Uganda · Primate Tours

8-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking

8 Days Round trip from Uganda Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and visit Bigodi village
03 Cruise the Nile below Murchison Falls to spot hippos and crocodiles
04 Look for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
05 See rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to Murchison Falls

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day safari across Uganda's top national parks. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, and enjoy thrilling game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Cruise along the Nile for spectacular wildlife sightings, including hippos and crocodiles, and look out for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. This immersive safari also reveals Uganda's scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity across the Pearl of Africa.

Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, and enjoy thrilling game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Murchison Falls

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your guide for a warm welcome.
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, with a lunch stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see rhinos.
Continue to Murchison Falls for check-in and an evening wildlife drive or time to relax.

Overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.

Day 02

Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls

Cross the River Nile and enjoy a morning game drive in the Nile Delta, spotting lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and various bird species.
After lunch, embark on a 3-hour boat cruise on the Nile to see hippos, crocodiles, and the mighty Murchison Falls from below.
Visit the top of the falls for breathtaking views before returning to the lodge.

Overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.

Day 03

Scenic Journey to Kibale Forest

Have breakfast and drive south through the Lake Albert escarpment, with views of the Rift Valley and the Congo Blue Mountains.
Arrive at Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve for an evening of rest and relaxation.

Day 04

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Visit

Depart early for Kibale National Park to track chimpanzees and observe them in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in Bigodi village, followed by a community walk to learn about local food, wine brewing, and coffee-making traditions.
Return to Lake Nkuruba for an overnight stay.

Day 05

Wildlife Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing volcanic crater lakes and the Equator line.
Take an evening game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, and topis.

Overnight at Enjojo Lodge.

Day 06

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

Start the day with a game drive in Ishasha to see more wildlife before transferring to Bwindi.
Stop in Kihihi for lunch and continue to Buhoma Gorilla Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 07

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Set out early for the ultimate experience of gorilla trekking through dense mountain forests.
Spend one hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, and interact.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, or join an optional community walk.

Overnight at Buhoma Gorilla Camp.

Day 08

Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, travel back to Entebbe with a lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Centre and a visit to the museum.
Stop at the Equator for photos before heading to the airport for departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 6 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees for non-residents
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits (one per person)
All specified activities and guided tours
Accommodation as per itinerary
Professional driver and guide
All transportation during the tour
All taxes and VAT
Round-trip airport transfers
Meals and drinks as specified

What's Not Included

International flights
Additional accommodation before or after the tour
Tips and personal expenses
Travel insurance and visa fees
Government tax increases or park fee changes
Meals not specified in the itinerary

What to bring

Outdoor essentials such as sunglasses, safari clothes, a sun hat, sun cream, and mosquito repellent
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket or poncho
Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking
Refillable water bottle
Binoculars and a camera (no flash)
Small backpack for daily use

Know before you go

A typical 8-day safari combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game viewing in Uganda's top national parks.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - gorilla trekking (the highlight).
Kibale Forest National Park - chimpanzee tracking.
Queen Elizabeth National Park - game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Optional cultural visits, crater lakes, or community walks.
Gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents.
Chimpanzee permit costs USD 250 in Kibale National Park.
Permits are mandatory and limited, so book 3 to 6 months in advance.
Tour operators can help secure gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent.
Keep COVID-19 and other routine vaccinations up to date.
Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Safaris usually start and end in Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali.
Travel is by 4x4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide.
Drives between parks take 5 to 8 hours and can be bumpy.
Domestic flights such as Entebbe-Kihihi or Entebbe-Kisoro can save travel time.
Accommodation ranges from budget lodges to luxury camps.
Many lodges are eco-friendly and near national parks.
Meals, water, and Wi-Fi are typically included.
Dry seasons from June to August and December to February are ideal for trekking.
Rainy seasons from March to May and September to November are cheaper but muddier.
Pack lightweight, long-sleeved clothes for sun and insects.
Bring waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.
Carry a rain jacket or poncho.
Use gardening gloves for gorilla trekking.
Bring a refillable water bottle.
Carry binoculars and a camera without flash.
Keep a small backpack for daily treks.
Currency is Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
Credit cards are accepted in lodges, but cash is useful.
Tipping guideline for guide or driver is USD 10-20 per day.
Tipping guideline for rangers or porters is USD 10-15 per trek.
Support local communities by buying crafts and hiring local porters.
Avoid single-use plastics.
Choose eco-certified lodges whenever possible.