Uganda · Safari

8-Day Uganda Safari with Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Kazinga Cruise

8 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek habituated chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, East Africa's primate capital
02 Enjoy a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to rare birds and monkeys
03 Experience thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with chances to see lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes
04 Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and view large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birdlife
05 Spot rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
06 Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
07 Explore the scenic savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park, known for zebras, giraffes, and over 350 bird species

Embark on an 8-day Uganda safari through some of the country's most iconic national parks. Discover the primate capital of East Africa in Kibale National Park with exhilarating chimpanzee trekking, and journey deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Explore the rich savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park on game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. Conclude your adventure in the compact yet diverse Lake Mburo National Park, home to zebras, giraffes, and over 350 bird species.

Spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas once located.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive to Kibale National Park

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or lodge.
Depart for Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa.
Drive through scenic landscapes with lush greenery and extensive tea plantations.
Stop en route for lunch.
Arrive in the Kibale region, home to over 120 mammal species, including baboons, chimpanzees, elephants, and antelopes.
Observe a variety of bird species such as Nahan's francolin, Cassin's spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, and lowland masked apalis.
Check in to your lodge and relax for the evening.

Day 02

Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Have an early breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on the flora and fauna.
Get assigned a chimpanzee group and begin the forest trek.
Encounter chimpanzees and other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and blue-cheeked mangabeys.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Proceed for an afternoon nature walk in Bigodi Swamp, known for the great blue turaco and various small monkey species.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 03

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
Begin the drive southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Pass through the crater lakes region with beautiful countryside vistas.
Check in at your lodge and have lunch.
Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, and Uganda kobs.
Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 04

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Depart early for a morning game drive in search of predators and herbivores.
Return to the lodge for a hearty lunch.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward and George.
View hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife along the shoreline.
Enjoy a short game drive en route back to the lodge.

Day 05

Drive to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector

Have breakfast and drive to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy a game drive in Ishasha, known for tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees.
Spot other wildlife including elephants, Uganda kobs, topis, and buffaloes.
After lunch, continue your drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax.

Day 06

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Begin the day with an early breakfast.
Head to the park headquarters for a briefing about the gorilla trekking experience.
Enter the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas once located.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 07

Drive to Lake Mburo National Park and Boat Cruise

Enjoy breakfast and depart for Lake Mburo National Park.
Arrive at the park and have lunch at your lodge.
Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Mburo and spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Go on an afternoon game drive to see zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and buffaloes.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08

Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala

Start the day with a morning game drive to catch early wildlife activity.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.
Drive back to Kampala with a photo stop at the Uganda Equator.
Arrive in Kampala in the evening, marking the end of your safari.

Where this trip takes you

Chimpanzee-rich Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Lake Mburo National Park savannah

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

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Round-trip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and after the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (to and from home)

What to bring

Pack neutral-colored attire such as khaki, beige, or olive to blend into the environment and reduce insect attraction.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against sunburn and insect bites.
Include lightweight layers with moisture-wicking fabrics for daytime and a fleece or jacket for cooler evenings.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially useful during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November.
Bring swimwear if your lodge has a swimming pool.
Choose modest clothing to respect local customs and avoid revealing outfits in public areas.
Wear sturdy hiking boots for nature walks and uneven terrain.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for game drives and general movement around lodges.
Pack sandals or flip-flops for relaxing around the lodge.
Use insect repellent with DEET to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
Apply high-SPF sunscreen and carry lip balm to guard against the strong equatorial sun.
Bring enough personal medications for the entire trip.
Carry a basic first aid kit including plasters, antiseptic, and common over-the-counter remedies.
Use hand sanitizer and wet wipes to maintain hygiene during excursions.
Carry a small daypack for daily use during treks and game drives.
Bring binoculars to enhance your wildlife and bird-watching experiences.
Pack a camera with extra batteries or a power bank to ensure you do not miss capturing key moments.
Use a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your safari.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp for use in areas with limited lighting.
Carry a travel adapter compatible with UK-style Type G plugs used in Uganda.
Ensure your passport and visa are valid and meet Uganda's entry requirements.
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate, as it is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Keep printed and digital copies of your travel insurance policy.
Bring copies of your safari itinerary and all booking confirmations.
Avoid wearing camouflage clothing, as it is illegal in some African countries and may cause confusion.
Pack light since most lodges offer laundry services.
Always respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following your guide's instructions.

Know before you go

Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors. Avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are recommended for treks.
Accessories: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and a rain jacket.
Equipment: Carry a good-quality camera, binoculars, and a flashlight.
Health: Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Vaccinations: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever.
Malaria prevention: Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication.
Disease transmission: To protect primates from human diseases, maintain a safe distance, wear masks if required, and follow all guidelines provided by your guides.
The cost of an 8-day safari in Uganda varies based on the level of accommodation and services included.
On average, prices range from $3,400 to $3,800 per person for a mid-range private tour.
This typically includes permits, accommodation, meals, and transportation.
The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
During these periods, trails are less slippery, and animal sightings are more frequent.
However, these are also peak tourist times, so booking in advance is crucial.