, cultural visits, and authentic eco-friendly experiences. Ideal for adventure-focused, nature-loving explorers seeking Africa’s most rewarding wildlife encounters.

The 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028 is the ultimate wildlife expedition designed for travelers seeking an unforgettable Africa safari experience. This well-curated journey combines Uganda’s most iconic wilderness areas, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The tour delivers encounters with the Big Five, thrilling gorilla trekking, immersive chimpanzee tracking, scenic game drives, and cultural interactions with Uganda’s welcoming communities.

What makes this tour exceptional is its diversity—no other itinerary in East Africa blends savannah wildlife, primate encounters, boat safaris on the Nile, and tree-climbing lions in one seamless eco-friendly package. Guests explore the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, witness the thunderous Murchison Falls, and enjoy sightings of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, warthogs, and over 600 bird species. Your adventure is guided by certified local experts whose deep knowledge of the region enriches every moment. This itinerary aligns perfectly with responsible tourism principles and offers multiple optional experiences, from cultural village tours to nature walks.

For travellers planning longer East Africa circuits, this itinerary can also connect with Kenya safari packages or Tanzania safari tours, making it ideal for multi-country trips. Learn more about Uganda’s conservation efforts via the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

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Price Comparison Table

(Prices are sample tier averages based on 2026–2028 market trends)

Pricing varies based on travel season, lodge selection, and gorilla/chimpanzee permit availability.

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11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028 – Detailed Itinerary

Routing : Entebbe → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls NP → Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth NP → Ishasha Sector → Bwindi Impenetrable NP → Lake Mburo NP → Entebbe

This 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028 is crafted to showcase Uganda’s best: Big Five safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, boat safaris, and eco-friendly cultural encounters. It connects perfectly with other tours on your site such as your Uganda safari packages, 3 Days Murchison Falls National Park Tour, 3 Days Bwindi National Park Safari, or longer Kenya Tanzania Safari Packages

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 11-Day Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional local driver–guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. After check-in, relax in the lush gardens, enjoy views over Lake Victoria, and recover from your flight. In the evening, your guide will brief you on your 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour, gorilla and chimpanzee permit procedures, and what to expect in each park. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a short city tour or sunset walk along the lakeshore.

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Day 2: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, depart northwards through rural Uganda toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in the country where you can track wild rhinos on foot. Enjoy a guided rhino walk while learning about their reintroduction and conservation efforts. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park, arriving in time for lunch or a late afternoon game drive. Look out for giraffes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and hartebeests as you cross the savannah. In the evening, settle into your lodge overlooking the Nile or the plains, enjoying a relaxed dinner under the stars.

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Day 3: Murchison Falls NP – Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park. At sunrise, head out for a classic game drive on the northern banks of the Nile, with chances to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribi, and many bird species. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River toward the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, and basking elephants along the riverbanks. Those who wish can hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views of the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge before plunging into the “Devil’s Cauldron.” Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

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Day 4: Murchison Falls – Scenic Drive to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, start your journey south through tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional villages toward Kibale Forest National Park, often called the primate capital of East Africa. This scenic full-day drive offers an authentic look at rural Uganda and its fertile landscapes. Stop en route for photos and lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, arrive at your eco-lodge nestled on the edge of Kibale Forest or overlooking the crater lakes. Enjoy a relaxed evening, listening to the sounds of nature, or take a short guided walk to stretch your legs before dinner.

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Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp Walk

After an early briefing at the park headquarters, meet your ranger and enter Kibale Forest for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. Follow the calls of these lively primates through the forest as you learn about their behavior, social structure, and conservation. Once you find them, enjoy an unforgettable hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch, then transfer to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community-guided nature walk. This swamp is rich in birdlife and primates, and your visit supports local eco-tourism initiatives. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

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Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Crater Drive & Evening Game Drive)

After breakfast, drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing panoramic crater lakes, fertile farmlands, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Enter the park via the Kasese side and enjoy a scenic crater drive if time permits, with stunning views over the Rift Valley. After check-in and lunch at your lodge, head out for an evening game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, prime territory for lions, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and elephants. As the sun sets, capture golden-hour photos and soak in the views of the savannah meeting the Rwenzori peaks. Overnight in or near Queen Elizabeth NP.

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Day 7: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Rise early for another game drive on the Kasenyi side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where predators such as lions and hyenas are often more active. Your guide will help you search for leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and playful warthogs. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, board a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This is one of Africa’s best spots for viewing hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an incredible diversity of birds at very close range. Overnight at your lodge, listening to the sounds of the wild.

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Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive south to the remote Ishasha Sector, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive through this scenic area, scanning fig trees and acacia branches for lions resting above the ground, as well as sightings of topis, buffaloes, and elephants. After a picnic lunch, continue your journey through rolling hills and terraced farms toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your forest lodge, where you will spend the evening preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

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Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Community Experience

Today is the highlight of your 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family and led by experienced rangers into the dense forest. Trekking can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is unforgettable – an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, receive your trekking certificate and return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you may opt for a community visit to learn about local cultures, traditional dances, and conservation initiatives supported by tourism. Overnight at Bwindi.

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Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park – Walking Safari

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive toward Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and a great stopover on the way back to Entebbe. Enjoy scenic views of Ankole cattle with long horns, banana plantations, and rolling hills. Arrive at Lake Mburo in time for lunch and an afternoon walking safari or cycling safari, accompanied by a ranger. This is a fantastic way to see zebras, impalas, elands, and giraffes on foot, while learning about the ecosystem. In the evening, relax at your lodge overlooking the park or lake, with an optional night game drive available.

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Day 11: Lake Mburo – Entebbe – Departure

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and an optional short game drive or boat ride on Lake Mburo, depending on your flight schedule. Afterwards, exit the park and drive back to Entebbe, passing through the equator line where you can stop for photos, souvenir shopping, and a brief demonstration of the northern and southern hemisphere water experiment. Continue to Entebbe, with drop-off at the airport in time for your onward or homebound flight. This concludes your 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, primate experiences, and authentic cultural moments.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included (Sample – adjust to your operation)

• Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport

• All airport and hotel transfers

• 10 nights’ accommodation (budget / mid-range / luxury options)

• Meals on full-board basis on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Transport in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

• Professional English-speaking local driver–guide (other languages on request)

• Park entrance fees for all mentioned national parks

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking fees

• Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, Lake Mburo

• Nile boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP

• Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi (state the current price per person)

• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest

• Bigodi Swamp walk and community guiding fees

• Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle

• AMREF Flying Doctors medical evacuation cover (recommend adding)

• Government taxes and levies

What’s Excluded

• International flights to and from Uganda

• Visa fees and personal travel insurance

• Optional activities and upgrades (balloon safaris, extra activities, etc.)

• Alcoholic and premium soft drinks

• Tips for guides, rangers, lodge staff, and porters

• Personal expenses (telephone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)

• Any items not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions

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 Eco & Responsible Travel Highlights

• Use of eco-certified lodges and camps where possible

• Support for local community projects through park fees and cultural visits

• Encouragement of refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste

• Strict adherence to gorilla and chimpanzee trekking rules to minimize impact

• Small group sizes for lower environmental footprint and better wildlife viewing

• Employment of local guides and staff to support the Uganda economy

You can add an internal link to your eco-friendly safari tours in East Africa page from this section.

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Ready to Plan Your 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour 2026/2027/2028?

Chat directly with our Uganda safari expert, John Peter, for a tailored quote based on your budget and travel dates.

• WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308

• Email / Enquiry Form:

7 Days Uganda Big Five Safari, 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour, and Our East Africa Wildlife Safari Tour pages.

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FAQ Section

1. What is included in the 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour?

This tour includes airport transfers, accommodation on full-board basis, all park entrance fees, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, game drives, boat cruises, professional English-speaking driver–guide, and bottled water in the vehicle. International flights, visas, tips, personal expenses, and optional activities are excluded. Always check your final quote for a detailed inclusions and exclusions list.

2. How difficult is the gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be moderately challenging, as it involves hiking on uneven, sometimes steep terrain at high altitude. Treks can last between 2 and 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are found. Reasonable fitness, sturdy hiking shoes, and a walking stick are recommended. Porters can be hired to assist with your backpack and provide support on the trail.

3. What is the best time to book this Uganda safari for 2026/2027/2028?

Uganda is a year-round destination, but the drier months from June to September and December to February are generally best for wildlife viewing and trekking. For 2026/2027/2028, we recommend booking at least 6–12 months in advance, especially to secure limited gorilla and chimpanzee permits during peak season. Early booking often allows better lodge choices and more favorable pricing.

4. Is this tour suitable for families and first-time visitors to Africa?

Yes, the 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour is ideal for families with older children (respecting the minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking), couples, and first-time safari guests. It combines structured wildlife activities, comfortable travel distances, and diverse landscapes. Custom versions with gentler hiking, upgraded lodges, or private vehicles can be arranged to match your family’s preferences.

5. How eco-friendly is this Uganda safari?

This itinerary emphasizes responsible travel by using eco-conscious lodges, supporting local community projects, and following strict wildlife viewing and trekking guidelines. Group sizes are kept small, vehicles are maintained to reduce emissions, and guests are encouraged to use refillable bottles and minimize plastic waste. Your gorilla and chimpanzee permits directly support conservation and local livelihoods.

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Previous Travellers’ Reviews

(Average Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5 from verified guests)

★★★★★ “Life-changing safari—far beyond our expectations!”

— Maria & Diego, Spain | Travelled July 2025
“We have travelled across Kenya and Tanzania before, but nothing compares to Uganda. The gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was the most emotional wildlife experience of our lives. Our guide, Lawrence, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. The boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel was like watching a National Geographic documentary come to life. Every lodge was well chosen, the food was excellent, and the wildlife encounters were surreal.”

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★★★★★ “Uganda is Africa’s best-kept safari secret”

— Dr. Hannah Foster, United Kingdom | August 2025
“This 11 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Tour was recommended by a colleague, and it was the best decision we made. Seeing the Big Five, tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and standing only a few meters from mountain gorillas was priceless. The attention to detail—from airport pick-up to lodge selections—was exceptional. I felt safe, cared for, and inspired every day. I’d gladly recommend this safari, especially for travellers who value authentic, eco-friendly adventures.”

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★★★★★ “Professional, reliable and unforgettable”

— Mark & Stephanie, USA | February 2025
“We travel a lot, but this safari was the most organized and enjoyable trip we’ve ever taken. Our guide Joseph was a walking encyclopedia—he identified birds, animals, and trees effortlessly. The Nile boat cruise to Murchison Falls was breathtaking, and the Ishasha tree-climbing lions were a highlight we didn’t expect. The gorilla trekking team was fantastic; we felt completely safe the entire time. This tour is worth every dollar.”

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★★★★☆ “Fantastic lodges and incredible wildlife sightings”

— Ahmed & Family, UAE | December 2024
“As a family safari, this itinerary worked beautifully. The kids loved the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and the walking safari in Lake Mburo was great for them. My only regret is not adding one more night in Bwindi—we wanted more time with the gorillas! Otherwise, superb planning, great communication via WhatsApp, and excellent lodge choices. We will definitely return.”

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★★★★★ “A bucket-list experience—expertly delivered”

— Isabelle, France | May 2025
“I booked this trip solo and was nervous at first. Within hours, I felt completely at ease. The company’s professionalism is unmatched, and Uganda exceeded everything I imagined. Watching gorillas interact like humans was a moment I’ll never forget. The sunsets over Queen Elizabeth National Park were breathtaking, and I loved the community visit after trekking. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime primate tour, choose this one.”

Join over 1200 happy travellers who’ve explored Uganda with us and rated this tour 4.9/5