8 Days Uganda Safari
8-Day Uganda Safari: Discover Uganda’s Pristine Wildlife and Stunning Landscapes
Why Choose an 8-Day Uganda Safari?
Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” offers one of the most diverse wildlife experiences in the world. An 8-day Uganda safari is the ideal way to explore its stunning national parks, dense rainforests, and unique wildlife. This safari takes you on a journey through Uganda’s best destinations, providing opportunities to see rare species like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and more. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure traveler. Simply seeking to connect with nature, Uganda is the perfect destination for your next safari adventure.
8-Day Uganda Safari: Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Transfer to Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kampala. Explore the vibrant capital or relax after your flight.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Enjoy a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee population. Check into your lodge and unwind.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Embark on a morning chimpanzee trek in Kibale, home to over 1,400 chimps. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park, for an afternoon game drive. Spot lions, elephants, and more.
Day 5: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth NP
Start with an early morning game drive to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos and birdlife.
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Enjoy the stunning landscape along the way.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures before returning to your lodge for relaxation.
Day 8: Return to Entebbe & Departure
Drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight, with the opportunity for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the city.
Detailed Itinerary 8 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Transfer to Kampala
Your Uganda safari begins the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport. After clearing customs, your guide will meet you at the airport. They’ll take you on a scenic drive to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. This drive takes around 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy views of Lake Victoria and the vibrant Ugandan countryside.
Upon arrival in Kampala, check into your hotel or lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore the capital city. Kampala offers a rich mix of history, culture, and bustling markets. You could visit the Uganda Museum or simply relax after your journey.
Overnight: Sheraton Hotel (Mid-range) or Serena Hotel Kampala (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Scenic Drive to Kibale: Enroute to Uganda’s Primate Capital
On Day 2, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, but it is worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush green landscapes, small villages, and farmland. This part of Uganda offers beautiful views and opportunities to stop for photos.
Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda, is famous for its diverse ecosystems and rich primate populations. The park is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee trekking. You’ll be staying near the park, where your lodge offers a comfortable base.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Cottages (Mid-range) or Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Tracking the Wild Chimpanzees of Kibale
Kibale National Park is one of the best places to see chimpanzees in the wild. After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the park’s headquarters. You will be assigned to a ranger who will lead you on a guided trek through the dense rainforest. The trek typically lasts 2-3 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located.
During your trek, you’ll not only see chimpanzees but also other primates. Such as the red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. Kibale is also home to hundreds of bird species, so birdwatchers will have plenty to enjoy.
The experience of being in the presence of wild chimpanzees is unforgettable. These intelligent creatures are known for their playful behaviour. Observing them interact with each other is both fascinating and educational. After your trek, you can relax at your lodge or explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Cottages (Mid-range) or Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Journey to Uganda’s Most Diverse National Park
After breakfast, leave Kibale behind as you head to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about 3-4 hours and is incredibly scenic. Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s most famous national parks, known for its variety of landscapes and wildlife. From savannah grasslands to wetlands, the park offers a unique habitat for a wide array of animals.
Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and enjoy lunch before your afternoon game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 mammal species, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The park is also famous for its rich birdlife, with over 600 species recorded here. The Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward, is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Overnight: Kasenyi Safari Camp (Mid-range) or Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early Morning Game Drive: The Wildlife of Queen Elizabeth
Your day starts early with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises, wildlife becomes more active, offering prime opportunities to spot predators like lions and hyenas. You’ll also see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species such as Uganda kob and topi. The park’s diverse habitats provide perfect conditions for wildlife viewing.
Afternoon Boat Safari: A Different Perspective
In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer waterway is famous for its large populations of hippos and crocodiles. It’s also a great place to spot elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species, including pelicans, egrets, and the endangered shoebill stork.
The Kazinga Channel boat ride offers a different perspective of wildlife, providing a relaxing yet thrilling experience. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife up close, including hippos emerging from the water and elephants grazing along the shores.
Overnight: Kasenyi Safari Camp (Mid-range) or Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Traveling to the Heart of Gorilla Country
After breakfast, it’s time to head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the most famous destinations for gorilla trekking. The drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi takes about 4-5 hours. Along the way, you’ll travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. With rolling hills and forests as far as the eye can see. Bwindi is located in southwestern Uganda, and the park itself is one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to nearly half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. The journey through the forested hills is an exciting preview of the adventure that awaits you.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs (Mid-range) or Buhoma Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking: The Ultimate Wildlife Experience
The highlight of your Uganda safari is the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the park headquarters for a briefing. There, you’ll be assigned to one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla groups.
The trek through the dense forest can be challenging, but the reward is unmatched. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. The experience of standing just a few meters from these incredible animals is unforgettable. Watching them feed, groom, and interact with each other is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After your trek, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the adventure. Depending on your energy levels, you can opt to visit a local community or explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs (Mid-range) or Buhoma Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Return to Entebbe and Departure
The Final Leg of Your Uganda Safari
After an incredible adventure, it’s time to return to Entebbe for your departure. The drive from Bwindi to Entebbe takes around 8-10 hours, so you’ll need to leave early. As you drive through Uganda’s stunning landscapes, you’ll have one last chance to take in the beauty of the country.
If time allows, you can stop at interesting local spots along the way. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your 8-day Uganda safari will have provided you with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Why You Should Experience an 8-Day Uganda Safari
An 8-day Uganda safari is the perfect way to explore Uganda’s incredible wildlife and scenic beauty. From the chimpanzee-filled rainforests of Kibale to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and the game-filled plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda offers a safari experience unlike any other.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer, a nature lover, or simply seeking adventure, an Uganda safari will exceed your expectations. With the support of knowledgeable guides and well-designed itineraries, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Similar Safaris
- Uganda Tourism Board (UTB): The official website of the Uganda Tourism Board provides comprehensive information about travel and safari opportunities in Uganda, including details about national parks, safari experiences, accommodation options, and travel tips.
- National Geographic Travel – Uganda: National Geographic Travel features stunning photography and in-depth articles on travel destinations worldwide. This link directs readers to articles and features on Uganda’s wildlife and safari experiences.
- Lonely Planet – Uganda: Lonely Planet is a trusted source for travel guides and information. This link leads to relevant articles and guides on Uganda’s national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
- TripAdvisor – Uganda Travel Forum: TripAdvisor’s Uganda Travel Forum is a platform for travel reviews and recommendations. This link provides access to user-generated content, including reviews and forums discussing safari experiences in Uganda.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for managing and conserving Uganda’s wildlife and protected areas. This link offers information about conservation efforts, national parks, and responsible tourism practices.
- International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP): The International Gorilla Conservation Programme works to protect mountain gorillas and their habitats in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This link provides insights into gorilla conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.
- Wild Discoveries Safaris – Uganda Safaris: Wild Discoveries Safaris is a reputable tour operator specializing in Ugandan safaris. This link directs readers to their website, where they can find information about guided safari tours and accommodation options.
