8-Day Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Big Five Safari
Certified Operator
Arcadia Safaris
Safari Tour
Curated African experience
Small Group
Max 35 participants
Fully Guided
Expert English-speaking guide
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Uganda safari with Arcadia Safaris, exploring the best of Uganda’s wildlife and primate adventures. This tailored journey takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for thrilling gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park for Big Five game drives and a scenic Kazinga Channel boat cruise. With cultural experiences at Ndere Cultural Centre and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, this affordable Uganda safari package offers a perfect blend of adventure and culture. Book your dream safari today or explore our Best Uganda Safari Packages.
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Arcadia Safaris guide welcomes you to Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa." After a brief introduction to your 8-day Uganda gorilla and chimp safari, transfer to your hotel in Kampala for relaxation. In the evening, visit the vibrant Ndere Cultural Centre, showcasing Uganda’s rich heritage through music, dance, and drama. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a haven for primate lovers. Pass charming villages, lush countryside, and tea plantations, a hallmark of Uganda’s western region. Kibale is renowned for its chimpanzee population, alongside colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Arrive at your lodge, check in, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Learn more about Kibale’s primates while on your 8-Day Uganda Gorillas - Chimpanzee and Big Five Safari.
Day 3Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Nature Walk
Start with breakfast and head to Kibale Forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. After a briefing on trekking etiquette, venture into the forest with an expert ranger, marveling at the diverse primates swinging through the trees. Spend an hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot hosting baboons, vervet monkeys, and the Great Blue Turaco, perfect for birdwatchers. Discover Uganda’s birding hotspots.
Day 4Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park, nestled near the Rwenzori Mountains. Its diverse savannas and wetlands host over 600 bird species and ten primate species, including chimpanzees. After lunch at your lodge, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5Morning Game Drive and Explosion Crater Drive
Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, and Uganda kob. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take the Explosion Crater Drive, offering stunning views of volcanic craters and frequent sightings of elephants and buffalo. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge. Explore more about Uganda’s Big Five.
Day 6Ishasha Sector Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. After this unique wildlife experience, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Read about gorilla trekking tips. 8-Day Uganda Gorillas - Chimpanzee and Big Five Safari
Day 7Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy an early breakfast and a ranger-led briefing before trekking into Bwindi’s dense rainforest to track mountain gorillas. This exhilarating experience, navigating steep trails and lush vegetation, culminates in an hour with these gentle giants. Return to your lodge for lunch and rest. Later, transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and tranquil waters. Check in, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Day 8Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for Departure
Savor a leisurely breakfast with views of Lake Bunyonyi’s hills. Begin your drive back to Entebbe International Airport, stopping in Mbarara for lunch and at the famous Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for photos and souvenirs. Arrive at the airport in the late afternoon or evening, concluding your unforgettable 8-day Uganda gorillas, chimpanzee tracking, and Big Five safari.
Safari Route
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Route Stops
Route Summary
Total Stops:8
National Parks:2
What's Included
Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Private Transportation in 4x4 Safari Cars
Private Transportation in 4x4 Safari Cars
Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
All Applicable Taxes
All Applicable Taxes
Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)
Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)
What's Not Included
Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
International Flight Fares (unless requested)
International Flight Fares (unless requested)
Country Entry Visa
Country Entry Visa
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Travel Insurance
Telephone Charges
Telephone Charges
Laundry Services
Laundry Services
Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
All related medical tests and vaccinations
All related medical tests and vaccinations