What are the main experiences on the 8-Day Best of Uganda Safari?

The itinerary combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Bigodi Wetland, game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha wildlife viewing, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and wildlife experiences in Lake Mburo National Park.

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

The difficulty varies according to the location of the gorillas, weather and terrain. Treks can involve steep hills, thick vegetation and muddy trails. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Porters can be hired locally to help carry bags and provide assistance on challenging sections.

How long do I spend with the gorillas and chimpanzees?

For standard trekking, visitors normally spend up to one hour with the habituated gorilla family after locating it. Standard chimpanzee tracking in Kibale also normally provides up to one hour with the habituated chimpanzees once located.

What wildlife could I see during this safari?

Potential sightings include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kobs, zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, warthogs and several monkey species. Leopards and tree-climbing lions are also possible, but no wild animal sighting can be guaranteed.

What is the best time for this Uganda safari?

The itinerary operates throughout the year. The generally drier periods from June to September and December to February often provide easier trekking and road conditions. The wetter periods offer lush landscapes and excellent photographic scenery, although forest trails can become muddy.

8-Day Uganda Safari – Amazing Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

8-Day Uganda Safari Overview

8-Day Uganda Safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and exciting wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo national parks. The journey brings together Uganda’s tropical forests, savannah wildlife, primates, boat safaris and beautiful countryside in one well-planned itinerary.

The adventure begins in Kibale National Park with guided chimpanzee trekking through tropical forest and a nature walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. You then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah game viewing and a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel.

From Queen Elizabeth, travel through the Ishasha Sector, an area particularly known for its tree-climbing lions, before reaching the ancient forests of Bwindi.

Here, the major highlight is mountain gorilla trekking. After locating your assigned habituated gorilla family, you normally spend up to one hour observing the gorillas under the supervision of ranger guides.

The final part of the safari takes you to its open savannah and woodland habitats provide opportunities to encounter zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, and other wildlife. A guided nature walk adds a different perspective before your return to Entebbe.

The 8-Day Best of Uganda Safari is particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want gorillas, chimpanzees and traditional African wildlife without committing to a much longer Uganda circuit.

8-Day Uganda Safari Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Bigodi Wetland guided nature walk
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat safari
Search for Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
Guided nature walk in Lake Mburo
Scenic drives through western Uganda
Private safari vehicle and professional driver-guide

Day 01 :

Entebbe/Kampala – Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your 8-Day Best of Uganda Safari begins with a morning pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. Meet your professional driver-guide before beginning the journey west toward Kibale National Park.

Travel through Uganda's countryside, passing towns, villages, agricultural landscapes and rolling hills. As you approach the Fort Portal and Kibale region, the scenery becomes increasingly green, with tea plantations and patches of tropical forest.

Lunch will be arranged along the journey. Continue to your selected lodge near Kibale National Park, check in and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing.

Your guide will brief you about the following morning's chimpanzee trekking experience before dinner.

Main activity: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge(Budget), Chimpnest Safari Lodge ( midrange) Tabebua Spa and Resort( Luxury)

Day 02 :

Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated chimpanzee trekking briefing point in Kibale National Park.

Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides will explain trekking procedures, forest etiquette and the rules governing encounters with chimpanzees. You will then enter the forest and begin searching for your assigned habituated chimpanzee community.

The length of the trek varies because chimpanzees move freely through their natural habitat. Once located, standard chimpanzee tracking visitors normally spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees.

During the forest walk, you may also encounter other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and olive baboons.

After the trek, return for lunch and some relaxation.

Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. Look for primates, butterflies and forest birds, including the striking great blue turaco.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main activities: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight:Kibale Forest Lodge(Budget), Chimpnest Safari Lodge ( midrange) Tabebua Spa and Resort( Luxury)

Day 03 :

Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, leave Kibale and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey takes you through beautiful western Uganda landscapes, with views of crater areas, farms and, when conditions are clear, the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue to your lodge for check-in and lunch.

Later in the afternoon, head into the park for your first game drive. Explore the savannah while looking for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks and other wildlife.

Lions are among the park's major predators, while leopards and hyenas are also present but can be more difficult to locate.

Return to your lodge as the afternoon draws to a close.

Main activities: Transfer and afternoon game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight:Enshama Game Lodge( Budget) Buffalo Safari Lodge( midrange) Mweya Safari Lodge( luxury)

Day 04 :

Kasenyi Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start early with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park's productive game-viewing areas.

Your guide will search different tracks for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other savannah species. Early morning generally provides comfortable temperatures and good wildlife-viewing conditions.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Kazinga Channel for a scheduled boat safari. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and provides excellent opportunities to observe wildlife along its banks.

Large numbers of hippos are a major attraction. You may also see Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and various antelope species near the water.

Birdwatchers can look for African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans and numerous other water-associated species.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main activities: Kasenyi game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Enshama Game Lodge( Budget) Buffalo Safari Lodge( midrange) Mweya Safari Lodge( luxury)

Day 05 :

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, travel south through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha is particularly associated with lions that sometimes rest in large fig trees. Your guide will explore suitable areas in search of these famous tree-climbing lions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed because the lions are wild and move freely.

Other possible wildlife includes buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, topis and other savannah animals.

Continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after the game-viewing experience.

The landscape changes dramatically as open savannah gives way to hills, farms and dense forests. Have lunch along the route before proceeding to your lodge near the appropriate Bwindi trekking sector.

Check in, relax and prepare your trekking equipment for the following morning.

Main activities: Ishasha game viewing and transfer to Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge( Budget) Gorilla Leisure Lodge( midrange) Burunga Gorilla Lodge( Luxury)

Day 06 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, transfer to the gorilla trekking briefing point.

Register and join the official briefing conducted by ranger guides. You will learn about mountain gorilla behavior, conservation, trekking procedures and appropriate conduct during your encounter.

Your trekking group will then enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of an assigned habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas' location, terrain and forest conditions. Bwindi's trails can be steep, muddy and physically demanding, making good hiking shoes and suitable clothing important.

Once the gorillas are located, standard trekking visitors normally spend up to one hour with the gorilla family. You may watch silverbacks, adult females and younger gorillas feeding, resting, grooming or interacting.

Afterward, trek back to the starting point and meet your driver-guide.

Return to your lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing.

Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge( Budget) Gorilla Leisure Lodge( midrange) Burunga Gorilla Lodge( Luxury)

Day 07 :

Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, leave the forested landscapes of Bwindi and begin your journey toward Lake Mburo National Park.

The route takes you through southwestern Uganda's rolling hills, agricultural areas and rural communities before reaching the open landscapes surrounding Lake Mburo.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon or evening game drive through the park. Lake Mburo is particularly known for zebras and impalas. Other potential sightings include giraffes, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, topis and waterbucks.

The park's relatively compact size makes it an excellent final wildlife destination before returning to Entebbe.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main activities: Transfer and game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hyena Hill Lodge( Budget) Rwakobo Rock( midrange)Kigambira Safari Lodge( Luxury)

Day 08 :

Guided Nature Walk – Transfer to Entebbe

Begin your final safari morning with a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accompanied by an authorized guide, explore selected areas of the park on foot. Walking provides a very different experience from observing wildlife from a vehicle and offers opportunities to learn about animal tracks, vegetation and the smaller details of the ecosystem.

Depending on the route and wildlife movements, you may encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas and other animals while maintaining the required distance.

Return for breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey toward Entebbe.

Lunch will be arranged along the route. Depending on timing, you may also make a brief stop around the Equator area before continuing toward Kampala and Entebbe.

Your guide will drop you at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your safari.

Main activities: Guided nature walk and transfer to Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast and lunch