8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour – Chimpanzees & Gorilla Trekking, Game & Scenery Viewing

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Overview

8 days Uganda wildlife safari is a remarkable 7-night and 8-day wildlife safari in Uganda tour allowing you to trek the endangered Mountain gorillas, and Chimpanzees, seeing wildlife and communities.

Also, this affordable Uganda safari grants you a golden opportunity of encountering most of Uganda’s animals dwelling in Savannah areas in the shortest time possible!

Our 8 days Uganda wildlife tour starts and ends in Entebbe town. From here, this memorable Uganda trip takes you to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary- the only site in Uganda to spot wild Rhinos.

Next, continue to Murchison Falls National Park one of the best parks for Uganda wildlife safaris. In this pleasing park, you’ll encounter numerous animals of Uganda counting 4 of the African safari Big Five such as Lions, Elephants, Leopards, and Buffaloes.

After exploring Murchison park, you’ll transfer to Kibale National Park for a memorable chimpanzee trekking adventure. This park holds the highest concentration of primates in Africa with over 13 primate species counting about 1,500 chimp population.

This wonderful 8 days Uganda tour further takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park– one of the most visited national parks in Uganda home to the unusual tree-climbing Lions!

It boasts also various Uganda animals totaling about 95 species and over 600 birds.

During your 8 days Uganda safari, you’ll visit Bwindi national park for a unique gorilla trekking experience in Africa. Bwindi holds over 459 gorillas and this accounts for almost 50% of the Mountain gorillas on earth.

Lastly, you’ll enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi before transferring back to Entebbe where this 8 days Uganda wildlife safari began.

Please note that this Uganda safari can be customized to suit your safari interests.

Come And Meet The Incredible Primates Of Uganda On This 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour!

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Safari Prime Activities

• Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
• Boat cruises on Kazinga channel and the Victorian Nile
• Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls- the world’s strongest waterfalls
• Photo shoots at the Uganda Equator line crossing in Kayabwe

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Featured Safari Parks

Day 1: Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 3 & 4: Kibale National Park

Day 5 & 6: Queen Elizabeth Park

Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls park, and visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route for rhino tracking on foot.

Day 2: Undertake a morning game drive, an afternoon Nile boat cruise, and a hike to the top of the falls

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale NP exploring the impressive countryside landscape

Day 4: Enjoy morning Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth park

Day 5: Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park and an afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga channel

Day 6: Undertake Ishasha game drive en route as you transfer to Bwindi park

Day 7: Undertake Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala and enjoy an en-route stop at the Uganda Equator Kayabwe

8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer To Murchison Falls Park, Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En-Route For Rhino Tracking On Foot

Day 1 of your 8 days Uganda wildlife tour begins with an early morning breakfast from your lodge in Kampala. Around 6:30 am, our professional driver guide will pick you up and embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park.

During this (310km) 5-6 hours drive, you’ll encounter amazing ordinary Ugandans undertaking their daily life activities such as cultivating in gardens.

Also, along the drive, you’ll meet men riding bicycles with amazing farm produce heading to the local market as well as women carrying babies Monkey style!

Furthermore, this exciting drive offers you an en-route stop at a lovely fruit market along the road in Kasana Luwero. While here, you’ll taste some of Uganda’s purely sweet and purely organic tropical fruits such as Oranges, and yellow bananas.

On this stop, you’ll have also a chance of haggling for the best price as you interact with locals.

From here, continue the drive to Nakasongola and have an en-route stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot Rhino trekking– a great memorable experience worth undertaking!

It allows you to stretch your legs after a 3-4 hour drive from Kampala.

This 2 hour’s exciting adventure gives you a remarkable opportunity of encountering one of the African safari Big Five in their natural habitat on foot.

In Uganda, Rhinos in the wild are only found here!

After finishing this thrilling adventure, you’ll settle for lunch at Kabalega Dinners nearby.  Then transfer to Murchison Falls NP for game-viewing safaris.

On arrival, check-in at the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight.

Highlight Of The Day:

• A memorable encounter with the Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Accommodation choices include: Budget, Midrange, and Luxury

Drive distance& time: Approx. 310km (5-6 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

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

Optional Activities You To Do On This Day:

• Undertaking a night safari game drive in Murchison Falls NP
• Enjoying a bush dinner
• Bird watching

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

Wake up early around 6 am, have a morning breakfast, then transfer for a game drive in the Buligi game area- the park’s main sector for game drives.

This thrilling game drive will grant you a chance to explore Murchison falls park’s wilderness to the fullest as you’ll spot over 80% of its wildlife.

During the game drive in the picturesque plains of Buligi, expect to spot:

• Rothschild Giraffes
• Cape Buffaloes
• Large herds of Elephants
• Lions
• Leopards
• Various antelope species such as Uganda kobs, Bush-bucks, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Oribis, and Water-bucks.

More so, on this picturesque drive, you’re more likely to spot several stunning Savannah birds such as the Abyssinian Ground Horn bill, Secretary bird, Back-chested Snake Eagles, as well as Palm-nut Vultures.

On finishing this 3-4 hour drive, transfer back to your lodge for relaxation, have lunch, and after, take a break waiting for an afternoon (2 pm) Nile boat cruise to the bottom of giant Murchison Falls.

While undertaking this wonderful 17km boat cruise to the bottom of the world’s strongest waterfall, expect to encounter amazing Hippos submerged in water.

Also, giant Nile Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, and numerous antelopes are common residents along the river banks.

Furthermore, you’ll spot several birds including colorful Kingfishers as well as the Red-throated Bee-eaters on Nyamusika cliff.

On drawing closer to the mighty falls, you’ll be welcomed by an amazing thunderous roar of the gigantic Murchison Falls.

From a safer distance, enjoy great views of the legendary Nile plunging along a 45m cliff creating dramatic views dabbed as the “Devil’s cauldron”.

Upon reaching the base of the falls, enjoy a 45 minutes hike to the top of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

On the top of the falls, you’ll have breathtaking views of the 50m wide mighty Nile fighting to pass through an 8m narrow gorge before falling on a 45m cliff.

This area is characterized by the great roar and trembling of rocks as well as a cloud of spray that forms a trademark rainbow.

After this unforgettable experience, move back to your lodge to relax, have dinner, and overnight stay.

Highlight Of The Day:

A Nile boat cruise to the bottom of the giant Murchison Falls.

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Morning game drive in the rolling plains of Buligi game area- Northern section of Murchison Falls NP.
• Charming boat cruise on the Nile
• An amazing hike to the top of Murchison falls

Optional Safari Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day:

• Undertaking a night game drive in Murchison falls park
• Enjoying a bush dinner
• Enjoying a hot air balloon safari experience in Murchison Falls National Park
• Sport fishing along the Nile

Day 3: Transfer To Kibale NP Exploring The Impressive Countryside Landscape

You’ll wake up and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge and after, embark on a 366km (6-7 hours drive) to Kibale National Park.

This picturesque drive takes you through the beautiful countryside of the great Albertine Rift Valley as well as amazing rural villages.

You’ll encounter natives undertaking local economic activities like cultivation as well as meeting women carrying little ones Monkey style, striped behind their backs.

Upon reaching Fort Portal, undertake a break and enjoy lunch in one of the premium cafeterias, and after, continue the drive to Kibale forest national park.

Highlight Of The Day:

• Undertake a scenic drive To Kibale National Park

Accommodation Options Comprise: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance & time: Approx. 366km (6-7 hours drive)

Activities & Services:

• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Optional Activities Of The Day:

• Afternoon birding watching in Kibale Forest
• Cycling tours in Mpanga Tea Estate
• Visit Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru
• Undertake nocturnal forest walks in Kibale

Day 4: Enjoy Morning Chimpanzee Trekking And Transfer To Queen Elizabeth Park

Wake up early and enjoy an early breakfast from your lodge around 6:30 am as you enjoy the pleasant sounds of birds welcoming the new beautiful day.

On finishing the delicious breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu, Kibale park’s headquarters to catch up with a chimpanzee trekking briefing at 8 am from a senior park ranger.

In a briefing, you’ll be told the dos and don’ts while trekking chimps in Kibale.

Following the briefing, in a group of 8 people, you’ll head into the jungle in search of the amazing intelligent cousins of man chimps. Kibale NP holds amazing lush flora with great gorgeous buttress trees counting some rising over 55m tall with climbers.

Along your 2-5 hours hike in search of Chimpanzees, expect to encounter some of the other 12 primates in Kibale forest such as:

• Olive Baboons
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• L’Hoest’s Monkey and,
• Blue Monkeys.

For bird lovers, you’ll also encounter some of the 370 bird species in Kibale, most being beautiful forest Uganda birds. And among these include White-naped Pigeon, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinker-bird, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and African Grey Parrot.

Finally, on approaching a fully habituated Chimpanzee group, you’ll enjoy taking incredible photos of these endangered close cousins of man!

Sighting them chewing fruits, swinging in trees, grooming, kissing as well enjoying their pant-hooting calls is a memorable great adventure worth undertaking.

You’re only limited to one hour with these great intelligent apes and it’s allowed to take as many photos as you can, provided you use a flash-less camera.

After this thrilling lifetime encounter, you’ll move back to park headquarters for your chimpanzee trekking certificate, and after, head to your lodge for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll check out from your lodge and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park- a 157km (2-3 hours) drive from Kibale park.

You’ll make an amazing stop at the Ruboni community- an amazing site where you’ll encounter indigenous women selling a variety of pleasing art and craft materials.

Travelers can always get souvenirs for their Uganda safaris from here.

Buying a souvenir from these women is one way of supporting this local community. If time allows, you can also participate in weaving with expert local weavers. It’s such a great memorable experience worth undertaking.

You’ll continue the drive to Queen Elizabeth park enjoying the magnificent views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival at your lodge in the evening time, you’ll relax, have dinner as well as an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Midrange, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 157km (2-3 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Optional Activities:

• Afternoon birding session in the park
• Nocturnal walk in the forest

Day 5: Enjoy A Morning Game Drive In Queen Elizabeth National Park And Afternoon Boat Cruise On Kazinga Channel

On day 5 of your 8 days wildlife safari in Uganda, you’ll wake up early around 6:30 am, and transfer to Kasenyi plains for a game drive.

The morning drive will grant you an opportunity of starting your day with early grazers as they come out from their hidings to feed. If lucky enough, you can spot predators like Hyenas or Lions hunting.

On this 3-4 hours drive, expect to spot various birds and amazing animals such as:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Leopards
• Spotted Hyenas
• Warthogs
• Hippos and,
• Various antelope species like Bush-bucks, Uganda kobs, and Water-buck.

Upon finishing the drive, transfer back to the lodge, unwind as well as get your lunch as you wait for your 2 pm boat cruise on Kazinga channel.

Please note that the Kazinga channel is an amazing 32km natural waterway connecting Lake George to Lake Edward.

This area is famous for holding the highest concentration of Hippos in the world

While undertaking a boat cruise on Kazinga channel, you’ll enjoy an amazing close encounter with wildlife counting hundreds of Hippos, and countless Crocodiles basking on channel shores.

Also, various animals such as Elephants and Buffaloes are usually spotted bathing wonderfully along the channel shores.

For bird lovers, the area supports several water birds such as colorful Kingfishers and Pelicans.

On finishing this charming launch trip, undertake a short game drive along the Kazinga channel track as you return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation choice comprises: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• A morning game drive in the scenic Kasenyi area
• An Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Optional Activities On This Day Include:

• Chimp trekking in Kalinzu or Kyambura Gorge
• Lion tracking
• A night game drive in Queen Elizabeth park
• Undertaking guided nature walks in Maramagambo Forest

Day 6: Undertake Ishasha Game Drive En-Route As You Transfer To Bwindi Park

Wake up and enjoy an early breakfast around from your lodge around 6:30 am. From here, you’ll meet your experienced driver guide and embark on a 2-3 hours drive to the Ishasha sector- south of Queen’s park in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

Upon arrival in the beautiful plains of Ishasha (home to the tree-climbing Lions), you’ll undertake a stunning game drive in search of the rare tree-climbing Lions.

Do Lions climb trees? Or why do Lions climb trees?  All these amazing questions will get answered on a memorable game drive in Ishasha plains.

You’ll spot these mysterious Lions resting up amazingly in big branches of Fig trees staring at the kobs grazing in the plains.

It’s suggested that these Lions in the Ishasha sector climb trees to:

• Have great views of their prey
• Escape from biting insects on the ground and,
• Also escaping from much heat on the ground.

Please also note that, during this remarkable game drive, you’ll spot other beautiful Uganda animals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, and Topis.

After this 3-4 hours great adventure of tracking tree climbing Lions, you’ll go for lunch in a lovely lodge in this sector and after continue to Bwindi national park.

Normally, visitors reach in the evening, relax have dinner as well as an overnight

Highlight Of The Day:

• Game drive in Ishasha sector in search of the tree-climbing Lions

Accommodation Choices Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 160km (4-7 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Transferring to Bwindi national park
• Enjoying a game drive in the Ishasha sector

Day 7: Undertake Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi

On day 7 of your 8 days Uganda wildlife safari, you’ll wake up and have an early breakfast at 6:30 am to get the energy of undertaking a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.

With your packed lunch, you’ll transfer to Bwindi park headquarters to catch up with a gorilla trekking briefing at 8 am from a professional ranger.

Following the briefing, you’ll undertake a hike (a group of 8 people) into the misty forest in search of the allocated gorilla family.

On spotting the shy gentle giants, you’ll count yourself being among the lucky people to spot the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural misty environment!

You’re limited to one magical with them and you’re free to take incredible photos but, use a flash-less camera.

Usually, young gorillas can break the 7m rule however, you’re cautioned to keep calm always.

After this unique adventure with the gentle giants of the forest, transfer back to the beginning point to get a gorilla tracking certificate.

Next, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi– one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa to unwind after a long day of gorilla trekking.

On reaching this spectacular lake, you’ll be amazed by its serene waters dotted by over 29 picturesque islands leading to its name “The Lake of Thousand Islands”.

You’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on its tranquil waters giving you a chance to explore some of the historical islands. For example:

Visiting Akampene Island prominently known as the Punishment Island where young unmarried pregnant girls could be abandoned by their parents to die.

The other prominent island to visit is the Up-side down Island. A myth has it that, this Island was cursed by an elderly woman after the young residents refused to give her a local beer. This woman cursed the island to turn upside down and drown them all.

After enjoying a scenic boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, return to the lodge, have dinner, and overnight.

Highlight Of The Day:

• Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi
• A scenic boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi with a community walk.

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive distance & time: Approx. 55-85 km (1-3 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Undertaking a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park

Optional Activities:

• Nature walks in Bwindi national park
• Batwa community experience around the Bwindi forest
• Bird watching in Bwindi

Day 8: Transfer Back To Kampala And Enjoy An En-Route Stop At The Uganda Equator Kayabwe

Wake up at your lodge around 6 am and grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea. While enjoying tea, you’ll enjoy the lovely melodies of birds welcoming the new day!

This will let you get to why this lake was called Lake Bunyonyi which translates as the “Lake of Small Birds”.

On finishing breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kampala 420km while Entebbe is 470km from Bunyonyi Lake.

Along this drive, you’ll enjoy great views of the rolling terraced hills of Kabale and also encounter local men on bicycles transferring farm produce to local markets nearby.

You’ll stop for a delicious traditional lunch en route at the Igongo Country Hotel in Mbarara. If you choose, you can taste a tasty local delicacy known as the Ishabwe meal.

After lunch, you’ll continue the drive and make an en-route stop at Uganda Equator Kayabwe.

While here, you’ll take amazing photo shoots and have a great experience with the Equator. For example, carrying out the Equator water experiment.

From here, continue driving to Entebbe airport, where your safari will come to an end as you board your departure flight home.

Drive Distance & time: Approx. 420km (7-8 hours drive)

Activities And Services:

• Transferring to Kampala
• Enjoy Equator experience
• Traditional lunch at Igongo

End Of Our 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Full-time English expert safari driver-guide
• 4×4 safari van (4×4 safari land cruiser)- all with pop-up roof for game viewing with a functioning A/C
• Full board accommodation
• Fees for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Fees for a boat cruise
• Entrance fees in all tourism places mentioned
• Free Wi-Fi Internet within a safari vehicle
• Bottled water on a trip

Safari Exclusions

• Visa fees
• Laundry services
• Items of personal nature
• International and domestic flight fees
• Tips for a safari guide among others
• Other personal beverages (drinks) like alcohol
• Other safari activities not mentioned in the itinerary above