8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028
What is the 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour?
It is a guided wildlife and primate adventure through Uganda’s top national parks, combining Big Five game drives, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, and scenic landscapes. This tour visits Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering unforgettable encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos, gorillas, hippos, and more. Ideal for photographers, wildlife lovers, and first-time African safari travelers.
The 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028 is one of the most rewarding wildlife and primate experiences in Africa, combining Big Five game drives with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventures. This well-crafted Uganda safari package takes you deep into the country’s most iconic wilderness destinations, including Murchison Falls National Park, the chimpanzee haven of Kibale Forest, the legendary Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas.
During this tour, you’ll encounter elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, along with forest primates such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys. The scenery unfolds from the roaring waterfalls of Murchison to the volcanic landscapes and crater lakes of western Uganda, delivering exceptional photo opportunities and immersive cultural interactions.
Uganda stands out as East Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife destination, making this tour ideal for families, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. You’ll be guided by expert local professionals, ensuring safe trekking, authentic insights, and unforgettable safari moments. Learn more about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the Uganda Wildlife Authority while exploring related itineraries like our Uganda Gorilla Tours and Uganda Wildlife Safaris across our site.
This is Uganda’s finest eco-green safari experience—crafted for travellers who want more than a safari, but a lifetime memory.
PRICE COMPARISON TABLE
| Accommodation Option | Price Per Person | Inclusions | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | From USD 2290 | Park fees, shared rooms, 4×4 safari van, gorilla & chimp permits | Backpackers, low-budget travellers |
| Mid-Range | From USD 3150 | All meals, en-suite lodges, 4×4 Land Cruiser, park fees | Couples, friends, groups |
| Luxury | From USD 4980 | Premium lodges, private 4×4 Land Cruiser, bush dinners | Honeymooners, luxury travellers |
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Murchison Falls NP
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari guide and begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking, completing your encounter with the first of the iconic Big Five. Continue to Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest protected area. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the thrilling game drives and waterfall exploration ahead. Dinner and overnight at Murchison Falls lodge.
DAY 2: Game Drive & Nile River Boat Safari – Murchison Falls
Rise early for a spectacular morning game drive across the savannah, searching for elephants, giraffes, lions, hartebeests, and oribis. After lunch, take a thrilling boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls, where massive hippo pods, crocodiles, and waterbirds create remarkable photo opportunities. Optional hiking to the top of the falls is available for adventure lovers. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
DAY 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Primate Capital of Africa
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of Africa with over 13 primate species. The scenic drive passes tea plantations, crater lakes, and lush highlands. Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening nature walk in the nearby community, spotting monkeys, bird species, and butterflies. Dinner and overnight at a Kibale Forest lodge, preparing for tomorrow’s chimpanzee encounter.
DAY 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Start your day with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before entering the dense Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Observe chimp families playing, grooming, and swinging in the treetops. After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed eco-tourism area home to colobus monkeys, hornbills, and sitatungas. Dinner and overnight at Kibale lodge.
DAY 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Cruise
Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse safari destination. Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and birdlife. Expect to spot elephants drinking at the shores and buffalo herds grazing nearby. Dinner and overnight inside the park.
DAY 6: Game Drive & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi
Morning game drive through Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, hyenas, and vast antelope herds. Proceed to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees—a photographer’s dream sighting. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Bwindi lodge.
DAY 7: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Bwindi Forest
Today’s highlight is a lifetime experience—gorilla trekking. After a briefing, hike into the mist-covered Bwindi Forest to track a gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing silverbacks and playful juveniles in their natural habitat. Bwindi is a UNESCO heritage site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
DAY 8: Return to Entebbe – Departure
Enjoy a scenic road trip back to Entebbe, passing rolling hills, banana plantations, and towns bustling with roadside markets. Arrive in time for your international flight or extend your stay for a Uganda cultural tour or Zanzibar beach holiday extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour?
This tour includes transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, park entry fees, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, accommodation, meals as per itinerary, boat cruises, community visits, and bottled drinking water. Optional activities and personal expenses are excluded unless specified.
2. Do I need a permit for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Gorilla trekking requires a Uganda Wildlife Authority permit (USD 800 for foreigners from July 2024), while chimpanzee permits vary by park. These are included in your tour cost and secured in advance by Paradise Africa Safari.
3. How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
Moderately challenging. Treks may take 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movement, with steep, muddy terrain. Basic fitness and proper hiking footwear are recommended.
4. What is the best time for this safari?
The best months are June–September and December–February, during the dry seasons when wildlife sightings and trekking conditions are excellent.
5. Can children participate in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
No. The legal trekking age is 15 years and above for both gorillas and chimpanzees, enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
6. Which animals make up Uganda’s Big Five?
Uganda’s Big Five include lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. This tour offers encounters with all five — including rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation for 7 nights in lodges (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury depending on package selected)
- Transport in a customized 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver throughout the safari
- Gorilla trekking permit (secured in advance)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale Forest)
- Park entry fees for all national parks as per itinerary
- Boat cruise experiences on the Nile River (Murchison Falls) & Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- All game drives in Murchison Falls NP & Queen Elizabeth NP (Ishasha sector tree-climbing lions)
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
All meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) - Government taxes and levies
- Airport pick-up and drop-off from Entebbe International Airport
- 24/7 emergency support from Paradise Africa Safari operations team
EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Visa fees (Uganda tourist visa required)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., cultural visits, hot-air balloon safaris)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls
- Beverages beyond the provided bottled water (alcoholic & soft drinks)
- Porter fees during trekking (optional but recommended for gorilla trekking)G
- ratuities/Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staffHotel
- before/after the safari unless requested
Ready to Start Your Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Adventure?
Your dream wildlife experience in Africa awaits. Encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and meet Africa’s legendary Big Five in their natural habitats — guided by expert local professionals who ensure comfort, safety, and unforgettable moments at every step.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, honeymoon, photography expedition, or solo safari, we tailor this 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028 to match your travel dates, budget, and personal preferences.
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Why Book With Paradise Africa Safari?
100% locally owned and operated
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Luxury 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
Ranked among East Africa’s top trusted safari companies
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PREVIOUS TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
★★★★★ “A Life-Changing Safari Experience!”
Liam Henderson – Australia | Visited: July 2023
This was hands-down the best trip of my life. The gorilla trekking in Bwindi brought tears to my eyes — nothing prepares you for being so close to a silverback. Our guide, Charles, was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and patient. The safari vehicle was comfortable and the lodges exceeded expectations. I cannot recommend Paradise Africa Safari enough!
★★★★★ “Beyond What We Expected – Worth Every Dollar!”
Maria & Diego Alvarez – Spain | Visited: December 2022
We booked the 8 Days Uganda Big Five & Primate Safari Tour and it was amazing from start to finish. Seeing lions, elephants, and rhinos in one trip was unbelievable, but nothing beats meeting a gorilla family in the wild. Every detail was perfectly organized. If you are considering Uganda, look no further. These guys are professionals.
★★★★★ “The Best Safari Team in East Africa!”
Chloe Richardson – United Kingdom | Visited: August 2023
I’ve traveled across Africa but this safari stands out because of how personal and well-planned everything was. From the Kazinga Channel cruise to the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, every moment felt like a documentary. The gorilla trekking permit was arranged seamlessly, and our guide ensured we had prime photography spots. Worth every penny!
★★★★★ “Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Adventure!”
Johan Meijer – Netherlands | Visited: June 2024
The gorilla trekking was a dream come true. We were nervous about the hike, but the ranger team supported us the whole way. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat was surreal. The accommodations and meals were excellent, and the itinerary had the right pace. I would repeat this safari without hesitation!
★★★★★ “Professional, Friendly & Highly Reliable!”
Natalie Brooks – USA | Visited: February 2024
The Paradise Africa Safari team treated us like family. They answered all our questions promptly and made us feel safe throughout the trip. Our guide Geoffrey was a walking encyclopedia of wildlife knowledge. Uganda is incredibly beautiful, and this tour showcased its best wildlife and landscapes. Highly recommended to anyone seeking a real African experience.
