Introduction
This affordable, all-encompassing safari is designed for intrepid travelers who wish to experience Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife, the Big Five, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas, without breaking the bank. By focusing on cost-effective transport, mid-brow yet comfortable accommodations, and inclusive activities fees, this adventure makes Uganda’s wildlife wonders accessible to the budget-conscious.
Unique Selling Proposition
See the Big Five, gorillas, and chimps, all on one affordable trip
Includes both classic savannah safaris (lions, elephants, buffalo, rhino, leopard) and primeval jungle encounters (gorillas, chimps)
Carefully curated to deliver high-value experiences without unnecessary frills
Accessibility
Arrivals are recommended via Entebbe International Airport. The route follows good, paved highways, with moderate drives between major attractions. Gorilla permits and chimp trekking slots are pre-booked, minimizing logistical hassle.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to the Pearl of Africa
Touch down at Entebbe International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits.
Meet your safari guide and transfer to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short orientation drive through Kampala’s vibrant streets, highlighting key landmarks like the Independence Monument, Nakasero Market, and the Uganda National Mosque.
Evening at leisure to unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Boutique hotel or lodge in Entebbe/Kampala
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
Early breakfast and departure northward to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot rhino tracking, an intimate conservation experience.
Enjoy a picnic lunch en route or at the sanctuary.
Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through rural landscapes and roadside markets.
Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the northern sector, look out for giraffes, hartebeests, and elusive leopards.
Overnight: Safari lodge inside or near Murchison Falls NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile Cruise
Sunrise game drive across the savannah, prime time for spotting elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kob.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and relaxation.
Afternoon boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, watch hippos, crocodiles, and water birds as the river narrows dramatically.
Optional: Evening sundowner on the riverbank or guided birding walk near the lodge.
Overnight: Safari lodge in Murchison Falls NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest
Depart Murchison and journey south toward Kibale Forest, passing through Fort Portal’s lush countryside.
Optional stop at tea plantations for a guided walk and cultural exchange with local workers.
Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your forest lodge nestled near Kibale.
Overnight: Forest lodge near Kibale NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetlands
Early morning briefing and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, listen to their calls echoing through the canopy.
Spend up to an hour observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
Afternoon guided walk in Bigodi Wetlands, a community-run sanctuary rich in birdlife, monkeys, and local lore.
Optional: Visit a women’s craft cooperative or traditional healer.
Overnight: Forest lodge near Kibale NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Crater Lakes & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Leisurely breakfast and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Optional detour through the crater lakes region, short hikes to viewpoints and photography stops.
Arrive in time for sunset over the savannah plains.
Overnight: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Safari & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains, search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hyenas.
Return for lunch and rest.
Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, observe hippos, buffaloes, and hundreds of birds along the water’s edge.
Optional: Visit Katwe Salt Lake for a glimpse into traditional salt mining or join a community walk led by local guides.
Overnight: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Depart for Bwindi via Ishasha sector (optional), known for its tree-climbing lions.
Scenic stops for photography, market visits, or roadside fruit tastings.
Arrive in Bwindi and check into your forest lodge.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Immersion
Early breakfast and briefing before gorilla trekking, an unforgettable encounter with one of Earth’s most majestic creatures.
Trek duration varies (2–6 hours); spend up to one hour with the gorillas.
Afternoon at leisure to reflect or opt for a Batwa cultural experience, learn about the forest’s original inhabitants through dance, storytelling, and guided walks.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Return to Entebbe & Departure
Morning drive back to Entebbe/Kampala with optional stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.
Lunch en route and arrival in time for your international flight or overnight stay.
Meals:
Major Attractions (in Detail)
Big Five Viewing: Spot rhinos at Ziwa, lions and elephants in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth, and leopard (with luck).
Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi is the world’s premier site for intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas; treks can be demanding but rewarding.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale Forest offers the highest density of habituated chimps in East Africa, plus abundant monkey species.
Nile Cruise & Murchison Falls: The Nile boat cruise yields dramatic views of Africa’s most powerful waterfall and abundant hippos, crocs, and birds.
Amenities, Inclusions & Exclusions
Amenities:
Safe, private transportation
Carefully chosen budget/midrange lodges with en-suite facilities
Some properties include swimming pools and Wi-Fi
Inclusions:
Gorilla and chimp permits
Park entry fees
All activities per itinerary
Most meals
Drinking water during drives
English-speaking guide
Exclusions:
International flights, visas
Tips/gratuities
Optional/extra activities
Personal expenses
Accommodation Recommendations
Murchison Falls: Fort Murchison Lodge (budget), Pakuba Safari Lodge (midrange)
Kibale: Turaco Treetops/Kibale Forest Camp (budget/midrange)
Queen Elizabeth: Pumba Safari Cottages (budget), Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury upgrade)
Bwindi: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Gorilla Mist Camp (budget/midrange)
Best Time to Travel
June–August and December–February are optimal for game viewing and primate trekking, offering drier trails and clearer animal sightings.
Packing Tips
Neutral, lightweight clothing (avoid blue/black which attracts tsetse flies)
Waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes for jungle treks
Wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, insect repellent (with DEET)
Binoculars and camera with spare batteries
Personal medications and copy of travel documents
Travel Recommendations
Book gorilla and chimp permits at least six months in advance. Prepare for moderate to long drives; if time allows, consider arranging for additional nights at parks of personal interest