This itinerary completes the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — by combining Murchison Falls with Queen Elizabeth National Park, without the added cost and time commitment of gorilla trekking.
7 Days Big Five Safari in UgandaFrom $1,800 pp (budget) · see full pricing below
Budget$1,800
Mid-range$2,900
Luxury$5,200
Day 1 — Kampala to Murchison Falls
Drive via Masindi, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking.
Highlights
Rhino tracking at Ziwa — your Big Five rhino component
Arrival and settling in at your Murchison Falls lodge
Day 2 — Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Morning game drive in Buligi, afternoon Nile boat cruise.
Highlights
Morning game drive with strong lion, elephant, and buffalo odds
Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day 3 — Chimp Trekking or Falls Hike, Travel South
Morning chimpanzee trekking at Budongo (optional) or the top of the falls hike, then begin the journey south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Highlights
A choice between primates (Budongo) or the falls viewpoint
Start of the journey south
Day 4 — Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Continue south via Fort Portal and the Rift Valley escarpment (~6–7 hours total, often split across Days 3–4).
Highlights
Scenic Rift Valley driving through Fort Portal
Arrival in a genuinely different landscape from Murchison's savanna
Day 5 — Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains area, afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Highlights
Kasenyi plains game drive — some of Uganda's best lion territory
Kazinga Channel cruise, rivalling Murchison's own boat cruise for wildlife density
Day 6 — Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions)
Full day in the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions.
Highlights
The rare chance to see lions resting in trees
Completing the Big Five checklist
Day 7 — Return to Kampala
Return drive or flight to Kampala/Entebbe.
Highlights
Final morning game drive or relaxed departure
Return journey closing out the full Big Five circuit
What's Included
Included
Ground transport
Park entrance fees (both parks)
Accommodation
Driver-guide
Boat cruises
Excluded
Flights (unless specified)
Visa
Gratuities
Ziwa fee
Accommodation Options
Ask us for current lodge recommendations at both Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth for your budget tier.
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