A Remarkable 5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari by Star Wilderness Safaris

Exploring Uganda Safari Lodges & Equator Stopover

Your 5-day Uganda Wildlife Safari begins after breakfast in Kampala. Our expert safari guide will pick you up, provide a short briefing, and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Masaka-Mbarara route. Along the way, enjoy cultural and photographic moments at the Equator in Kayabwe—a popular highlight on Uganda safaris. Another brief stopover at Mpambire Drum Village provides insight into Uganda’s rich musical heritage.

You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in Mbarara town before continuing toward the park located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, check into one of the exceptional Uganda Lodges or Uganda Safari Lodges near the Mweya Peninsula. Options range from luxury (Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge) to midrange (Bush Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge) and budget (Kazinga Channel View Lodge).

If time permits, head out for an evening Game Drive to witness wildlife like elephants, buffalo, warthogs, and antelopes roaming the savannah. Alternatively, relax at your lodge as you prepare for an exhilarating wildlife adventure ahead. Cultural visits to Lake Katwe’s salt mining communities offer a rewarding interaction with local life.

Main Experiences

Game Drives, Equator Stop, Uganda Lodges, Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Encounters

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Wildlife Viewing & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and gear up for an early morning Uganda Big Game Drive through the Kasenyi Plains. The 5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari gains intensity here as you spot some of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and the Uganda kob. Leopards may also be encountered if you’re lucky. Bird lovers will enjoy sightings of black bee-eaters, broad-billed rollers, and Cassin’s grey flycatchers.

After a fulfilling game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take part in one of the most picturesque Boat Cruises in Uganda. The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George, is rich with aquatic life. Expect to encounter hundreds of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birds—up to 550 resident species, including the elusive shoebill, pink-backed pelicans, malachite kingfishers, and papyrus gonoleks.

This day of the 5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari encapsulates what makes Uganda Wildlife Safaris truly unforgettable: raw nature, immersive scenery, and unmatched biodiversity.

Main Experiences

Uganda Big Five Safari, Game Drives, Boat Cruise, Birding, Murchison Falls (as future extension), Uganda Safari Lodges

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Drive Through the Crater Lakes & Explore Bigodi Swamp

After breakfast, check out of your Queen Elizabeth lodge and begin the journey to Kibale Forest National Park. This part of the 5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you through breathtaking scenery, including the crater lakes region near Fort Portal. En route, enjoy lunch in this charming town, known for its cool climate and tea plantations.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you’ll visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation area located on the outskirts of the park. Guided nature walks here introduce you to an abundance of birdlife, such as the great blue turaco, and mammals, including monkeys and sitatungas. This cultural and ecological site contributes significantly to community-based tourism in Uganda.

Later, check into your chosen Uganda Lodge—options include Primate Lodge (Luxury), Kibale Forest Camp (Midrange), or Chimpanzee Guest House (Budget). Each provides easy access to the park’s trailheads for the following day’s adventure.

Main Experiences

Bigodi Swamp Walk, Cultural Tourism, Uganda Lodges, Uganda Safari Route, Crater Lakes, Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Wild Encounters in Budongo Forest Reserve’s Cousin

This day marks the climax of the 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari, as you delve deep into the forested heart of Kibale. Wake up early, have breakfast, and drive to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by professional guides, you will hike through the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee families. Their expressive behaviours and vocalisations create an extraordinary wildlife encounter.

Apart from chimpanzees, the forest is teeming with other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Occasionally, visitors spot forest elephants and giant forest hogs. This primate-rich environment mirrors Budongo Forest Reserve, another top site for Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take another nature walk to Bigodi Swamp or simply relax at your lodge while absorbing the forest’s tranquil sounds. Birding enthusiasts can expect to spot numerous species, including papyrus gonolek and butterfly species.

This is also a great time to consider combining your trip with Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, allowing you to explore both chimpanzees and gorillas in one extended Uganda Safari.

Main Experiences

Chimpanzee Tracking, Uganda Safari, Budongo Forest Equivalent, Primate Watching, Birding, Uganda Safari Lodges, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Extension

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Cultural Route Back with Final Memories of the Wild

The last day of the 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari begins with an early breakfast and checkout from your lodge. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kampala with potential stops in Fort Portal for local souvenirs or a brief cultural tour. You’ll enjoy an en route lunch before arriving in the capital in the late afternoon.

Depending on your schedule, the driver can drop you off at your hotel or proceed directly to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. As the safari ends, you’ll carry with you cherished memories of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and warm cultural experiences.

Whether it was the exhilarating boat cruise, immersive game drives, or soul-stirring chimpanzee tracking, the 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari guarantees an adventure unlike any other. With the possibility of extending your journey to include Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Tracking, or Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s highlands, this trip serves as the perfect foundation for more exploration.

Main Experiences

Return Journey, Cultural Tour, Uganda Safari Memories, Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Option, Uganda Safari Highlights

Why Choose the 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari by Star Wilderness Safaris?

This meticulously designed 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari blends wildlife, culture, and nature in a way that few tours can. From the wide savannahs of Queen Elizabeth to the forested paths of Kibale, the itinerary promises a journey that is educational, adventurous, and deeply fulfilling. With well-chosen Uganda Lodges, expert guides, and the option to add gorilla trekking, this tour provides a rich tapestry of Uganda’s natural and cultural wealth.

Star Wilderness Safaris invites you to experience Uganda’s wildlife and culture in its most authentic and inspiring form. Book your 5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari today and let nature tell you its unforgettable story.