8 Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

Discover the best of Uganda on this 8-day Uganda safari, combining unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, and exciting wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This carefully designed private Uganda safari also features a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, opportunities to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, a cultural experience in Kampala, and relaxation beside the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Best 8-day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

With Arcadia Safaris, you will explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes, tropical forests, savannah plains, crater lakes, and scenic countryside with a professional English-speaking driver-guide. Whether you are looking for a Uganda gorilla trekking safari, chimpanzee tracking adventure, or a wildlife safari with cultural experiences, this journey offers a memorable introduction to the Pearl of Africa.

Safari Highlights

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Complimentary guided Kampala City Tour

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Bigodi Swamp nature walks and community

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat cruise safari at Kazinga Channel

Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Batwa Cultural  Experience in Bwindi Forest

Relaxation at the serene Lake Bunyonyi

Return to Entebbe International Airport for departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Arcadia Safaris representative and transferred to your accommodation in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may enjoy a Kampala city experience or visit Ndere Cultural Centre for an evening of traditional Ugandan music, dance, and cultural performances. This provides an engaging introduction to Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage before your wildlife and primate adventure begins.

Destination: Kampala City
Accommodation Options:

• 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, set off for Kibale Forest National Park, travelling through Uganda’s scenic countryside, traditional villages, rolling hills, and tea plantations. The journey offers a glimpse into everyday rural life and the country’s beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for the following day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure in one of East Africa’s most renowned primate habitats. Best 8-day Uganda gorilla safari

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with an experienced ranger guide to search for wild chimpanzees. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend up to one hour observing their behaviour in their natural habitat, watching as they communicate, feed, groom, and move through the forest canopy.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area rich in birdlife, vegetation, and primates. Keep an eye out for the Great Blue Turaco and other bird species as your guide introduces you to the wetland’s biodiversity and local conservation efforts.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• 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

After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying the changing scenery as you travel towards Uganda’s famous savannah wildlife destination. After checking in and having lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for a scheduled relaxing boat cruise, subject to your arrival time and the scheduled cruise departure.

The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is renowned for its concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds. The cruise provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and a different perspective on the park’s rich ecosystem.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Explosion Crater Drive

Rise early for a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s well-known wildlife-viewing areas. With your guide, search for elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and other savannah animals. Lions and leopards may also be encountered, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Learn about the park’s habitats and the animals that depend on them. Best 8 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari

Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before an afternoon drive through the scenic crater-lake landscape. The Explosion Crater area offers striking views of volcanic features, rolling hills, and surrounding wilderness, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• 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, travel through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. During your wildlife drive, keep watch for lions resting in fig trees, elephants, buffaloes, and other animals that inhabit this southern section of the park. Tree-climbing lion sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through scenic rural landscapes and the highlands of southwestern Uganda. Arrive at your lodge and prepare for the following day’s mountain gorilla trekking experience. The route and timing will be planned around your selected gorilla trekking sector and accommodation location.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. You will then enter Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain. Once the gorillas are found, you will normally be allowed to spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat, an extraordinary opportunity to learn about these endangered primates.

After the trek, return to the lodge for refreshments and, depending on the timing and your energy levels, begin the journey to Lake Bunyonyi. Known for its tranquil waters, green terraced hills, and scattered islands, Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful place to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventure. The transfer will be arranged according to the duration of the trek and road conditions.

Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for Departure

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, travelling through southwestern Uganda’s countryside and towns. Depending on your schedule, you may stop in Mbarara for lunch and visit the Uganda Equator landmark in Kayabwe, where you can take photographs and browse local craft shops. Best 8 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari

Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight. Since the drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe is long and journey times can vary, this itinerary is best suited to an evening departure. If your international flight leaves earlier in the day, we recommend arranging an additional overnight stay near Entebbe or adjusting the itinerary.

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  Applicable 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 Services
• 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: (Rates are Per Person)

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!