8 Days Uganda Safari

October 28, 2023

8 Days Uganda Safari

The 8-day Uganda Safari and Gorilla Trekking package is tailored for enthusiasts keen on mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, and a comprehensive wildlife safari. Highlights include encounters with Batwa pygmies, leisure time at scenic Lake Bunyonyi, visits to the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary, and relaxing boat cruises. The journey covers Western Uganda’s premier wildlife reserves, namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest, 8 Days Uganda Safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half the global mountain gorilla population, boasts an impressive array of biodiversity. The park teems with 119 mammal species, over 350 plant species, 202 butterfly species, and 346 bird species. With over 14 habituated gorilla groups, Bwindi is a standout destination for gorilla trekking and offers the unique opportunity for gorilla habituation experience. Kibale Forest, though lacking gorillas, is a primate haven with 13 species including chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, olive monkeys, and more. 8 Days Uganda Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse attractions, from classic game drives and tree-climbing lions to lion tracking, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge. The park’s breathtaking scenery, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and earth movements, features stunning crater lakes, sweeping savannah plains, and intriguing underground forests like Kyambura and Maramagambo. 8 Days Uganda Safari

The itinerary also includes a delightful stop at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes, offering relaxation, island exploration, and nature walks. In sum, this Uganda wildlife safari promises an extraordinary array of experiences, beginning in Kampala or Entebbe. For those seeking alternative durations, shorter and longer safari packages are available, including the 6-day, 7-day, and 15-day options. 8 Days Uganda Safari

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

A guide from safari vacations and travel services will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and embark on the journey to Kibale national park. As you start your Uganda safari prepare to take photos of Uganda’s beautiful and green countryside along the way. You will have lunch at Fort Portal town and then be taken for a tour of the town and the headquarters of the historical Tooro Kingdom. Fort Portal is small town but located in an area with perfect climate which has resulted in beautiful scenery. The town remains green all year round. Dinner and overnight at Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Primates lodge (Luxury and Midrange) and Chimpanzee Guest House (Budget).

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and nature walk along the Bigodi Swamp

After early breakfast, you will head for briefing from the Kibale National Park offices regarding the rules and requirements while tracking chimpanzee. After the briefing, you will be given walking sticks and led into the forest to find the primates. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park takes between 3 to 5 hours. It is a different experience from gorilla trekking because chimps are more vocal and love to spend time on top of trees. They are also more mobile and might require that you follow them for a long time before they settle down to allow good photography. You will return afterwards to your hotel for lunch and rest. Later in the evening, you will go for a walk around the Bigodi swamp walk to spot other primates and several species of birds. Dinner and overnight at Primates lodge (Luxury), Chimp nest (Midrange) and Chimpanzee Guest house (Budget).

Day 3: Head for Queen Elizabeth national park – game drive in Ishasha

After breakfast, you will head early to Queen Elizabeth national park in time to go for the first game drive which is at the Ishasha sector. The Ishasha sector is world famous for tree climbing lions and off course other great mammals, primates and antelopes. The lions prefer resting on top of trees because it helps them escape insect bites and see potential prey. The tree climbing lions of Ishasha are rare. Tanzania also has tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara but tourists can also see them in Kruger National Park. However, the best place to see them is in Queen Elizabeth National Park. After this first game drive, you should now head back to your lodge for rest.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge / Park view lodge (mid-range), Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 4: Second game drive and boat cruise

You will wake up early to take breakfast ready for a long eventful day. The guide will take you for an early morning game drive at the Kasenyi plains with the purpose of catching up with nocturnal animals returning to their dens after a busy night of hunting. The morning is also the best time to spot the early risers like birds and other mammals. You should be able to see hippos, lions, leopard, buffalos and antelopes of various kinds.

After the game drive, drive back for lunch, rest and then set off at 2.00 pm for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is the meeting point for all of the animals in the park especially during the dry season. expect to see a collection of bird species that could rival any you have seen elsewhere. You will also see water dwelling animals like crocodiles and hippos plus all the others you spotted during your previous drinking by the water banks. After this you, should be tired and ready to go back for a rest or take walk around the lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge / Park view lodge (mid-range) and Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 5: Visit Maramagambo forest – Transfer to Bwindi forest national park

You will wake up early morning as usual to a sumptuous breakfast at your lodge. Our guide will take you to Maramagambo forest which is home to chimpanzees and cave bats. While in the dense forest, look out for birds, forest hogs, dwarf antelope and several other primate/monkey species. The bats attract pythons to their caves and if you are lucky, you could spot a battle between predator and prey. Chimpanzee trekking is not open in Maramagambo because they are not habituated. However, you may be lucky to spot some along the trails. After having enough of the Maramagambo forest, you will then head off for Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with lunch taken along the way.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget).

Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Visit to the Batwa Pygmies

You will wake up very early to take your breakfast before heading out to the park offices for briefing at 7:00 am. During the briefing, the park Rangers/Guides will share information about the requirements and rules for gorilla trekking. The meeting is compulsory and it is also at this time that you get to be assigned a gorilla family and porters.

How are gorilla groups allocated?

Gorilla groups are allocated taking into account your overall fitness. Porters are there to help you carry extra luggage or heavy equipment. Now that you are ready, head to the forest to track your gorilla group along with 7 other tourists. You will go through thick forest, steep and muddy areas before finally meeting the family. Follow instructions from the head guide and take as many photos as you can in the one hour allocated. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements. The memory of the time spent with the gorilla family will always remain with you because watching a family of mountain gorillas is very different from any other wildlife experience.

After your one hour with the gorilla family, you should return back to the starting point where our guide will drive you back to your hotel for rest and lunch. After some rest, you will be taken to visit the Batwa pygmy community who once lived side by side with the gorillas in the forest. They have now been resettled elsewhere to allow for mountain gorilla conservation activities in the park. The Batwa will let you know if their resettlement was successful or not while also entertaining you with cultural stories and dances.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget).

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a long night of resting, you should wake up for late breakfast before starting the journey to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is arguably Uganda’s most beautiful lake. It has got several beautiful islands, romantic shores and is a sanctuary for countless bird. Lake Bunyonyi is an excellent destination for relaxation after a long safari. You will enjoy relaxing by the lake shores, go boat riding, island hopping and touring the local fishing villages.

Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi safari camp / Bunyonyi Bird nest (Midrange) and Bunyonyi resort (luxury). 8 Days Uganda Safari

Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

Wake up early, take breakfast and prepare for the long journey back to Kampala/Entebbe for your departure flight or a drop at your hotel. The driver will ensure that you stop at key points of interest along the way including the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for lunch and photography

What to pack for your safari;

A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had.
Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water.
Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry.
Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year.
Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season.
Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects.
Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees.
Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Fulltime private vehicle with a driver for the entire itinerary
Fuel for your safari
Cultural/ community visit to the Batwa
Pick and drop off at your desired location in Entebbe and Kampala
Gorilla permits (each at usd600)
Accommodation
Bottled drinking water
Park entry fees
Fuel
Experienced English speaking tour guide/driver
Park ranger and guiding

Safari excludes;

Insurance
Individual expenses for example tips, cigarettes, crafts, and beverages(soft and hard drinks)

Accommodation (can be arranged on request)

Accommodation:

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge:

This mid-range lodge is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is built on the shores of Lake George hence offering very beautiful views of the savanna and the Kazinga Channel. The isolated lodge is popular because it offers an amazing feeling of being out in the wild. There is a rare tranquility because of the unspoiled wilderness surrounding it. The lodge offers 6 self-contained cottages with double or twin beds. Each cottage has a private balcony, indoor showers, Wi-Fi and glass windows which allow guests to have constant views of the lake. Other important amenities include laundry facilities, parking space, a restaurant, swimming pool, barbecue and security. 8 Days Uganda Safari

Kyaninga Lodge:

Kyaninga Lodge is one of the best luxury lodges Uganda has to offer. It is built very close to the starting point for chimpanzee trekking and overlooks the Crater Lake Kyaninga. The scenery is spectacular allowing hence allowing guests to take nature walks or go to the lake for swimming, canoeing or kayaking. The 9 cottages are private and spacious allowing you to enjoy your safari without missing home. Each cottage is built on a raised platform with great views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Kyaninga. Other amenities include a large swimming pool at the center, a tennis court, parking space, beautiful gardens and a lot more.

Chameleon Hill Lodge:

This is one of the popular luxury lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge stands out because each of the 10 luxury rooms/cottages are painted different. Each 7 days tour of Uganda cottage has a private terrace, a large bed, sockets, a table, mosquito nets, a safe, bathroom, shower and warm water. All rooms face the beautiful scenery surrounding

Lake Mutanda and the impressive Virunga Volcanoes. Food is delicious and you don’t have to worry if you are a vegetarian or prefer international cuisines. Everything is served with a personal touch. One other great thing about booking with Chameleon Hill Lodge is the possibility of doing gorilla trekking in Rushaga or Nkuringo sector of Bwindi forest. In fact, one can also reside at the lodge and do gorilla or golden monkey trekking in the nearby Mgahinga National Park.

Safari vacations & travel services is the tour operator which offer the best services with experience over years. Having the best travel guides and exclusive comfortable vehicles will sooth your safari. Contact our safari consultants for any information.

Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Over a decade of experience, we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with others services like car hire services.

For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation. Get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.