8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Big Five Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Uganda safari with Arcadia Safaris, exploring the best of Uganda’s wildlife and primate adventures. This tailored journey takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for thrilling gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park for Big Five game drives and a scenic Kazinga Channel boat cruise. With cultural experiences at Ndere Cultural Centre and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, this affordable Uganda safari package offers a perfect blend of adventure and culture. Book your dream safari today or explore our Best Uganda Safari Packages.
Safari Highlights
Pickup from Entebbe International Airport
Kampala City Tour with a vibrant visit to Ndere Cultural Centre
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Big Five Game Drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-Climbing Lions in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Batwa Cultural Trail
Relaxation at the serene Lake Bunyonyi
Return to Entebbe International Airport for departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Arcadia Safaris guide welcomes you to Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa.” After a brief introduction to your 8-day Uganda gorilla and chimp safari, transfer to your hotel in Kampala for relaxation. In the evening, visit the vibrant Ndere Cultural Centre, showcasing Uganda’s rich heritage through music, dance, and drama. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Destination: Kampala City
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Latitude 0 Degrees or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Kaazi Beach Resort or Similar |
Budget |
Sojovalo Hotel or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a haven for primate lovers. Pass charming villages, lush countryside, and tea plantations, a hallmark of Uganda’s western region. Kibale is renowned for its chimpanzee population, alongside colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Arrive at your lodge, check in, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Learn more about Kibale’s primates while on your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla – Chimpanzee and Big Five Safari.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Kyaninga Lodge or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Turaco Tree Tops or Similar |
Budget |
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Start with breakfast and head to Kibale Forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. After a briefing on trekking etiquette, venture into the forest with an expert ranger, marveling at the diverse primates swinging through the trees. Spend an hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot hosting baboons, vervet monkeys, and the Great Blue Turaco, perfect for birdwatchers. Discover Uganda’s birding hotspots.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Kyaninga Lodge or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Turaco Tree Tops or Similar |
Budget |
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Post-breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park, nestled near the Rwenzori Mountains. Its diverse savannas and wetlands host over 600 bird species and ten primate species, including chimpanzees. After lunch at your lodge, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Mweya Safari Lodge Lodge or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Twin Lake Safari Lodge or Similar |
Budget |
Pumba Safari Cottages or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Explosion Crater Drive
Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, and Uganda kob. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take the Explosion Crater Drive, offering stunning views of volcanic craters and frequent sightings of elephants and buffalo. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge. Explore more about Uganda’s Big Five.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Mweya Safari Lodge or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Twin Lake Safari Lodge or Similar |
Budget |
Pumba Safari Cottages or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 6: Ishasha Sector Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. After this unique wildlife experience, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Read about gorilla trekking tips. 8-Day Uganda Gorilla – Chimpanzee and Big Five Safari
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Gorilla Safari Lodge or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Similar |
Budget |
Nshongi Camp or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy an early breakfast and a ranger-led briefing before trekking into Bwindi’s dense rainforest to track mountain gorillas. This exhilarating experience, navigating steep trails and lush vegetation, culminates in an hour with these gentle giants. Return to your lodge for lunch and rest. Later, transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and tranquil waters. Check in, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:
Luxury |
Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi or Similar |
Mid-Range |
Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi or Similar |
Budget |
Bunyonyi Overland Resort or Similar |
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
Day 8: Transfer back to Entebbe for Departure – 8 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big Five Experience.
Savor a leisurely breakfast with views of Lake Bunyonyi’s hills. Begin your drive back to Entebbe International Airport, stopping in Mbarara for lunch and at the famous Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for photos and souvenirs. Arrive at the airport in the late afternoon or evening, concluding your unforgettable 8-day Uganda gorilla, chimpanzee tracking, and Big Five safari.
Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation options: No (End of tour)
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey
PRICE INCLUDES
- Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
- Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
- Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
- Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
- English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
- Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
- All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
- All Taxes
- Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
- Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
- International Flight Fares (unless requested)
- Country Entry Visa
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Telephone Charges
- Laundry
- Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
- Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- All related medical tests and vaccinations
SAFARI COST: (Tour Rates are Per Person and exclude International Flight Fares)
RATE PER PERSON | 2 People 1 Room |
4 People 2 Rooms |
6 People 3 Rooms |
7 People + |
Luxury | $5,100 | $4,300 | $4,100 | GET A QUOTE |
Mid-Range | $4,100 | $3,300 | $3,100 | GET A QUOTE |
Budget | $3,600 | $2,800 | $2,600 | GET A QUOTE |
We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!