8-Day Big 5 Uganda Tour: The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure with Wagatil Safaris

Embark on an extraordinary journey across Uganda’s most renowned national parks with Wagatil Safaris. From the thundering Murchison Falls to the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this tour guarantees a thrilling encounter with the Big 5 and other unique wildlife.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Your Wagatil Safaris driver-guide will meet you at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala and transfer you to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, and elephants. At Murchison Falls, you’ll witness the breathtaking power of the world’s most powerful waterfall. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, home to 450 species, including the rare shoebill stork, dwarf kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill, and goliath heron.

On the way, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for your first Big Five encounter, where you’ll enjoy an hour of rhino tracking. Afterward, you’ll have lunch at Kabalega Dinner before continuing to the park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation at Pakuba Safari Lodge to unwind and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead the following day.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls

You’ll start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the northern section of Murchison, renowned for its high concentration of wildlife. You’ll enjoy a game drive, capturing photos of elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Afterward, you’ll return to your accommodation for lunch, then prepare for a 3-hour boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This cruise is often considered the highlight of the safari, offering an up-close experience with wildlife in the water.

For those seeking an additional adventure, an optional hike to the top of the falls awaits. While challenging, the view from the top is an unforgettable reward. Afterward, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast at your accommodation, you’ll drive to the top of Murchison Falls (if you didn’t hike the day before) for a breathtaking view of the falls. Alternatively, you can head straight to Kibale Forest National Park after breakfast.

Kibale is renowned for its diverse primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys. During your chimpanzee trek, you’ll likely spot these species swinging through the trees or feeding on wild fruits. Upon arrival at your accommodation at Turacco Treetops Lodge, you can check in and unwind before a delicious dinner and relaxation for the night.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will head to the forest head office for a briefing. Thereafter, you’ll start your trek with a ranger as early as 8:00 am. Kibale Forest National Park boasts the highest number of primate species in the world, including chimpanzees.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with them. You will return to the lodge for lunch and then proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will arrive in the evening and stay overnight at Elephant Hab Lodge.

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Today, you’ll enjoy both a game drive and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. You’ll encounter wildlife such as reedbucks, bushbucks, kobs, warthogs, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel offers incredible sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check into your accommodation and rest in preparation for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a briefing from your ranger guide, you’ll venture into the dense Bwindi Forest. Once you find a gorilla group, you’ll spend an hour observing these gentle giants.

After the trek, you’ll proceed to Lake Bunyonyi, a beautiful lake surrounded by lush hills and 29 islands. Overnight stay at BirdNest Resort.

Day 8: Depart to Entebbe for Your Flight Home

You’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, taking in the stunning views of Lake Bunyonyi. Afterward, you’ll begin your return journey to Entebbe Airport, stopping for lunch and visiting the Uganda Equator Line along the way. Arrive in Entebbe by late afternoon or evening for your flight home.