14-Day Ultimate Uganda Big Five, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Expedition
A premium Miana Tours & Travel wildlife & primates journey
Embark on a richly varied two-week expedition through Uganda’s most celebrated wild places with Miana Tours & Travel. This thoughtfully paced itinerary combines classic savannah game viewing (including the Big Five), intimate primate encounters — chimpanzees and mountain gorillas (including a second gorilla trek) — plus boat safaris, scenic highlands, cultural visits and restorative lakeside evenings.
Designed for travellers who want depth and quality rather than a rushed checklist, this tour balances exciting wildlife moments with comfortable lodges and expert guiding. Expect excellent photographic opportunities, carefully managed park logistics, and an emphasis on conservation-minded tourism.
07:00–08:00 Meet in Kampala/Entebbe for a short briefing, then depart northwest toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
08:00–11:00 Drive to Ziwa for a guided walking safari to view white rhinos and learn about the sanctuary’s reintroduction work.
11:30–14:00 Continue to Masindi for lunch, then on to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive late afternoon and visit the Top of the Falls for sunset views.
Travel note (Kampala → Murchison Falls: typically ~4–6 hours by road depending on route and traffic). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Accommodation: Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget) • Kabalega Wilderness (Mid) • Bakers’ Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06:00–09:00 Early morning game drive in the park; look for elephant, buffalo, lion and rare savannah species.
10:30–13:00 Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
14:00–16:30 Boat cruise upstream along the Victoria Nile toward the base of the falls — outstanding hippo and birdwatching.
17:30 Return to lodge; evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07:30–18:00 Scenic drive south to the Kibale–Fort Portal region with lunch en route; arrive at your lodge in the afternoon/evening.
Travel note (Murchison → Kibale: typical road time ~7 hours depending on stops). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Budget) • Primate Lodge (Mid) • Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07:30–11:30 After briefing, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest (trek 2–4 hours depending on sightings). Enjoy up to one hour with the chimps when located.
14:00–16:30 Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk — excellent birding and primate spotting (red colobus, sitatunga).
Accommodation: Same as Day 3 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:00–12:00 Drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park with lunch en route and arrival in the early afternoon.
Travel note (Kibale → Queen Elizabeth: typically 3–4 hours on good roads). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
15:30–17:30 Late afternoon game drive across Kasenyi plains.
Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (Budget) • Marafiki Lodge (Mid) • Mweya Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06:30–10:30 Morning chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge (includes briefing and debrief; forest trek 2–4 hours).
13:30–15:30 Relaxed 2-hour boat cruise on Kazinga Channel — unparalleled hippo and waterbird viewing.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:00–16:30 Drive through Ishasha (option for tree-climbing lion search) and onward into the Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi. Enjoy dramatic terraced scenery en route.
Travel note (Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi via Ishasha: typically 5–6 hours). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Accommodation: Buhoma Rest Camp (Budget) • Engagi Lodge (Mid) • Mahogany Springs (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06:00–07:30 Early transfer to the park briefing point for trek assignment and health checks.
07:30–14:30 Gorilla trek (trek length varies: typically 2–6 hours; allow up to 8). Experience a full 1-hour observation period when the family is located.
15:30–18:00 Return to lodge, rest and optional community visit.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:00–11:00 Drive to Kisoro / Mgahinga area, enjoying the highland vistas and village life.
Travel note (Bwindi → Mgahinga: typically ~2–3 hours by road depending on sector). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Accommodation: Travellers Rest (Budget) • Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid) • Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07:00–07:30 Transfer to Mgahinga park HQ for briefing and allocation.
07:30–12:30 Gorilla trek in Mgahinga’s bamboo forests (often easier terrain) and one hour with the gorillas when found.
13:30–16:00 Return to lodge for relaxation or optional local walk.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07:30–11:30 Golden monkey tracking — an energetic, colorful encounter ideal for photography.
12:30–17:00 Afternoon at leisure; optional community visit or lakeside relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9 • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:00–10:30 Short scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi; check in and enjoy lunch by the lake.
12:30–17:00 Afternoon free for canoe trips, island visits or simply relaxing by the water.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (Budget) • Arcadia Cottages (Mid) • Birdnest Resort (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:00–14:30 Drive north toward Lake Mburo with lunch in Mbarara en route.
15:00–17:00 Boat cruise on Lake Mburo and an evening game drive or short guided walk with an armed ranger.
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge (Budget) • Marafiki Lodge (Mid) • Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06:30–09:00 Guided morning walking safari to encounter zebras, impala, giraffe and oxpecker-rich trees.
09:30–15:30 Drive back to Kampala with stops for photos and lunch; arrival in the late afternoon/early evening — transfer to your hotel or Entebbe airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (End of tour)
Miana Tours & Travel offers locally led safaris with deep conservation ties, personalised service and decades of experience across Uganda and Rwanda. We prioritise ethical wildlife viewing, safety, and community benefit, and we tailor every trip to your interests and comfort.
