8 days Uganda wildlife safari is a 7 night and 8-day wildlife safari in Uganda for you to trek and see the incredible gorillas as well as the best of Uganda’s wildlife savanna mammals in the shortest possible. This 8 Days Uganda wildlife safari will take you gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, and wildlife viewing game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth. Within these 7 night & 8-days safari in Uganda, you will have a snapshot look into Uganda’s wildlife as well as giving you that stunning encounter with the gentle endangered Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees. This unique 8 days wildlife tour will get to you a golden chance to visit the 5 of Uganda’s premier safari parks/destinations namely, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park.
This Uganda safari starts and ends in Entebbe and we can easily arrange it for you under budget, midrange, or luxury accommodation options and can be customized further to suit your safari interests.
Come and meet the incredible primates of Uganda on this 8 Days Uganda wildlife safari plan!
Spending some quality time with gentle Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi
The Kibale Chimpanzee trek which brings you into close contact with our wild cousins
Encountering the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
The impeccable wild boat cruises on the Kazinga channel and the Victorian Nile
Listening to the rumbling of the giant Murchison falls as you hike to the top of the falls
Having a chance to stand in 2 different hemispheres of the world at the same point
Day 1 : Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3 & 4: Kibale National Park.
Day 5 & 6: Queen Elizabeth Park
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 1 of this Africa safari expedition kicks off with an early morning breakfast at your hotel at 6:00 am. At 6:30 am our experienced driver-guide will pick you up using one of our comfortable 4×4 safari cars and when you get to settle in, you will begin your road transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. This road adventure to Murchison Falls Park is an 8-9 hours’ drive covering 310km, this road trip gives you a glimpse into the life of ordinary Ugandans which you meet along the way while they engage in activities such as tilling their gardens, men and women riding bicycles loaded with usual farm produce heading towards next local markets to trade.
You will also engage in exciting roadside market stops in Kasana Luwero which gives you an opportunity to take your taste buds on a culinary journey as you taste some Uganda’s purely organic tropical fruits that will tantalize your taste buds due to their absolute sweetness and also a chance to interact with the locals as you engage in a spectacular Africa shopping experience where you get to a chance to haggle for the best price bargain as shop a selected few items courtesy of the company.
When you make it to Nakasongola, you will engage in a rhino trekking session at Ziwa rhino sanctuary and this gives you a chance to meet one of the 5 big five Africa game which is only found in this sanctuary in Uganda. When you make it to the Rhino sanctuary of Ziwa in Nakasongola, you will engage in a rhino trekking session. This not only gives you a chance to meet one of the 5 big five Africa game which is only found in this sanctuary in Uganda but also allows you to stretch your body after this 3-4 hour ride from Kampala. After rhino trekking, settle in for lunch at Kabalega Dinners before you make your way to Murchison falls and engage in a miniature game drive as you progress to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
The highlight of the day: Be sure to have that incredible encounter with the rhinos of Ziwa sanctuary
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance& time: Approx. 375km or 7-8 hours
Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –
On this day, you have an opportunity to explore Murchison Falls park wilderness to the fullest as you engage in a thrilling game drive and a fascinating boat cruise. The day will also start very early in the morning at 6:00 am with a breakfast buffet then you will get into the safari car for a thrilling a game drive on the northern banks of the park. This park sector is gifted with a wide variety of wild animals such as the Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, Large herds of Elephants, bushbucks, bohor reedbucks, oribi, waterbucks, and if lucky you might get a chance to also encounter the top predators of this park which are the mighty lions and the stocky leopards. After 3-4 hours of epic adventures in the Northern sector take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Right after your lunch, embark on a boat cruise up the stream of the Victoria Nile and to the base of the falls.
On this 17-kilometre cruise, you have possibilities of sighting crocodiles and hippos along with elephants, waterbucks, and Uganda Kobs drinking water on the riverside. Blessed with a variety of bird species such as the pelican bee-eaters, Egyptian geese, Hornbills, goliath herons, the rare shoebill, stork kingfishers, and cormorants. As you draw close to the falls, you will be welcomed by a thunderous roar of the mighty Murchison falls, which you will watch from a safe distance as they tumble from a 43-meter fall. Upon arriving on the bottom of the falls, you will embark on the hike to the top of the world’s powerful waterfall. The Nile River which is the longest in the world forces itself to pass through a less than 8m ravine before falling 43m below to what has been termed the devil’s cauldron forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and trademark rainbow.
During the hike, you will enjoy the sounds of the Nile as it splashes its head on the impermeable rocks that have stood in its way for centuries past. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: A boat ride on the Victorian will leave you amazed by the wildlife diversity in this park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –
This day of the trip is committed to having you transfer from Murchison falls park to Kibale National Park. This day begins early in the morning at 6:00 am in order to enable you to cross with the 7:00 am boat then begin your thrilling road drive through the countryside of Uganda as you proceed to your next destination Kibale national park. This drive takes you through numerous villages giving you an insight into how ordinary Ugandan live. Still, on this journey, look out for sightings of men and women engaging in economic activities such as gardening, you might also encounter women carrying their little one’s monkey style as they strap them behind their backs.
This drive takes about 7-8 hours covering a distance of about 320km. You will have a lunch break in one of the finest restaurants in Fort portal town before you finally proceed to Kibale National park.
The highlight of the day: Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: Approx. 340km or 6-7 hours
Optional activities: –
You will wake up early in the morning at 6:30 am for breakfast which you will enjoy as you listen to the melodious sounds of nature that is formed as a result of several birds twittering to the new daybreak. After having had breakfast, you will transfer to the Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park to catch up with the Chimpanzee trekking briefing which begins at 8 am.
The encounter commences with a briefing from the respective park rangers who will be your guides through the activity detailing the conduct of the exercise. After this and in groups of eight (8) people, you head to the forest in search of the man’s closest relative. The dense forests of Kibale comprise of lush flora with mature trees marked with huge buttress and climbers.
If you have an undying love for birds, this you should keep your eyes on the lookout as this forest is beaming with a wide variety of impressive bird species including;-
Finally, once you approach the fully habituated common chimpanzees, you will draw closer to them and take pictures. Viewing them as they munch fruit, swinging in trees, socializing, patrolling, mating, and making pant hooting calls may lure you into unforgettable excitement. You have an hour availed to you to encounter these precious apes and you are free to take as many photos as you can.
After you will retreat from the activity which tends to last 2 – 5 hours and get back to the starting point to be awarded a Chimpanzee trekking certificate, rejoin your company safari guide then drive back to your lodge for Lunch.
After having this lunch, you will check out of your lodge and embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP 157km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive away from Kibale. You will pass via Ruboni community centre where you will find local women selling an assortment of art and craft materials. One can buy a souvenir for this trip from here. This way, you will have played a pivotal role in supporting the local community here as the proceeds from the sales are used by these ladies to support their families’ livelihoods. If you wish, you can also spare a minute or two and indulge yourself in a learning process from these expert weavers on how to make some the impressive art products just like those on display.
You will proceed with the rest of your journey to Queen Elizabeth Park with magnificent views of the Rwenzori ranges, arriving at your lodge late in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
The highlight of the day: An encounter with the chimpanzees will fascinate you on this day
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: Approx. 157km or 2-3 hours
Optional activities: –
You will wake up early in the morning at 6:30 am for breakfast then get comfortable into our 4x4safari car which is a driver by a professional and highly experienced driver guide and begin your 2-3 hours journey towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival here, you will engage in a stunning game drive in this sector while you search for the tree-climbing lions that have made this park and particularly this sector a must-visit place for numerous Africa safari adventurers who are interested in having encounters with these rather unique lions as they usually find them taking a mid-morning rest while lodging their bodies in between tree branches.
After your game drive which lasts between 3-4 hours, transfer to a convenient lodge in this park sector for your lunch break which also helps you stretch your body for a while before you then embark on the remaining part of your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
A sighting of the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector logged in between tree branches is the highlight of the day
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance &time: Approx. 140- 240 or 6-8 hours
On this day, you will have an early morning breakfast served at 6:30 am to give an energy boost for the gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Depart from the lodge with your packed lunch and gather at the park centre where you will be welcomed by the park sector warden who will brief you about the park and the gorilla trekking activity. While here, you will have cultural music & dance performances from the local Bakiga people who will showcase their musical skills to you.
In a group of 8 people with your armed ranger in the lead, you will embark on a trek, searching for your allocated gorilla family, On seeing the gorillas, count yourself among the lucky people who have managed to see these endangered mountain giants in their natural habitat. You will be granted a full hour with these magical beings to watch them as they go about their daily lives and if you’re lucky you might get to see the young gorillas break the 7-meter rule as they get closure to you to have you incorporated in their games. After the full hour of contact with these gorillas, you will transfer back to the park centre where you get awarded a Gorilla tracking certificate.
From here, you will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi where you get to relax from the rather a bit tedious Uganda gorilla trekking experience. On arrival to this beautiful tropical gem of the Kigezi highland, you will be fascinated by the tranquil waters of this lake and the numerous 29 islands that are dotted all over this lake hence leading to its famous name The Lake of A Thousand Islands. Take a relaxing boat cruise on the waters of this lake as you are taken through the history behind several of these islands such as the Akampene island which is also known as the Punishment island where young girls who had got pregnant were thrown and left to die alone, the upside-down island which legend has it that it was cursed by an old lady when the young people who lived on that island refused to give her beer, she cursed it and it turned upside down hence having them all drowned. From this boat cruise, transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
The highlight of the day is gorilla trekking & boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi with a community walk.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: Approx. 55-85 km or 1-3 hours
Optional Activities: –
You will wake up at 6:00 am to the sweet melodies of birds that will be singing their hearts off to the dawn of a new day and this will fairly make you understand why this Lake in called Bunyonyi which means a Lake of many small birds as you will hear interjecting voices of many birds singing together in uniformity as they welcome the day. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and choose from any of the available wide selection of confectionaries. After having breakfast, you will embark on the transfer to Kampala 420km and Entebbe 470km from Lake Bunyonyi.
During this 470km return journey to Entebbe, you will drive through the rolling hills of Kabale which will fascinate you given how the locals here have managed to tame these wildlands by cultivating along these steep slopes. Along the way back you will encounter many local men carrying farm produce on their bicycles headed towards the nearest local markets.
You will make an en-route stop for lunch at Igongo country hotel in Mbarara to enjoy a traditional locally prepared lunch buffet and if you wish, you can try out the Ishabwe dish wish is a local delicacy in this region. From here another exciting road stop will be made at the Equator point in Kayabwe where you get to have an equator experience on how to differentiate the Northern from the Southern hemispheres and also have a photo moment. After, proceed with the rest of your journey back to Entebbe airport where your safari will come to an end as you catch your departure flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Distance & time: Approx. 420km or 7-8 hours
END OF THE 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Tracking Safari
Cate
Samuel
Robert
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