8-Day Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
The 8-day Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari is an exciting adventure that begins and ends in Kampala, Uganda. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will explore diverse national parks, enjoy thrilling game drives, and embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Safari Highlights:
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
- Day 4: Morning Lion Tracking and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Departure to Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your driver-guide will welcome you and brief you on the safari. You will then embark on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, crater lakes, farmlands, and the Rwenzori Mountains. A stop for lunch will be made en route. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After an early breakfast, you will head to the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Center for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. The trek through Kibale Forest can take 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimps. During the trek, you might also see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour observing their behavior and taking photos.
In the afternoon, you will take a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to monkeys, butterflies, and numerous bird species. Afterward, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, you will check out and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of crater lakes and tea plantations. Upon arrival, you will stop for lunch before heading out on an evening game drive, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks, and various bird species. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Morning Lion Tracking and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Morning Lion Tracking
After an early breakfast, you will head to the Kasenyi Plains for a lion tracking experience. Accompanied by expert researchers, you will track lions using GPS trackers and observe their movements. During the drive, you will also see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and other wildlife.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
In the afternoon, you will take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. This two-hour cruise offers excellent views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes drinking along the shores. The channel is also home to water birds like Pelicans, African Skimmers, Fish Eagles, and Kingfishers. After the cruise, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will check out and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey passes through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. After spotting these unique predators, you will continue to Bwindi, stopping for lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, you will meet your guide and proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking regulations. You will then be assigned a gorilla family and start your trek through the dense rainforest, which can take 1 to 7 hours. Along the way, you will see forest birds, primates like baboons and L’Hoest monkeys, and diverse plant species.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. This experience offers incredible opportunities for photography and video recording. Afterward, you will return to the headquarters, receive a gorilla trekking certificate, and head back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you will stop for lunch before continuing to the park. Upon arrival, you will go on an evening game drive, where you can spot buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, topis, and warthogs. After the game drive, you will proceed to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Departure to Kampala
After breakfast, you will go on a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, where you will see elands, zebras, impalas, and other wildlife. After the drive, you will exit the park and begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Stop at the Equator
Along the way, you will stop at the Equator in Kayabwe, where you can take photos, enjoy lunch, and shop for souvenirs. Afterward, you will continue to Kampala, arriving in the evening.
Your driver-guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport for your flight or at any location of your choice, marking the end of your 8-day safari.
Conclusion
This 8-Day Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari offers an incredible blend of wildlife viewing, primate trekking, and cultural experiences. From tracking chimpanzees and mountain gorillas to witnessing the vast wildlife of Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, this safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Book with us and experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty!
