Explore Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and primates on this 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Gorilla Trekking Safari with Silverback Tour. This adventure combines exciting game drives, scenic boat cruises, mountain gorilla trekking and breathtaking landscapes across some of Uganda’s most celebrated national parks. You will visit Murchison Falls National Park, home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and other wildlife, before travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, you will discover the spectacular Murchison Falls, cruise along the Nile and explore the diverse habitats that make Uganda a rewarding safari destination. The itinerary is designed to balance wildlife viewing with comfortable accommodation, guided activities and scenic drives through the Ugandan countryside. With a private safari vehicle and an experienced driver-guide, you will experience the Pearl of Africa through a combination of adventure, relaxation and wildlife conservation.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet your Silverback Tour representative and receive a briefing about your safari before setting off towards Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes you through Uganda’s countryside, with views of rural settlements, green landscapes, roadside markets and traditional homesteads. Depending on your arrival time and the route, you may make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an optional guided rhino-tracking experience, offering the opportunity to see white rhinos on foot with a trained ranger. You will continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area, known for its savannah plains, riverine woodland and abundant wildlife. If time allows, you may visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile squeezing through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below. Later, you will proceed to your lodge, settle in and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the wildlife activities ahead.
Accommodation options: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
You will begin the day with an early breakfast before heading into Murchison Falls National Park for a guided game drive across the northern savannah plains. Accompanied by your experienced driver-guide, you will search for elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeests and other wildlife roaming the open grasslands. Lions may be seen resting in the shade or moving through the plains, while leopards are more elusive and require patience and a little luck. After the morning game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles and animals gathering along the riverbanks. The cruise also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography, with the chance to see African fish eagles, kingfishers and other waterbirds. You will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelling through western Uganda’s countryside and rural communities. The drive offers views of agricultural landscapes, roadside trading centres and changing scenery as you head towards the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. You will have a lunch stop along the way before continuing towards the park, one of Uganda’s best-known destinations for savannah wildlife and birdwatching. On arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy some time to relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take in views of the surrounding wilderness or enjoy a short activity arranged by your lodge. Your guide will brief you on the park’s wildlife and the following day’s activities, including the search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other species. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for your wildlife safari.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
You will rise early for breakfast before heading out for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the Kasenyi Plains and other suitable wildlife areas. These grasslands support large numbers of Uganda kob, which attract predators such as lions, giving you opportunities to search for wildlife with your guide. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and several antelope species as you explore the park’s varied habitats. Your guide will share insights into animal behaviour, conservation and the ecological importance of the savannah. After the morning game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest before the afternoon excursion. You will then enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes are frequently seen near the water. The channel is also an excellent place for birdwatching, with numerous waterbirds gathering along the shores. After the cruise, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the Ishasha sector, a region famous for its tree-climbing lions. You will enjoy a game drive through the open grasslands, looking for lions resting in fig trees, elephants, buffaloes, topis and other wildlife. Although sightings depend on animal movements and conditions, Ishasha provides a distinctive opportunity to explore a quieter part of the park with your guide. You will then continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through scenic countryside, terraced hillsides and rural communities. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous, with dense rainforest covering the slopes and valleys. On arrival, you will check in at your lodge and receive information about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience. Your guide will explain the importance of following ranger instructions, maintaining a respectful distance from the gorillas and preparing for a potentially demanding forest walk. You will enjoy dinner and rest at your lodge ahead of this memorable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation options: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will have an early breakfast before travelling to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Experienced park rangers will explain the trekking guidelines, safety procedures and conservation rules before assigning you to a habituated mountain gorilla family. You will then enter the dense rainforest with your guides and trackers, following forest trails in search of these endangered primates. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, terrain and weather, so sturdy hiking boots, drinking water and a rain jacket are recommended. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing their behaviour, including feeding, grooming, resting and interactions between adults and young gorillas. Your guide will help you understand their social structure and the conservation efforts that protect their forest habitat. After the trek, you will return to the starting point and transfer back to your lodge for lunch or a late meal, depending on the timing. The remainder of the afternoon will be available for relaxation or an optional community cultural experience before dinner.
Accommodation options: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your return journey towards Entebbe International Airport for your departure. The drive takes you through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda, with views of terraced farmland, rolling hills and rural communities. You will have a lunch stop along the way, allowing you to rest and enjoy a meal before continuing towards central Uganda. Depending on your flight schedule, road conditions and the location of your gorilla trekking lodge, you may need an early departure to allow sufficient time for the transfer. A domestic flight from a nearby airstrip to Entebbe may be considered as an alternative if available and confirmed in advance. During the journey, you can reflect on your safari highlights, from tracking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and searching for the Big Five in Murchison Falls National Park to cruising along the Nile and encountering mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your driver-guide will drop you off for your onward flight, marking the end of your 7 Days Uganda Big Five and Gorilla Trekking Safari with Silverback Tour.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Items Included
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport transfers
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit, if confirmed
- National park entrance fees
- Game drives as outlined
- Murchison Falls boat cruise
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
Items Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Laundry services
- Gorilla trekking porter fees
- Optional activities not specified as included
- Additional accommodation
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights, unless confirmed.