8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure. Uganda, often referred to as “The Pearl of Africa,” is a land where lush rainforests, shimmering lakes, and open savannahs meet in perfect harmony. It’s a country blessed with breathtaking beauty, warm and welcoming people, and a wildlife experience so raw and intimate that it touches the soul. This 8-day Uganda safari is not just a holiday, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s most diverse and captivating landscapes. This itinerary has been carefully designed for those seeking a truly immersive safari experience, combining thrilling encounters with some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, close cultural interactions with local communities, and moments of pure peace in Uganda’s tranquil highlands and lakeshores.
Your 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure in detail
From the thundering hoots of chimpanzees deep in Kibale’s rainforest, to the silent gaze of a mountain gorilla in Bwindi, each day reveals a new chapter of wonder. Your adventure begins in Entebbe, a laid-back lakeside town with colonial charm, before heading west into the green heart of the country. You’ll trek through the primate paradise of Kibale Forest, cruise alongside hippos and elephants on the Kazinga Channel, and search for tree-climbing lions in the wild plains of Ishasha. Then, deep in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas, one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. Finally, unwind on the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi and explore the walking trails and night safaris of Lake Mburo, a hidden gem known for its charm and serenity.
Each day of this safari is a blend of wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, and natural beauty, tailored to create a rhythm of adventure and relaxation. You’ll travel in comfort with experienced guides, stay in carefully selected lodges that reflect the spirit of the land, and explore at a pace that allows you to truly connect with the places and people you meet along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first African safari, this itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Uganda in all its richness. Get ready to hear the call of the wild, feel the pulse of the rainforest, and witness nature in its most majestic and untamed form.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to your Hotel for rest
Welcome to Uganda for this unforgettable 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional guide and transferred to your hotel for a chance to relax and unwind after your journey. Entebbe, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, offers a gentle and peaceful welcome to the country. If time permits, you’ll visit the charming Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a quiet retreat filled with towering palms, exotic plant species, and a variety of birds that flit playfully among the trees. You may spot vervet monkeys or even black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging from branches as you stroll the serene pathways.
These gardens are more than a collection of flora – they are a place of history, nature, and tranquility, where the air is perfumed with flowers and the distant sound of waves laps gently at the lakeshore. This calm first day sets the tone for the incredible safari adventure that lies ahead.
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Mid-Range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Budget: Via Via Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park – Enjoy a Visit to Bigodi Wetland and Community
After a restful night, your day begins with a scenic drive westward to Kibale National Park, a journey that introduces you to Uganda’s stunning countryside. As you travel through rolling hills, verdant tea plantations, and vibrant villages, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the land’s beauty and cultural richness. Upon reaching Kibale, known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” you’ll head out for an afternoon exploration of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a lush and biodiverse ecosystem managed by the local community. This wetland is a treasure trove of life – home to over 200 bird species, including the magnificent Great Blue Turaco, as well as several species of monkeys such as red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys.
Your guided walk through this protected area will not only expose you to rich biodiversity but also provide an intimate look at how the community is preserving nature while benefiting from ecotourism. The air is filled with birdsong, and the swamp paths wind through papyrus reeds and fig trees. It’s a beautiful blend of conservation, community, and nature, offering a peaceful yet enlightening experience before your chimpanzee adventure the following day.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for evening game drive
Today, enjoy your unforgettable experience with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by rangers and trackers who will accompany you into the forest. Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild, home to over 1,500 individuals. Trekking through the dense rainforest, guided by the sounds of pant-hoots and rustling foliage, you’ll follow clues to find a habituated group of chimps. When you find them, it is magical. You’ll observe their daily life up close – grooming each other, swinging effortlessly through the trees, playing or feasting on fruit. Their eyes, so expressive and intelligent, reflect a close kinship with humans.
Spending an hour with these primates is a deeply moving and exhilarating experience that will stay with you forever. After your trek and a well-earned lunch, you’ll continue your journey south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an evening game drive. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the savannah glows in golden light and the park awakens with activity. Elephants lumber past acacia trees, buffalo gather at waterholes, and antelope graze peacefully, while predators like leopards or lions may be seen emerging for their nightly prowls. Evening game drives are magical – a time when day and night meet, and nature is at its most alive.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Morning game drive Safari & Afternoon Boat Cruise
On day 4 of this 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure, rise early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, a prime wildlife-viewing area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the best time to catch predators returning from a hunt or stalking their prey in the golden dawn light. You’ll drive through vast savannah landscapes dotted with fig trees and euphorbia, with chances to see lions, hyenas, elephants, warthogs, bushbucks, and a variety of birdlife. The area is known for its large population of Uganda kob, whose mating rituals often attract big cats. The excitement of a morning wildlife safari is unmatched – every curve of the track may reveal something new and wild. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
This leisurely cruise offers one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, herds of buffalo wading in the shallows, and elephants that may come down for a drink. You’ll also witness a spectacular array of birds – African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, kingfishers, pelicans, and more. The cruise offers an intimate perspective of wildlife as they gather at the water’s edge – a peaceful yet thrilling window into nature’s rhythms.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Game drive in Kasenyi – Head to Ishasha sector for Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This morning, enjoy a final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before heading south toward the wild and remote Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. Here, lions have adapted to lounging in the limbs of fig and acacia trees, possibly to escape biting insects or get a better vantage point. As you scan the treetops with your guide, seeing these powerful creatures reclining on branches like house cats is a surreal and unforgettable sight. Your journey then continues into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a dramatic landscape of misty hills and ancient rainforest.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The air here is cool and fresh, and the forest feels primeval – dense, green, and filled with the songs of birds and the distant calls of primates. Tonight, you’ll relax at your lodge, nestled in the forest, preparing mentally and physically for tomorrow’s incredible adventure.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mid-Range: Bakiga Lodge
Budget: Ride 4 a woman
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Continue to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
Today is the highlight of your Ugandan safari; the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking safari experience. After an early breakfast on day 6 of the 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure, you’ll gather at the park headquarters for a briefing and group assignment, then set off into the dense forest with your guides. The trek can be physically demanding, as it involves navigating through thick vegetation, up and down hills, and sometimes for several hours, but the anticipation builds with every step. When you finally encounter the gorilla family, the reward is profound. You’ll sit just meters away from these powerful yet gentle creatures, watching silverbacks protect their family, mothers cradle infants, and juveniles play around the group.
The atmosphere is reverent – time seems to slow as you connect with these majestic beings in the heart of their home. After this emotional and awe-inspiring experience, you’ll descend from the forest and begin your journey to Lake Bunyonyi, often called “the Switzerland of Africa.” Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with more than 29 islands, the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. Unlike most Ugandan lakes, Bunyonyi is free of hippos and crocodiles, making it safe for swimming. Here, you’ll spend a relaxing evening at your lakeside lodge, reflecting on the incredible moments shared with the mountain gorillas.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-Range: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Budget: Kaije Resort Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Island Explorations on Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo for evening to Night game drive safari
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a canoe or motorboat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. The lake’s calm waters and island scenery make for a serene experience. Each island has a story – from punishment islands where unmarried girls were once abandoned, to community-led conservation efforts. The tranquility of the lake, coupled with the gentle lapping of the water and calls of birds overhead, makes this one of the most peaceful and soulful moments of your journey. Later, you’ll transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but one rich in diversity.
The landscape here is different and more open, dotted with acacia woodland and patches of wetland. As dusk approaches, you’ll head out for an evening to night game drive, a rare opportunity in Uganda to explore the nocturnal side of the wild. With spotlights in hand, you’ll search for elusive animals such as leopards, genets, bush babies, hyenas, and porcupines. The thrill of the unknown, and the sounds of the night create an atmosphere of pure adventure.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Mburo Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Walking Safari in Lake Mburo – Return to Entebbe for Departure
Begin your final day of the 8 Days Uganda Safari Adventure with a guided walking safari, one of the most intimate and grounding ways to experience wildlife. Accompanied by a knowledgeable UWA ranger, you’ll walk through the savannah and woodland, tracking zebra herds, giraffes, impalas, and eland on foot. The slow pace allows for a deeper connection to the landscape – you’ll learn to identify tracks, droppings, plants, and hear the stories that tie the ecosystem together. There’s a special kind of magic in walking quietly where wild animals roam, sharing the land as equals, if only for a moment.
After the walk and a hearty breakfast, you’ll enjoy a final game drive as you exit the park, heading back toward Entebbe. Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance for some souvenir shopping or a stop at the equator. As you arrive at the airport and prepare to depart, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary week you’ve had, from the eyes of a gorilla to the roar of a lion, the songs of the wetlands to the silence of the night drive. Uganda has shared her secrets with you, and you leave with a heart full of wonder and a spirit forever touched by Africa’s wild beauty.
Thank you for choosing Vibrant Holiday Safaris your African safari planning experts.
Tour includes
Accommodation on Full board
Transportation to and from Entebbe International Airport
Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking permits
All mentioned activities
Bottled drinking water
English speaking driver guide
Tour Excludes
International Flights
Visa
Insurance
Accommodation on final day
All expenses of personal nature