8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorillas & Chimps
WHERE TO GO
Kampala, Uganda Equator, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Batwa Community, Ishasha Sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Baboon Cliff, Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
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TOUR INCLUDES
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
- All park entrance fees
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
PACKAGE EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Any items of a personal nature
TOUR OVERVIEW
Discover Uganda’s wildlife, rainforests and local culture on this 8-day Uganda wildlife safari with Pearl Nature Holidays. This journey combines game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Along the way, cross the Equator, visit the famous Ishasha Sector, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary with a local guide. It is a rewarding itinerary for travellers who want to experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and beautiful countryside in one trip.
Starting in Kampala or Entebbe, the safari takes you through southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills, rural communities, open savannah and tropical forests before returning to the city at the end of the journey.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Detailed 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park
Your Pearl Nature Holidays guide will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. As you travel through Uganda’s countryside, stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and a chance to explore this well-known landmark.
You will also visit the Mpambire Drum-Making Centre, where local craftspeople preserve traditional drum-making skills.
Continue to Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Keep your camera ready as you search for zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, topis and other animals that inhabit the park’s acacia woodland and open grassland.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxing night.
Suggested accommodation: Mihingo Lodge or Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, leave Lake Mburo and travel southwest towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the best-known destinations for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The journey passes through scenic countryside, terraced hills, small trading centres and rural communities. Depending on your assigned gorilla trekking sector, the drive may take several hours, so enjoy the changing scenery and make stops along the way when practical.
Arrive at your lodge and settle in. The rest of the day is set aside for relaxation and preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide can help you review what to bring for the trek, including sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and drinking water.
Suggested accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Silverback Lodge, depending on your assigned trekking sector and availability
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience
Today brings one of the main highlights of your Uganda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will receive guidance on trekking rules, safety and responsible viewing before entering the forest with your ranger guide.
The trek can take several hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located and the terrain. Bwindi’s forest trails can be steep, muddy and uneven, but the experience of finding a mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat makes the effort worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed one hour to observe them, following the park’s rules.
After returning from the forest, rest at your lodge. Later, you may arrange a visit with the Batwa community to learn about traditional forest knowledge, storytelling, music, dance and cultural heritage. This experience is subject to availability and should be arranged with the local community.
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha Sector in southwestern Uganda.
Ishasha is particularly well known for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in large fig trees. Your guide will look for wildlife along the route, although sightings depend on the day and the animals’ movements.
Continue to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park or the surrounding area. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive if time and travel conditions allow. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and other wildlife across the park’s diverse habitats.
Suggested accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge, depending on your route, itinerary and availability
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start early with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area offers opportunities to look for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, hyenas and a wide variety of bird species. Leopards may also be present, although they are often difficult to spot.
Return for breakfast or lunch according to your lodge arrangements and the day's schedule. Later, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise along the waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
From the boat, you may see hippos gathered in the water, Nile crocodiles along the banks, elephants coming to drink and numerous waterbirds. The cruise provides a different perspective on Queen Elizabeth National Park and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 4
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive or a visit to the scenic Baboon Cliff viewpoint, depending on your lodge location and the day's timing. From the viewpoint, you can appreciate the broad landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the surrounding lakes and plains.
Later, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s leading destinations for wild chimpanzee tracking. The journey takes you through the countryside of western Uganda, with forested hills, farmland and small communities along the way.
Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest in the afternoon or evening. Take time to relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walk.
Suggested accommodation: Turaco Treetops or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.
Accompanied by a ranger guide, walk through the tropical forest in search of wild chimpanzees. When they are located, you may have the opportunity to observe their movements, social interactions and calls, following the rules set by park authorities. Trekking time varies according to where the chimpanzees are found.
Kibale is also home to other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community nature walk. The wetland is known for its birdlife, rich vegetation and opportunities to spot monkeys and other wildlife. Your local guide will also introduce you to the community conservation work associated with the sanctuary.
Return to your lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay on the safari.
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 6
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy the scenery of western Uganda as you travel back towards the city, with a lunch stop along the way.
Your guide will drop you at your hotel or, if arranged in advance, transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
Because the drive is lengthy and road conditions can affect travel time, we recommend allowing a generous buffer before an international flight. If your flight departs early, consider arranging an extra night in Entebbe rather than travelling directly to the airport.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
What Makes This 8-Day Uganda Safari Special?
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi offers the chance to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat. The trek is guided by park rangers and can be physically demanding, but it is one of Uganda’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Wildlife Encounters in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
From zebras and impalas in Lake Mburo to elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and possible lion sightings in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this itinerary combines forest primates with classic African safari wildlife.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel brings you close to a rich range of waterbirds and wildlife along the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are commonly associated with the channel, while other sightings depend on conditions.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest provides an opportunity to search for wild chimpanzees with trained guides. The experience complements gorilla trekking in Bwindi and gives you a closer look at Uganda’s remarkable primate diversity.
Local Culture and Community Experiences
Stops at the Equator and Mpambire Drum-Making Centre, together with an optional Batwa community visit and a guided walk in Bigodi, add cultural context to the wildlife experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 8-Day Uganda Safari
How much does an 8-day Uganda wildlife safari cost?
The price depends on the number of travellers, travel season, accommodation category, transport arrangements and the cost of gorilla and chimpanzee permits. Contact Pearl Nature Holidays for a quotation based on your preferred dates and budget.
Are gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits included?
Permit arrangements should be confirmed in your safari quotation. Both activities require the appropriate permits, and availability should be checked before travel dates are finalised.
How long does gorilla trekking take in Bwindi?
The trek can take several hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, terrain and conditions. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed one hour with the group under the applicable park rules.
Can I see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha?
Ishasha is known for its tree-climbing lions, but sightings are not guaranteed. Your guide will search for them while travelling through the sector.
What should I pack for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved clothing, a waterproof jacket, insect repellent, drinking water and a small daypack. Trekking conditions can be muddy and steep, so suitable footwear is important.
What is the best time to visit Uganda for this safari?
The safari can be arranged throughout the year. Many travellers prefer the relatively drier periods, commonly June to August and December to February, but conditions vary and rain is possible at any time in the rainforest.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Pearl Nature Holidays can discuss changes to accommodation, travel dates, activities and the pace of the journey. Any changes should be checked against driving times, park activity schedules and permit availability.
Book Your 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Pearl Nature Holidays
Ready to explore Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and wildlife-rich national parks? Pearl Nature Holidays can help you plan your journey, check permit availability, select suitable accommodation and arrange a safari that fits your travel dates and budget.
Contact Pearl Nature Holidays for a personalised quotation and start planning your Uganda safari.
Explore More Uganda Safaris
If you have more time in Uganda, consider exploring these itineraries:
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Wildlife Viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy an exciting game drive through Lake Mburo National Park, home to large populations of zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, topis, elands, and numerous antelope species. The park’s scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a perfect introduction to Uganda’s wildlife.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Upon locating a gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing their behaviors and interactions in their natural habitat.
Batwa Community Walk
Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people, the original forest inhabitants of Bwindi. Learn about their traditional way of life, hunting techniques, medicinal plants, music, dance, and unique cultural practices.
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lion Experience
Travel through the famous Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting in fig trees. This unique wildlife encounter is one of Uganda’s most sought-after safari experiences.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the park’s vast savannah plains on guided game drives in search of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hyenas, and numerous other wildlife species.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel hosts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and provides excellent opportunities to view crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of water birds.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Venture into Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. Observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment while also spotting other monkey species and forest wildlife.
Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
Take a guided walk through the renowned Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its incredible biodiversity. Look out for the Great Blue Turaco, monkeys, otters, butterflies, and numerous bird species while interacting with local communities.
Want to explore other options?
Explore the best of East Africa with Pearl Nature Holidays. Discover unforgettable safaris, mountain gorillas, the Big Five, and breathtaking landscapes across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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