8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Safari in Uganda

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari: Overview

This 8-day Uganda wildlife safari is a remarkable wildlife safari in Uganda, featuring trekking the mountain gorillas, viewing amazing African wildlife, tracking chimpanzees, viewing beautiful scenery, and community Uganda tours.

The 8-day wildlife safari in Uganda will lead you to gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Uganda in Kibale Forest, and game drives to view the wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In these 7 nights and 8 days, you will encounter a general view of Uganda’s wildlife and also have an amazing moment with the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

In this adventure, you will likewise visit the 5 most captivating Ugandan national parks, which are

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
3. Murchison Falls National Park
4. Kibale National Park

This Uganda safari commences and ends in Entebbe, and we can plan it for you based on budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation choices. This package can also be customized to suit your safari preferences.

Explore the amazing Ugandan primates on this planned Uganda Wildlife Safari!

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour: Prime Safari Activities

1. Having a Uganda primate safari with the gentle mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
2. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park will bring you closer to the closest cousins to humans.
3. Viewing the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
4. Enjoying the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and the Victoria Nile.
5. Listen to the rumblings of the giant Murchison Falls as you hike to the top of the falls.
6. Taking photos at the equator point while you stand on the 2 hemispheres of the world.

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour: Featured Safari Park And Destinations

Day 1: Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 3 and 4: Kibale National Park.

Day 5 and 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour: Highlights

Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park with an en route stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot.

Day 2: You will do a morning game drive, a boat cruise on the Nile, and a hike to the top of the falls.

Day 3: This day will include a scenic drive to Kibale National Park by road.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda in Kibale National Park and then a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 5: Do a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Day 6: A drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with an en-route game drive in the Ishasha sector.

Day 7: You will also do mountain gorilla trekking and a Batwa community cultural tour.

Day 8: You will be transferred back to Kampala.

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer To Murchison Falls National Park And Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary To Trek And See White Rhinos

The first day of your Uganda safari begins with an early breakfast in your hotel at 6:00 am. At 6:30 am, our expert driver-guide will pick you up in our comfortable 4×4 safari car and after settling in, you will begin a journey from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park.

The road trip to Murchison Falls National Park is an 8-hour drive over a distance of 310km. It gives you an insight into the ordinary lives of Ugandans that you will meet along the way. You will find them in their daily activities, like tilling the gardens and men and women riding bicycles with farm produce as they go to the nearest local markets to trade.

An en-route in the Kasana Luwero market will avail you of the delicious experience of the pure organic and sweet Ugandan tropical fruits that will tease your taste buds. You will interact with the locals as you engage in an amazing shopping experience in Africa when you bargain for the best price of the few selected items, courtesy of the company.

Your arrival at Nakasongola will give you the chance to meet one of the big five animals of Africa at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.  This is the only place in Uganda where you will find rhinos.

You will then do rhino tracking and then have a sumptuous lunch at Kabalega Dinners before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park. At Murchison, you will engage in a miniature game drive before continuing to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

The highlight of the day: was the incredible encounter with the Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Accommodation At Murchison Falls National Park

Top-notch/Exclusive

• Chobe Safari Lodge
• Bakers Lodge
• Nile Safari Lodge

Luxury/ Upmarket

• Paara Safari Lodge

Mid-range/ Moderate

• Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Fort Murchison Safari Lodge
• Murchison River Lodge

Budget/ Basic

• Hornbill Safari Lodge

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drive distance and time

• Roughly 375km for about 7-8 hours

Activities and Services

• Rhino trekking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary
• Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Other optional activities to do on the day

• Night game drive experience in Murchison falls park
• Bush Dinner
• Birding

Day 2: A Morning Game Drive, An Afternoon Nile Boat Ride And A Hike To The Top Of The Falls

Day two avails the rare occasion of exploring Murchison Falls Park wildlife to its fullest through a thrilling game drive and a beautiful boat cruise. This day begins with an early 6:00 am breakfast buffet before heading to your safari car for a thrilling game drive along the northern banks of the park.

This northern sector is enriched with a wide variety of wild animals like the Rothschild Giraffes, Cape Buffaloes, large herds of elephants, bushbucks, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribi, and Waterbucks. If you are lucky enough, you will also see chief predators like the mighty lions and the stocky leopards.

Following the 3-hour epic adventure in this northern region, there will be a picnic lunch. Immediately after your lunch, you will go on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile and to the bottom of the falls.

The 17-kilometer cruise will make you see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, waterbucks, and Uganda kobs drinking water by the riverside. You will also see various water birds like the Pelican Bee-Eaters, Egyptian Geese, Hornbills, Goliath Herons, the Rare Shoebill, Stork Kingfishers, and Cormorants.

The thunderous roar of the mighty Murchison Falls will welcome you as you draw closer to it.  You will watch the falls from a very safe distance as they flow from a 43-meter fall.

Note:

Arriving at the bottom of the falls will then lead to your next adventure, which is hiking to the top of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The Nile, the longest river in the world, passes through an 8-meter gorge and falls 43 meters below the “devil’s cauldron,”  hence creating a cloud of spray noticeable by a thunderous roar and an emblematic rainbow.

On the hike, you will enjoy the calming sound of the Nile as it splashes through impermeable rocks that were in their way for centuries.

From the top of the falls experience, you will then connect to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight.

The highlight of the day is a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, from where you will be amazed by the wildlife diversity of the park.

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Activities and Services

• Game drive in the Northern sector of the park
• fascinating boat cruise along the Victorian Nile
• Hike to the top of Murchison falls

Optional activities to do on this day

• Night game drive experience in Murchison Falls Park.
• Bush Dinner
• Hot air ballooning experience
• Fishing along the Nile delta

Day 3: Drive To Kibale National Park While Exploring An Impressive Countryside Landscape

The third day involves a relocation from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park. The day begins at 6:00 am so you can cross the 7:00 am boat to commence with a thrilling road drive along the Ugandan countryside to Kibale National Park.

You will then pass through many villages that will enlighten you about their ordinary Ugandan lives. While on this journey, you will also see men and women engaging in many economic activities, like gardening, and some women carrying their young ones on their backs.

The drive will take about 7-8 hours, covering around 320km. After a lunch break in one of the best restaurants in Fort Portal Town, you will then finally proceed to Kibale National Park.

The highlight of the day: Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside

Accommodation In Kibale National Park

Top-notch/Exclusive

• Kyaninga Lodge
• Ndali Lodge

Luxury/Upmarket

• Crater Safari Lodge
• Primate Lodge Kibale

Mid-range/Moderate

• Chimpanzee Forest Guest House: Cottages

Budget/Basic

• Chimpanzee Forest Guest House-Main House
• Kibale Forest Camp: Tents

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive distance and time

• An estimate of 340km for around 6–7 hours

Activities and Services

• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Optional activities for the day

• Afternoon birding session in the park
• Cycling in Mpanga tea estate
• Visit Amabere ga nyina mwiru
• Nocturnal walks in the forest

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking, Bigodi Wetland Walk, And Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will enjoy a 6:30 am breakfast amidst the melodious nature sounds created by the many birds chirping to the new daybreak. Your breakfast will then be followed by a transfer to the Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park for the Uganda Chimpanzee trekking briefing at 8 am from the respective park rangers.

You will pass through the dense Kibale Forest as you search for man’s closest cousins. Viewing the lovely flora of mature trees with huge buttresses and climbers will be one of your explorations.

Passionate birders should be on the lookout for various impressive bird species, among many others, including;

• African Pitta
• Green-Breasted Pitta
• White-Naped Pigeon
• Red-Chested Owlet
• Crowned Eagle
• Black Bee-Eater
• Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird
• Western Nicator
• Little Greenbul
• Blue-Breasted Kingfisher
• Brown-Chested Alethe
• African Grey Parrot

Kibale National Park is also home to 13 primate species; for example, the

1. Threatened Red Colobus Monkeys, with the highest population flourishing in Kibale Forest,.
2. The rare l’Hoest’s monkey.
3. Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys.
4. Grey-Cheeked Mangabey.
5. Red-Tailed and Blue Monkeys.
6. Bush Baby.
7. Olive Baboon.
8. Pottos Monkeys, which you will see during a trek.

When you closely meet these habituated Common Chimpanzees, you will take their photos as you watch them eat fruits, swing in trees, socialize, patrol, pant hoot, groom, and do many other things that will give you memorable experiences.

In this 2-hour activity, you will spend one hour with them and thereafter go back to be awarded a Chimpanzee trekking certificate. Your company safari guide will then drive you back to your lodge for lunch.

After the delicious lunch, you will then check out of your lodge and get on the 157-km drive of about 2–3 to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

But there will be an en-route stop at the Ruboni Community Center, where you will find the local women selling a collection of many art and craft materials. You can buy a souvenir for your trip here, as you also play an important role in supporting the local communities who sell to support their families livelihoods.

You can also spare some time to learn about the weaving process for some remarkable art products like those on display.

After, you will continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park as you view the Rwenzori ranges along the way.

You will reach your lodge in the evening to relax, have dinner, and stay overnight.

The highlight of the day was a fascinating chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park.

Accommodation In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Luxury/ Upmarket

• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Katara Safari Lodge
• Mazike Valley Safari Lodge

Mid-range/ Moderate

• Enganzi Game Lodge
• Marafiki Lodge

Budget/ Basic

• Pumba Safari Lodge
• Bush Lodge

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drive distance and time

• About 157km on a 2-3 hour journey.

Activities and Services

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Cultural experience as you visit the Bigodi wetland community
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

Optional activities for the day

• Afternoon birding session in the park

Day 5: Do A Morning Game Drive And An Afternoon Boat Cruise On The Kazinga Channel

The fifth day of your safari will be a true definition of wildlife exploration as you begin with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.

Kasenyi hosts much wildlife in its wide Savannah, for example

1. Three Lion prides
2. Large herds of various types of Antelopes
3. Buffaloes
4. Herds of Elephants
5. Leopards
6. There are many Savannah birds.

The thrilling sight of these animals will lighten up your day and prepare you for your next amazing adventure on the Kazinga Channel.

After your lunch, you will go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you will see more animals by the shores of the stream drinking and bathing.

Among the many animals that you will see on the Kazinga Channel are antelopes, elephants, and various wading birds.

After that, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a night’s rest.

Optional activities for the Day

• Community visit

Day 6: An En-Route Ishasha Game Drive As You Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your beautiful morning will begin with a 6:30 am breakfast before getting to your comfortable 4×4 Safari vehicle. Your professional safari guide will lead you on a 2-3-hour journey in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From here, you will engage in an amazing African safari adventure game drive to search for the tree-climbing lions that lie on the branches of the cactus trees for a mid-morning rest.

The 3-hour game drive will then be followed by a transfer to a suitable lodge in this park sector for a lunch break and to stretch yourself. After, you will be journeying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to relax, have dinner, and have an overnight stay.

The highlight of the day: was seeing the tree-climbing lions in this Ishasha sector lodged in between tree branches.

Accommodation In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Top-Notch/Exclusive

• Gorilla Forest Camp
• Buhoma Lodge

Luxury/ Upmarket

• Haven Lodge Buhoma

Mid-range/ Moderate

• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Budget/ Basic

• Trekkers Tavern Ruhija

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drive distance and time

• Around 140–240 km for over 6–8 hours

Activities and Services

• Transfer to Bwindi
• Game drive in the Ishasha sector

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park And A Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi

The 7^th day of the 8-day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours will begin with an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am to boost your energy for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda.

As you move with your packed lunch to the park center, the park sector warden will welcome you and take you through the Uganda gorilla trekking safari experience. On the other hand, you will enjoy cultural music and dance performances from the local Bakiga people, who will reveal to you their cultural and musical skills.

In a group of not more than 8, you will embark on a gorilla trekking experience to search for a mountain gorilla family. You will be among the luckiest in the world to have met these gentle endangered giants in their natural habitat as they go about their daily lives.

The young ones may even break the 7-meter rule as they try to incorporate you into their games. After spending one hour with the gorillas, you will then be transferred back to the park center, where you will be awarded a gorilla tracking certificate.

From here, you will be driven to Lake Bunyonyi, where you will relax from the strenuous Uganda gorilla trekking experience. Arrival at the beautiful tropical gem of Kigezi Island will fascinate you as you view the tranquil waters, which accommodate 29 islands dotted all over the lake. Thus, its famous name is “The Lake of a Thousand Islands.”.

Explore:

You will explore the lake on a relaxing boat cruise on the waters as you are told the history behind the many islands, for example, Akampene Island, also called Punishment Island. This was where girls who got pregnant before marriage were either left to die alone or saved by a man who was willing to marry them without paying a dowry.

However, it is believed that an elderly woman cursed the upside-down island because the island’s residents refused to give her beer. She, therefore, cursed the island to turn upside down, making all of them drown.

From this boat cruise, you will then head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

The highlight of the day: was gorilla trekking and a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi.

Accommodation In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Luxury/ Upmarket

• Birds nest @ Bunyonyi

Mid-range/ Moderate

• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Budget/ Basic

• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drive distance and time

• About 55–85 km for about 1–3 hours

Activities and Services

• Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Gorilla trekking

Optional activities for the day

• Nature walks in Bwindi
• Batwa community walks
• Birding

Day 8: Transfer Back To Kampala With An En-Route Stop At The Equator

At 6:00 am, the sweet melodies of birds singing their hearts away will be your first encounter upon waking. This will give you an insight as to why the lake is called Bunyonyi, which means “lake of many small birds,” as they interject with their voices in unison as they welcome the day.

As you grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea, you will select from the wide variety of confectioneries available to eat from. After breakfast, you will head for a journey transfer to Kampala on a 420km journey or Entebbe for about 470km.

You will pass through the fascinating rolling hills of Kabale and see how the locals tame these wildlands through cultivation along the steep slopes. Also, you will encounter many local men on the way, carrying farm produce on their bicycles to the nearest local markets to sell it.

An en-route stop for lunch at the Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara will make you enjoy a traditional locally made lunch buffet, where you can also decide to taste the Ishabwe dish that will make you awestruck at the delicacy in this region.

You will also have an en-route stop at the Kayabwe Equator, where you will enjoy the peculiar experience of standing on both sides of the earth. A water experience will make you differentiate between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and, therefore, make you take many photos.

Then, you will proceed with your journey back to Entebbe International Airport to catch your departure flight back home after your amazing 8 days of Uganda tours and safaris.

Meal Plan

• Breakfast and Lunch

Drive Distance and time

• Approximately 420km for around 7-8 hours

Activities and services

• Transfer to Kampala
• Equator experience
• Traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Center

End Of Your 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour — Safari Inclusions

1. A full-time professional English-speaking driver-guide.
2. 4×4 Safari van/4×4 Safari Land cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing and a functional AC.
3. Full-board accommodation.
4. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permit fees.
5. Boat cruise fees.
6. Wi-Fi Internet on board while in the safari vehicle.
7. Bottled water.

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour — Safari Exclusions

1. International and domestic flight fees.
2. Visa fees.
3. Laundry services.
4. Items of a personal nature.
5. Gratuities and tips on your safari.
6. Other beverages or drinks.
7. Other extras that are not mentioned in the itinerary above.

Please fill out the form below to contact us for a safari