8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari – Discover Gorillas, Big Game & Scenic Landscapes
8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife safari, This breathtaking 8-day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari begins and ends in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital and largest city. The safari takes you to the western part of Uganda — a region blessed with lush 
landscapes, rolling hills, and over six national parks and wildlife reserves. It is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and primate lovers alike.During this safari, you will experience:
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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
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Game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
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Stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and diverse birdlife
Main Parks and Highlights
Lake Mburo National Park
Located closest to Kampala, Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s smallest parks (371 sq km) but is teeming with wildlife. The park is home to large herds of zebras, as well as antelopes, topis, reedbucks, buffaloes, warthogs, and hyenas. Along the lake shores, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of over 350 bird species, including the mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, and bare-faced go-away bird. A visit here offers unforgettable memories of Uganda’s rich wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests (over 25,000 years old) and the primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking. Home to over 500 gorillas, Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Besides gorillas, Bwindi is rich in biodiversity, hosting:
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Over 120 mammal species, including elephants, duikers, yellow-backed duikers, buffaloes, and golden cats
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400 plant species
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346 bird species, such as the handsome francolin, purple sunbird, and red-headed bluebill
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202 butterfly species
Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of this safari, providing a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Next, you will visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and unique features, including tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Other wildlife commonly spotted includes elephants, antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, waterbucks, and chimpanzees. With over 600 bird species, the park offers incredible opportunities during game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.
Kibale Forest National Park
Finally, your safari will take you to Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species, including the chimpanzee, our closest relative. The park has over 1,500 chimpanzees, including about 120 habituated individuals, making it one of the best locations in the world for primate trekking. Other primates you may see include black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, along with over 300 bird species, such as olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinkerbird, grey parrot, and blue-breasted kingfisher.
This combination of wildlife and primate experiences ensures that your 8-day Uganda safari will be unforgettable.
Brief Itinerary
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Kampala → Lake Mburo National Park – Wildlife viewing
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Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Walk – Bwindi
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Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector – Tree-climbing lions
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Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel – Queen Elizabeth
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Morning Game Drive & Visit to Baboon Cliff → Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
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Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk – Kibale
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Return to Kampala
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary 8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
This carefully crafted Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari combines savannah game viewing, primate trekking, scenic drives, boat cruises, and authentic cultural encounters. Each day is designed to balance adventure, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
Your safari adventure begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide, who will brief you about the journey 
ahead. You will then set off westward toward Lake Mburo National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 4–5 hours. Along the way, enjoy two memorable stopovers: Mpambire Drum Makers Centre – Learn about traditional Ugandan drum-making craftsmanship. The Equator Crossing – Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once and take photographs.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a short relaxation. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive. Lake Mburo is famous for its large herds of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, topis, and warthogs. You may also spot hippos near the lake shores as the sun begins to set.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge | Kigambira Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock | Mburo Safari Lodge
- Budget: Eagle Nest Lodge | Leopard Camp Lake Mburo
- Meal Plan; Full Board dinner and Lunch
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and journey deeper into southwestern Uganda toward the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home of mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through:Rolling hills, Terraced farmlands, Traditional Ankole cattle farms, Scenic countryside views
Arrive in the afternoon, check in to your lodge, and enjoy some relaxation. Your guide will brief you about the next day’s gorilla trekking experience, ensuring you are well prepared both physically and mentally. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful forest atmosphere.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation option:
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Gorilla Safari Lodge,
- Midrange: Silverback Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
- Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma community Bandas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Drinking Water throughout
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Batwa Cultural Encounter
Today is the highlight of your Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family in one of Bwindi’s sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga).
The trek can last between 1 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. The forest terrain can be steep and dense, but the moment you encounter the gorillas makes every step worthwhile.You will spend one magical hour observing them: Watching mothers care for their infants, Seeing juveniles play, Observing the powerful silverback guarding the family. After trekking, return to the lodge for relaxation.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a Batwa community walk, where you will learn about the forest’s original inhabitants. Discover how they hunted, gathered food, and lived in harmony with the forest.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation option:
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Gorilla Safari Lodge,
- Midrange: Silverback Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
- Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma community Bandas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Drinking Water throughout
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
trekking time: unpredictable
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and head toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the famous Ishasha Sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions.Game viewing en route offers opportunities to see:Lions resting in fig trees, Elephants, Buffaloes, Topis and other antelopes. After exploring Ishasha, continue to your lodge in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Relax and enjoy the beautiful savannah surroundings.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal plan: full board
Accommodation Option:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Elephant Plains Game Lodge
- Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the best wildlife areas in the park. Possible sightings include:Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Hyenas, Leopards (occasionally),Various bird species Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This is one of the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda. Expect to see:Large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, Elephants bathing, Buffaloes grazing along the shoreline, Numerous water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal plan: full board
Accommodation Option:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Elephant Plains Game Lodge
- Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Experiential Lion Tracking & Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, participate in an optional Experiential Lion Tracking activity in the Kasenyi sector. Accompanied by 
researchers, you will track lions using radio telemetry equipment and learn about conservation efforts. Return for lunch before transferring to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the Primate Capital of the World. The scenic drive takes about 2–3 hours through tea plantations and rural communities. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Papaya Lake Lodge
- Mid-Range: Chimpanzee Guest House | Isunga Lodge
- Budget: Rweteera Safari Park | Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, report to Kibale headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest for chimpanzee trekking.
The trek typically lasts 2–4 hours. Once located, you will spend one hour observing the chimpanzees as they:Feed,Groom, Play Communicate loudly through the forest canopy. Other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys may also be spotted. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in birdlife and primates. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Papaya Lake Lodge
- Mid-Range: Chimpanzee Guest House | Isunga Lodge
- Budget: Rweteera Safari Park | Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Return to Kampala / Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.
Enjoy scenic countryside views and stop for lunch en route. Your guide will ensure timely arrival at the airport for your departure flight if scheduled on this day.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari with Mum and Dad Uganda Tours.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Included in the 8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife safari
- Accommodations on full board basis,
- Gorilla at $800/ person
- Chimpanzee permits $250/person
- Park Entrance Fees
- Game drives
- English Speaking Driver/guide,
- 4wheel Drive Safari Vehicle,
- Ranger guide during game drives and Ranger for trekking
- Bottled Drinking Water, Boat trips, Transport and all mentioned activities apart from the extra/optional ones.
Excludes 8 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife safari
- International and domestic flights
- Country entry visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of personal nature/laundry/telephone charges
- Souvenirs and gifts, Tips
- Alcoholic and other soft drinks (sodas, special juice order at the lodge and wines)
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