Unforgettable 14 Days Uganda Primates and Big Five Safari
Tour Overview
This 14-day Uganda Primates and Big Five Safari combines the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with classic savannah game viewing in parks renowned for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino—though rhinos are only in sanctuaries like Ziwa).
As expert African safari operators at GoSilverback Safaris, we specialize in crafting immersive, conservation-focused journeys across Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations.
This itinerary delivers an unparalleled blend of primate encounters in misty rainforests and open-plains wildlife drama, all while supporting community-led conservation.
Designed for discerning travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East, it balances adventure, comfort, and meaningful impact. Expect over 1,500 km of scenic drives, multiple habituated primate groups, boat safaris, and tree-climbing lions.
Highlights of 14 Days Uganda Primates and Big Five Safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — spend 1 hour with a habituated family of endangered gorillas
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park — track our closest relatives among 13 primate species
- Big Five viewing potential in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth — including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
- Nile River boat safari at Murchison Falls — hippos, crocodiles, and the dramatic falls
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise — one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and waterbirds
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking — observe white rhinos in a successful reintroduction project
- Bigodi Wetland Walk — community-led eco-tourism supporting primate habitat
- Cultural encounters with Batwa (forest people) or local villages
- Birdwatching — over 1,000 species possible, including shoebills and Albertine Rift endemics
This itinerary maximizes wildlife diversity while minimizing long drives through strategic overnights.
Day-by-Day Outline
Day 1: Arrival Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe lodge
Day 2: Entebbe/Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls
Day 3–4: Murchison Falls National Park – game drives, boat safari, top of falls
Day 5: Murchison to Kibale Forest National Park Day 6: Kibale chimpanzee trekking + Bigodi Wetland Walk
Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8–9: Queen Elizabeth – game drives, Kazinga Channel boat, Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 11: Bwindi mountain gorilla trekking
Day 12: Optional second gorilla trek or community/Batwa experience
Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park – game drive/boat
Day 14: Lake Mburo to Entebbe – departure
Detailed Itinerary of 14 Days Uganda Primates and Big Five Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Meet your private GoSilverback Safaris driver-guide and transfer to your lodge (30–60 minutes). Relax, enjoy Lake Victoria views, and prepare for the adventure.
Accommodation: Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe / Mid-range: Lake Heights Hotel / Budget: Airport Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Wildlife: Optional Entebbe Botanical Gardens birding
Day 2: Entebbe/Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls
Drive north (~4–5 hours) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only place to track white rhinos on foot. Spend 1–2 hours tracking rhinos, learning about reintroduction efforts. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park (~3 hours).
Accommodation: Luxury: Baker’s Lodge / Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Budget: Red Chilli Hideaway
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Conservation value: Supports rhino conservation and anti-poaching
Day 3–4: Murchison Falls National Park Exploration
Full days in Uganda’s largest park. Morning game drives target lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and Patas monkeys.
Afternoon Nile boat safari to the base of the falls — massive hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds. Optional hike to the top of the falls for dramatic views. Night drives for nocturnal species.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2 Meals:
All Wildlife experiences: Big Five potential, shoebill stork searches
Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
Scenic drive south (~6–8 hours) via Hoima to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital with 13 primate species. Arrive and relax.
Accommodation: Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale / Budget: Chimpanzee Guest House
Meals: All
Day 6: Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Walk
Early start for chimpanzee trekking (permit required). Track habituated chimps for 1 hour observing tool use, vocalizations, and social behavior. Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Walk — community project spotting monkeys, birds, and supporting local livelihoods.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meals: All Conservation value: Funds primate research and habitat protection
Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Short drive (~2–3 hours) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive or Kazinga Channel boat cruise — hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and birds at close range.
Accommodation: Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge / Budget: Bush Lodge
Meals: All
Day 8–9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector
Game drives in Mweya and Kasenyi plains for lions, leopards, and elephants. Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. Transfer to Ishasha sector for famous tree-climbing lions. Optional lion tracking or cultural visits.
Accommodation: Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Mid-range: Topi Lodge / Budget: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Meals: All Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions, Uganda kobs, waterbucks
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to Bwindi (~4–6 hours depending on sector: Buhoma, Rushaga, or Nkuringo). Settle in and brief for gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp / Mid-range: Buhoma Lodge / Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Meals: All
Day 11: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Early briefing at park headquarters. Trek (2–8 hours) to spend 1 hour with mountain gorillas. Observe silverbacks, mothers, and playful infants. Return for relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 10
Meals: All Conservation value: 20% of permit revenue supports communities
Day 12: Optional Activities in Bwindi
Option for second gorilla trek (additional permit) or Batwa cultural experience, birding, or community walk.
Accommodation: Same as Day 10
Meals: All
Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo (~5–6 hours). Afternoon game drive or boat safari — zebras, impalas, elands, and birds.
Accommodation: Luxury: Mihingo Lodge / Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock / Budget: Leopard Rest Camp
Meals: All
Day 14: Lake Mburo to Entebbe – Departure
Morning walking safari or game drive. Transfer to Entebbe (~4 hours) for international flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Safari
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- All ground transfers in 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full-board accommodation (13 nights)
- All meals as specified
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (USD 250)
- Boat safaris, game drives, guided walks
- Bottled water during activities
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees (~USD 50)
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry)
- Optional activities (second gorilla trek)
Tour Distance to Cover
Total driving distance: approximately 1,500–1,800 km (depending on sectors and optional detours). Roads vary from tarmac to murram; 4×4 vehicles ensure comfort.
Best Time to Travel
The best time for this safari is during Uganda’s dry seasons: June to August and December to February. Trails are drier for gorilla/chimp treks, wildlife concentrates around water sources, and visibility peaks.
Shoulder months (March, May, October–November) offer fewer crowds and lower rates but possible rain. Avoid heavy rains (April–May, October–November) for optimal trekking.
Permit Rules, Restrictions, and Trekking Limits
Gorilla Trekking Permits (Bwindi/Mgahinga):
- Cost: USD 800 per person (foreign non-residents, 2026 rate)
- Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla group per day
- Age minimum: 15 years
- 1 hour with gorillas; maintain 10 m distance
- No flash photography; no eating/smoking
- Book 3–12 months in advance — limited to ~200+ daily across Bwindi sectors
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits (Kibale):
- Cost: USD 250 per person (foreign non-residents)
- Age minimum: 12 years (some groups 15)
- 1 hour observation; 10 m distance
- Habituation experience (4 hours): USD 300 (limited slots)
Permits are non-transferable, name-specific, and issued by UWA. Book through licensed operators like GoSilverback Safaris to secure availability.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pack light but smart — waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing, rain jacket, insect repellent, binoculars, headlamp.
- Book permits early — gorilla slots sell out 6–12 months ahead in peak season.
- Acclimatize to altitude — Bwindi ranges 1,200–2,600 m; stay hydrated.
- Health prep — yellow fever vaccine required; malaria prophylaxis advised.
- Avoid common mistakes — don’t bring single-use plastics (park bans), never approach wildlife too closely, respect local customs.
- Photography — no flash with primates; use natural light.
- Tipping — guide/porter tips appreciated (~USD 10–20/day).
This 14-day Uganda Primates and Big Five Safari offers the ultimate East African wildlife immersion — from misty gorilla forests to roaring Nile falls.
At GoSilverback Safaris, we handle every detail so you focus on the magic. Gorilla permits are the most sought-after element — secure yours now to guarantee your spot.
Contact our team today to customize this itinerary or book your private departure. Limited slots available — let us craft your dream Uganda adventure and contribute directly to the conservation of these extraordinary primates and savannah icons.
The Pearl of Africa awaits. Book your safari with GoSilverback Safaris now.
