8 Days Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

An 8-day comprehensive Uganda safari that combines the country’s most iconic wildlife experiences: trekking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and searching for the Big Five across the legendary savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. This is a complete Ugandan adventure packed into one seamless itinerary.

Highlights

Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas: Spend a magical hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale: Walk through Africa’s primate capital to observe playful chimpanzees and 12 other primate species in their natural habitat.
Classic Big Five Game Drives: Explore the savannahs of Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Parks in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more.
The Mighty Nile Up Close: Witness the world’s most powerful waterfall on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, teeming with hippos & Nile crocodiles.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Glide along a natural channel with the highest concentration of hippos in Africa, with elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife on the shores.
Scenic Diversity: Journey through Uganda’s stunning landscapes—from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and rolling tea plantations to the vast African rift valley.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa – Kampala Arrival

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Kampala. Relax, acclimatize, and enjoy a welcome dinner while your guide provides a comprehensive safari briefing.

Meals: Dinner Included
Accommodation: Humura Resorts (Mid-range)

Day 2: To the Wilderness – Journey to Murchison Falls

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northwest. Pass through rural villages and lush countryside before arriving at Uganda’s largest national park. After lunch, take a hike to the Top of the Falls—a breathtaking vantage point where the Nile violently squeezes through a 7-meter gorge. The thunderous roar and rainbow mist are unforgettable.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge (Budget)

Day 3: Wildlife & The Nile – Game Drive & Boat Cruise

An early morning game drive on the Buligi or Delta tracks offers excellent sightings of Rothschild’s giraffe, elephant, lion, leopard, and vast herds of Uganda kob. After lunch, experience the afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This is prime territory for hippo pods, crocodiles, and waterbirds, with elephants often seen bathing on the banks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge (Budget)

Day 4: From Savannah to Forest – To Kibale National Park

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Nile before the scenic transfer south. The journey reveals the changing landscapes of Uganda, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at the lush, green haven of Kibale Forest in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 5: Primate Capital & Queen’s Arrival – Chimp Trek & Transfer

The morning is dedicated to the thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale’s dense forest. Listen for their calls and watch them swing through the canopy. After this encounter, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. An evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains introduces you to the park’s savannah wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge (Budget)

Day 6: Channel of Life & To Gorilla Land – Boat Safari & To Bwindi

A morning boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is a photographer’s dream, offering close-up views of hippos, buffalo, and countless birds. Disembark and journey south, traversing the scenic Ishasha sector (famous for its tree-climbing lions, time permitting), and ascend into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 7: The Apex Experience – Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The pinnacle of your adventure. After breakfast and briefing, begin your gorilla trek. Led by trackers, hike through the ancient forest until you find your assigned gorilla family. Spend a precious, awe-inspiring hour observing them feed, play, and interact. This is a profoundly moving experience. In the afternoon, visit a local community to learn about Batwa culture and support conservation-linked initiatives.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 8: Farewell to the Wild – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy a final breakfast amidst the forest mist. Begin the return journey to Kampala/Entebbe, with a lunch stop and a visit to the Uganda Equator at Kayabwe for a classic photo opportunity and demonstration. You will be dropped at your hotel in Kampala or directly at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, filled with lifelong memories.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Inclusions & Exclusions

All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Full-time services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
All ground transportation in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
All park entrance fees and government taxes.
One Gorilla Trekking Permit per person (valued at $800).
One Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Kibale Forest.
All game drives and boat cruises as per the itinerary.
Accommodation as specified (7 nights).
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.