7 Day Uganda Safari
7 Day Uganda Safari: Chimpanzees, Big Game and the Source of the Nile
A 7 day Uganda safari is a great way to see the country’s wildlife, forests and rivers in one week. First, you track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Then you search for lions and elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Finally, you stand at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, where the world’s longest river begins its journey.
This 7-day Uganda safari uses a different route from our gorilla trips. In fact, it suits wildlife lovers, couples and families who want variety. Because it skips the long drive to Bwindi, the days are shorter and easier.
7 Day Uganda Safari at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Parks visited | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo |
| Also includes | Fort Portal crater lakes, Bigodi Wetland and Jinja |
| Start and end | Entebbe or Kampala |
| Transport | 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges and camps |
| Meals | Full board on safari days |
| Price | From about $1,400 per person, depending on lodge level and season |
| Best for | Wildlife lovers, couples and families |
Why Choose a 7 Day Uganda Safari?
Uganda is small, but its parks are very different. As a result, one week can show you a lot. A 7 day Uganda safari combines forest, savannah, lakes and a great river.
In addition, this route is gentle. The drives are shorter than on a Bwindi trip, so you spend more time outdoors. Therefore, it works well for families and for anyone who dislikes long days on the road.
Here is what makes this trip special.
- Chimpanzees: track a wild chimp group in Kibale Forest.
- Big game: Queen Elizabeth offers elephants, buffaloes, hippos and lions.
- Water: cruise the Kazinga Channel and visit the Source of the Nile.
- Variety: crater lakes, walking safaris and optional rafting.
However, this trip does not include gorillas. Therefore, if gorillas are your top goal, ask about our 7-day gorilla route instead.
7 Day Uganda Safari Route and Travel Times
First, this table shows your trip at a glance. Please note that drive times are approximate, because traffic and road works vary.
| Day | Route | Travel time | Meals | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale, with Amabere Caves | 5 to 6 hours by road | Lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 2 | Chimp tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk | Short local transfers | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 3 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | 2.5 to 3 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 4 | Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth to Lake Mburo | 4 to 5 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Lake Mburo |
| 6 | Lake Mburo to Jinja | 7 to 8 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Jinja |
| 7 | Source of the Nile, then Entebbe | 2.5 to 3 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch | Departure |
7 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Kibale With a Stop at the Amabere Caves
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours by road. Meals: Lunch and dinner.
First, your driver-guide collects you early from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Then you head west toward Fort Portal. On the way, you pass tea estates and rolling hills, so keep your camera ready.
Near Fort Portal, you can stop at the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves. Local legend tells of a princess and her cave. After lunch, continue to your lodge near Kibale National Park. Afterwards, rest, because tomorrow starts early.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Cottages
Luxury stay: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Travel time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a ranger briefing, you step into Kibale Forest to find a chimpanzee group. The forest is home to 13 primate species, so you may also see colobus monkeys and many birds. Because chimps move fast, the hunt is exciting.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. A local guide leads you along the swamp trail. Also look out for monkeys, butterflies and colorful birds.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 1.
Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes scenic crater lakes, so stop for photos along the way. After lunch, join an afternoon game drive. In fact, early evening is a good time to spot animals on the plains.
Mid-range stay: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start with a sunrise game drive across the savannah. You may find elephants, buffaloes, lions and kobs. In fact, early morning is the best time for lions.
After lunch, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is 32 kilometers long. It is packed with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. In addition, elephants often come to the shore to drink.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 3.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth to Lake Mburo National Park
Travel time: 4 to 5 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive east toward Lake Mburo National Park. The landscape opens into rolling savannah. By afternoon, you reach your lodge.
Later, join a boat trip on Lake Mburo or a guided walking safari. Because Lake Mburo allows walking, you can get close to zebras and impalas on foot.
Mid-range stay: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Luxury stay: Mihingo Lodge
Day 6: Lake Mburo to Jinja
Travel time: 7 to 8 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
First, enjoy a short morning activity, such as a game drive or a nature walk. Then begin the long drive east. Because the road passes through Kampala, traffic can slow you down.
By evening, you reach Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Meanwhile, the sound of the Nile is never far away.
Mid-range stay: Jinja Nile Resort
Luxury stay: Wildwaters Lodge
Day 7: Source of the Nile and Departure
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Start with a visit to the Source of the Nile, where the great river begins. From here, you can take a short boat trip or try white-water rafting. Both are optional.
After lunch, drive to Entebbe for your flight. Because the drive takes about three hours, please book an evening flight. Otherwise, ask us about a night in Entebbe.
Things to Do on a 7 Day Uganda Safari
This route offers a good mix of activities. Here are the main choices.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to find chimpanzees. A ranger leads you to a habituated group. As a result, you can watch them up close for about an hour.
Game Drives and Boat Cruises
Queen Elizabeth offers sunrise game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Hippos, crocodiles and elephants are common.
Walking Safari at Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda that allows walking. Therefore, it is a favorite for active travelers.
Jinja and the Nile
Jinja offers the Source of the Nile, boat trips and white-water rafting. In addition, it is a relaxed place to end a trip.
Where You Will Stay on a 7 Day Uganda Safari
Overall, your lodge is more than a bed. After a long day, it is where you rest, eat and share stories. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Area | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Kibale | Kibale Cottages | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| Queen Elizabeth | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Lake Mburo | Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Mihingo Lodge |
| Jinja | Jinja Nile Resort | Wildwaters Lodge |
Mid-range lodges and camps offer comfortable rooms or tents with private bathrooms. They also serve good food and have friendly service.
Luxury lodges and camps offer spacious suites, fine dining and excellent views. Therefore, they suit honeymooners and special occasions.
Lodges fill up fast in the dry months. For this reason, book your 7 day Uganda safari well ahead for June to September.
Meals on Your 7 Day Uganda Safari
Good food keeps you strong on a busy trip. For this reason, your lodge serves three meals a day on safari days.
- Breakfast: hot or continental, often before the morning activity.
- Lunch: a lodge lunch, a picnic or a restaurant stop on travel days.
- Dinner: a multi-course meal, often with local dishes.
Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book. Most lodges can then adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is also provided in the vehicle.
Travel Time on a 7 Day Uganda Safari
Overall, this trip has two longer drives. However, rest days and short days balance them. For this reason, we plan early starts on the long driving days.
- Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale: 5 to 6 hours.
- Kibale to Queen Elizabeth: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Queen Elizabeth to Lake Mburo: 4 to 5 hours.
- Lake Mburo to Jinja: 7 to 8 hours.
- Jinja to Entebbe: 2.5 to 3 hours.
Your driver-guide stops often for photos, meals and breaks. As a result, the drives feel like part of the safari.
How Much Does a 7 Day Uganda Safari Cost?
A 7 day Uganda safari costs from about $1,400 to $5,500 per person. The table shows typical prices for two travelers sharing a room. In short, your final cost is set by the choices that follow.
| Lodge level | Low season (March to May, November) | High season (June to October, Christmas) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | $1,400 to $1,900 per person | $1,800 to $2,400 per person |
| Luxury | $2,900 to $3,900 per person | $3,800 to $5,500 per person |
These prices usually cover lodges, meals, park fees, the chimp permit, the 4×4 vehicle and a driver-guide. Meanwhile, solo travelers pay a single supplement. However, larger groups often pay less per person, because they share vehicle costs.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle costs.
- Season: July to October and the Christmas period are the busiest and costliest.
- Add-ons: rafting, a Kyambura Gorge chimp walk and extra nights.
Permit and park fees change from time to time. Therefore, ask us for the current rates when you request a quote.
What Is Included in a 7 Day Uganda Safari
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- A 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- One chimpanzee tracking permit.
- Park entry fees and the Kazinga Channel cruise.
- Drinking water during the trip.
Usually not included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as rafting.
Inclusions depend on the package you choose. However, we confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best Time for a 7 Day Uganda Safari
Overall, you can travel all year. However, some months suit this route better.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry and warm | Great for game drives and forest walks |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, muddy trails |
| June to September | Driest season | Peak season, best trail conditions |
| October to November | Short rains | Lush forests, good birding |
The dry months are the easiest for game drives and forest walks. Because trails are drier, chimp tracking is easier. On the other hand, the green season has its own charm, with fewer visitors and lower prices.
Wildlife on a 7 Day Uganda Safari
This 7 day Uganda safari covers several habitats. As a result, you see a wide range of animals.
Kibale National Park
Kibale has one of the highest primate counts in Africa. Chimpanzees are the stars. In addition, you may spot red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth offers classic savannah wildlife. Expect elephants, buffaloes, hippos and warthogs. Also, lions are possible on game drives.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is home to zebras, impalas and elands. In fact, it also holds many birds and hippos on the lake.
Who Is a 7 Day Uganda Safari For?
This 7-day Uganda safari works well for many travelers. For example, couples enjoy the lodges and sunset game drives. Families with older children also enjoy the variety. Finally, active travelers love the walking safari and the rafting.
It is also a strong choice for travelers who want shorter drives. Because the route avoids Bwindi, the days are easier. If you want gorillas, we can build a different route or add a Bwindi extension.
What to Pack for Uganda
Good packing makes every day of your 7 day Uganda safari easier. First, choose light, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors. Next, bring a warm layer for cool forest mornings. Also pack sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket and a hat. A camera with a zoom lens and binoculars are useful, too. Finally, bring swimwear if you plan to raft or relax by the river.
Visas, Health and Safety
In general, most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. Fortunately, you can usually apply online before you travel. Please check the latest rules for your passport on the official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Follow your ranger’s advice around wildlife, and never swim in unmarked water.
Overall, Uganda is a welcoming country, and a 7 day Uganda safari is generally safe. Moreover, your driver-guide knows the roads and the rules of each park.
Tips for Your 7 Day Uganda Safari
- Book early. Chimp permits and lodges sell out in busy months.
- Pack layers. Mornings are cool, and afternoons are warm.
- Bring sturdy shoes for forest walks.
- Carry insect repellent and a hat.
- Keep cash for tips and small purchases.
- Book an evening flight home for Day 7.
Ways to Extend Your 7 Day Uganda Safari
Seven days is a short trip. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Bwindi: add mountain gorilla trekking.
- Murchison Falls National Park: add big game and the falls.
- Lake Bunyonyi: relax on a calm, scenic lake.
- Semuliki National Park: add Congo Basin birds and hot springs.
- Rwanda: cross the border for a second primate trek.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can then add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. Also, we plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our team knows the region well and plans every 7 day Uganda safari with care.
First, we keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. As a result, you get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a different route? Explore our 7-day gorilla safari and our 10-day Uganda safari. Alternatively, ask us to build a custom plan.
7 Day Uganda Safari FAQs
How much is a 7 day Uganda safari?
Prices start from about $1,400 per person for mid-range and about $2,900 for luxury, with two travelers sharing. Prices rise in the peak months. Therefore, please contact us for a clear quote.
Which parks does the 7-day Uganda safari visit?
It visits Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo. It also stops at the Fort Portal crater lakes and Jinja.
Does the 7 day Uganda safari include gorilla trekking?
No. This route features chimpanzees, big game and the Nile. However, we can build a gorilla version or add a Bwindi extension.
How long are the drives on this safari?
The longest drive is Lake Mburo to Jinja, at 7 to 8 hours. Meanwhile, the other drives take 2.5 to 6 hours. Your driver-guide makes regular stops.
Can I go rafting on the 7 day Uganda safari?
Yes. White-water rafting in Jinja is optional. However, it costs extra, so please tell us in advance.
Are meals included on the 7 day Uganda safari?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on safari days. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to September and December to February are the driest months. Meanwhile, the green season has fewer visitors.
How fit do I need to be?
Chimp tracking involves hiking in forest. However, moderate fitness is enough. Please tell us about any concerns, and we will then adjust the plan.
Plan Your 7 Day Uganda Safari
Ready to track chimps, cruise the Kazinga Channel and see the Source of the Nile? Contact Steady Safaris today. Then tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
