Book this 8-day Uganda safari and explore the country’s beautiful landscapes. You will trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, see chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy wildlife and bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking, with more than half of the global population of mountain gorillas.
8-Day Uganda Safari Highlights
- Visit Uganda’s top parks including Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo
- Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Enjoy game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants
- Visit the Equator at Kayabwe for photos and a short break
- See tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Meet local communities such as the Batwa and Kasoga fishermen
- Experience Uganda’s wildlife, birds, and culture in one 8-day safari adventure
Brief 8-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Community Walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
- Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Day 6: Sunrise Game Drive, Community Visit, and Transfer to Kibale
- Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Day 8: Return to Kampala
Detailed 8-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
Your safari driver guide will meet you in Kampala at 7:00 am and drive west to Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at the drum makers’ center in Mpambire and at the Equator for a coffee and photos.
Upon arrival, have a picnic lunch or eat at the lodge. In the afternoon, go for a game drive where you will see zebras, impalas, and other animals. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Pass through Mbarara and Ntungamo, which are known for their farmlands and scenic views. Stop at the Great Lakes Museum for a short visit and have lunch before continuing to Bwindi.
Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Community Walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, go to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. Rangers will guide you through the forest in search of a gorilla family.
Trekking may take 2 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. Once found, you will spend one hour watching them interact, feed, and play. After the trek, return to the lodge to relax. In the evening, visit nearby communities like the Batwa to learn about their traditions before returning for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, which is famous for tree-climbing lions. The park is also home to elephants, buffaloes, and waterbucks.
Arrive in the afternoon, have lunch, and go for an optional game drive to see more wildlife or relax at the lodge while enjoying the view.
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, go for a morning game drive at 7:00 am to spot early risers like lions, buffaloes, elephants, and Uganda kobs. The drive lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
Return for lunch and later enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various birds such as kingfishers and pelicans. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Sunrise Game Drive, Community Visit, and Transfer to Kibale
After breakfast, take a morning game drive and visit Kasoga landing site near Lake George. Learn about the local community and their way of life.
Have lunch and drive to Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to chimpanzees. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. Arrive at sunset, have dinner, and spend the night at your lodge overlooking the crater area.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, go to the park headquarters for a briefing about chimpanzee trekking. Begin your trek at around 8:00 am, guided by park rangers. Spend time watching the chimpanzees and observing their behavior. You may also see other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, mangabeys, and bush babies, as well as different bird species.
Return to your lodge for lunch, then take a nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon. The area is home to many birds and primates, including the Great Blue Turaco, baboons, and otters. Return for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Return to Kampala
After breakfast, leave Kibale and drive back to Kampala via Mubende town. Stop for lunch and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe Airport for your flight home.
End of 8 Days Classic Uganda Safari.