7 Day Uganda Big Five Safari & Tree-Climbing Lions Experience
7-day safari adventure through Uganda, a country rich in biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. This thrilling journey is designed to give you close encounters with Africa’s renowned Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—while immersing you in the beauty of Uganda’s top national parks.
From the powerful Murchison Falls to the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the rhino sanctuary at Ziwa, each day offers new experiences filled with wildlife, stunning scenery, and cultural interactions.
This 7-day adventure offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and immersive cultural experiences. As you depart Uganda, you’ll carry unforgettable memories of the Big Five, tree-climbing lions, and the warm hospitality of this beautiful country.
Safari Highlights
- Spot Africa’s Big Five animals in their natural habitats.
- Witness the mighty Murchison Falls as the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
- Enjoy boat cruises along the Nile River and Kazinga Channel, teeming with wildlife.
- Experience the famous tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Encounter white rhinos up close at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Scenic drives through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes and local villages.
Major Attractions
- Murchison Falls National Park – Home to diverse wildlife and the spectacular Murchison Falls.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for its tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – The only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild.
- Kazinga Channel – A hotspot for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
- Albertine Rift Valley – Stunning landscapes with tea plantations and crater lakes.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda & Transfer to Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our experienced safari guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the nearby attractions, such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we depart for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular conservation area. The drive offers scenic views of the countryside, with possible sightings of baboons and other wildlife along the way.
Upon arrival, we visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating a thunderous waterfall. Later, we proceed to our lodge for an overnight stay.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
We start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. This is the best time to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes grazing on the savannah plains.
In the afternoon, we embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. Expect to see large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water’s edge, and diverse bird species.
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we begin our journey south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich wildlife. The drive takes us through the beautiful countryside, passing tea plantations and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, we check into our lodge and relax, preparing for an exciting safari experience the following day.
Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
We start the morning with a game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, and crater lakes. Expect sightings of elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and if lucky, the elusive leopard.
Later in the afternoon, we embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa. The channel also attracts crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Today, we explore the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These unique lions are often seen resting on fig tree branches, an uncommon behavior among lions worldwide.
After the game drive, we head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. Accompanied by expert rangers, we embark on a guided rhino trekking experience, offering close encounters with these endangered giants.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge near Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, we embark on the final journey back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for your departure.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Rhino Tracking
- Bottled Water
- English Speaking Guide
- Park Entrance Fees
- Boat Rides
- Cultural Tours
- All Activities Mentioned
- International flight fare
- Entry Visas
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Kampala hotel fees( the eve of the safari and the night after the safari),