8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
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
Experience the very best of Uganda’s wildlife and primate encounters on this unforgettable 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari with Pearl Nature Holidays. This remarkable journey takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated national parks, offering exceptional opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the Big Five, and a rich diversity of birdlife amidst breathtaking landscapes.
The safari begins in Kampala and leads you through the scenic western region of Uganda, visiting Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy thrilling game drives, a memorable boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural interactions, and nature walks.
From the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda to the dense tropical forests and expansive savannah plains, this safari offers an authentic African wilderness experience filled with adventure, wildlife, and cultural discovery.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park
Your Pearl Nature Holidays guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for photography and at the Mpambire Drum-Making Centre to learn about traditional drum craftsmanship.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Look out for zebras, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, topis, and many other wildlife species.
Accommodation Options:
- Mihingo Lodge
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and travel through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages along the route.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for the following day's gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Buhoma Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Experience
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Begin your mountain gorilla trekking adventure through the dense rainforest.
The trek may take between 2 and 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. Later, visit the Batwa community to experience traditional dances, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park via the famous Ishasha Sector. This region is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon found in only a few locations worldwide.
Enjoy wildlife viewing en route before arriving at your lodge for lunch. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Search for predators such as lions and leopards as well as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular photography moments.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive, Baboon Cliff Visit and Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, enjoy another morning game drive followed by a visit to the scenic Baboon Cliff viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Later, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda's premier chimpanzee tracking destination. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Turaco Treetops
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Following breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
Besides chimpanzees, the forest is home to several primate species including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After lunch, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda's finest birdwatching locations and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy scenic countryside views and stop for lunch en route.
Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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.