Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Pick-Up, and Transfer to Hotel

Your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari journey into Uganda begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the main entry point into the country. Upon landing, your experienced driver-guide will be waiting for you at the airport to greet you. Depending on the time of your arrival, the first day will mostly be a relaxing one, allowing you to recuperate from your flight and prepare for the days ahead.

The drive from the airport to your hotel takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Entebbe is a beautiful lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Victoria, and many of the city’s top hotels offer scenic views of the lake, providing a tranquil atmosphere to help you unwind.

If your arrival is in the afternoon or evening, there will be no planned activities for the day. Instead, the focus will be on helping you recover from any jet lag and getting a good night’s rest. You can enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel, sampling local Ugandan cuisine or international dishes, before preparing for an exciting start to your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari adventure the following morning.

Accommodation: Karibu Guest House Entebbe

Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

After a restful first night, the next day marks the beginning of your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari journey into Uganda’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. You’ll begin with breakfast at your hotel, and then your driver-guide will pick you up for the drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. The drive from Entebbe to Kibale typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, but the journey itself offers picturesque views of rural Uganda, including the countryside, farmland, and the occasional glimpse of local villages.

Along the way, you will stop for lunch in Fort Portal, a vibrant town nestled between the Rwenzori Mountains and the Kibale Forest. You can enjoy local Ugandan dishes, such as “matoke” (plantains) or “luwombo” (a delicious stew), which will fuel you for the rest of the journey. Upon arriving at Kibale Forest National Park, you will check in to your accommodation for the night. Depending on your lodge or hotel, you may find yourself staying in a charming forest cabin or a luxurious safari lodge, all designed to provide comfort and offer great proximity to the park’s wildlife.

After a short rest, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner at your lodge, preparing for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in the Morning and Evening Visit to Bigodi Wetland

The third day of your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari starts early with a delightful breakfast. Following breakfast, you will head to Kibale Forest’s Park headquarters, where you will meet your professional guide for a briefing about the chimpanzee trekking activity. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and the trek through the forest in search of these intelligent and playful creatures is an exhilarating experience.

Chimpanzee trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located. As you make your way through the dense forest, you’ll be immersed in the natural sounds of the jungle, with bird calls, rustling leaves, and the occasional chimpanzee vocalization filling the air. When you finally encounter the chimps, you’ll have the rare chance to observe them as they engage in various activities like feeding, playing, or grooming each other. Spending an hour with these fascinating primates is a life-changing experience, and your guide will provide insights into their behavior and social structures.

After the trek, you’ll return to the park headquarters and head back to your hotel for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a small but ecologically rich area located just outside Kibale Forest. This walk provides a unique opportunity to spot several species of birds, including the rare blue turaco and papyrus gonolek, as well as other wildlife such as monkeys and butterflies. The walk is not strenuous, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the wetland.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s incredible wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a Tour in Fort Portal

Following breakfast, your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari driver-guide will take you on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous and biodiverse parks. On the way, you will stop in Fort Portal for a short city tour, where you can explore the town’s historical sites and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Fort Portal is known for its charming architecture and stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, making it a pleasant stop during your journey.

After lunch, the journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers over 2,000 square kilometers. Queen Elizabeth is renowned for its diversity of wildlife, ranging from elephants and buffaloes to lions, leopards, and over 600 bird species. Upon arrival at the park, you will check into your lodge and relax before embarking on an evening game drive.

The evening game drive will introduce you to the park’s rich wildlife. As the sun begins to set, your guide will take you through various trails in search of lions, elephants, antelope species, and the rare leopard. The evening light offers an excellent opportunity for photography, as the park’s savannah and forest landscapes glow in warm hues. After your game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Evening Boat Cruise

On the fifth day of your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari, you’ll wake up early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The early hours are perfect for spotting wildlife as many species are most active during the cooler parts of the day. During the game drive, you may see large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and hippos, as well as predators such as lions and the elusive leopard.

After a few hours of game driving, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering spectacular views of wildlife along the water. You’ll encounter massive herds of hippos, crocodiles basking in the sun, and numerous bird species such as kingfishers and African fish eagles.

After the boat cruise, you’ll have the option to enjoy a brief sunset game drive en route back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On day six, after breakfast, you’ll set out for an early game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, and with a bit of luck, you may be able to spot these extraordinary predators lounging in the branches of fig trees, a behavior that is unique to this part of the world.

After spending several hours searching for the lions and other wildlife, you’ll enjoy lunch in the park before continuing your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi is approximately 4 hours, taking you through rolling hills and lush landscapes. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The seventh day is the pinnacle of your safari: the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll be briefed by the park rangers at the park headquarters and assigned to a group. The trek to find the mountain gorillas can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to spend up to one hour in their presence. During this time, you’ll witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, observing their behaviors and interactions. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will leave you in awe of these magnificent animals and their endangered status.

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. You will be given a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trek, a cherished souvenir for this extraordinary encounter.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 8: Return Drive to Kampala

On your final day, after a relaxing breakfast, you’ll begin your 8 Days Best Uganda Safari journey back to Kampala. The drive is long, taking approximately 8 hours, but it provides another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, allowing you to enjoy the countryside one last time. Upon arrival in Kampala, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or directly at the airport for your return flight.

End of 8 Days Best Uganda Safari