5 Days Big Five Safari in Uganda
5 Days Big Five Safari in Uganda
Experience the remarkable wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Uganda on this 5 Days Big Five Safari. This adventure combines guided rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with exciting game drives, a scenic Nile boat cruise, and a visit to the spectacular Murchison Falls.
Explore the vast savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park in search of lions, leopards, African elephants, and Cape buffaloes. At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, enjoy a guided tracking experience to encounter southern white rhinos in their protected natural habitat, completing your opportunity to see Africa’s legendary Big Five.
From thrilling wildlife encounters to the powerful waters of the River Nile, this five-day Uganda safari offers an unforgettable introduction to East Africa’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park
Your Uganda Big Five Safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Meet your professional safari guide for a short briefing before travelling north through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Upon arrival, participate in a guided rhino-tracking experience, walking through the sanctuary with an experienced ranger in search of southern white rhinos. Learn about rhino conservation and observe these impressive animals in their protected habitat.
After the experience and lunch, continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Depending on your arrival time and the day’s schedule, you may visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile forcing its way through a narrow rocky gorge.
Proceed to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.
Main activities: Rhino tracking, scenic drive, and optional visit to the top of Murchison Falls.
Accommodation: Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park.
Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on your departure arrangements.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading into Murchison Falls National Park for a morning game drive across its open savannah plains. Search for African elephants, lions, Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, and other wildlife. Leopards may also be spotted, although sightings are less predictable.
Your guide will help you explore wildlife-rich areas and explain the animals’ behaviour, habitats, and interactions within the ecosystem.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before heading to the Victoria Nile for a boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, look for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of waterbirds.
The cruise offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and views of the Nile as it approaches the dramatic falls.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main activities: Morning game drive and afternoon Nile boat cruise.
Accommodation: Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Explore Murchison Falls and Enjoy an Additional Wildlife Drive
After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls if it was not possible on the first day. Observe the immense force of the River Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below.
Enjoy time to appreciate the surrounding scenery, take photographs, and learn about the geological features of this remarkable natural attraction.
Depending on your interests and timing, continue with another game drive in the park to search for wildlife you may not have encountered earlier. Alternatively, consider an optional boat excursion towards the Nile Delta, known for its birdlife and opportunities to search for the shoebill.
Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Main activities: Top of Murchison Falls, wildlife viewing, and optional Nile Delta excursion.
Accommodation: Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking or Leisure at the Lodge
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Budongo Forest Reserve for an optional guided chimpanzee-tracking experience, subject to permit availability and the selected package. Walk through the forest with trained guides and trackers while searching for chimpanzees in their natural environment.
During the trek, you may also encounter other primates, forest birds, butterflies, and distinctive tropical vegetation.
If chimpanzee trekking is not included in your package, spend the day enjoying the lodge surroundings, birdwatching, or an additional wildlife activity arranged with your safari guide.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main activities: Optional chimpanzee trekking, forest exploration, and birdwatching.
Accommodation: Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park to Kampala or Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out and beginning your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel through Uganda’s scenic countryside, with a stop for lunch or refreshments along the way. Depending on your departure arrangements, your guide will transfer you to your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
As your five-day adventure concludes, depart with lasting memories of Uganda’s wildlife, magnificent waterfalls, and unforgettable safari experiences.
Main activities: Breakfast, scenic drive, and departure transfer.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, depending on your travel arrangements.
End of safari.
Price Includes
Private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation for four nights.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Park entrance fees for the listed activities.
Guided rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Scheduled game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.
Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
Drinking water during safari activities.
Price Excludes
International flights and applicable airport taxes.
Uganda visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance.
Optional chimpanzee trekking and associated permits unless specified.
Optional Nile Delta boat excursion unless specified.
Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
Tips and gratuities.
Activities and services not specifically listed as included.