8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

8-Day Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park

Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of Uganda on this 8-day safari, which takes you through three iconic national parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, including the opportunity to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and tree-climbing lions, alongside scenic drives through some of the most stunning landscapes in East Africa.

Tour Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
  • Walking safari and wildlife encounters in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Relaxing boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most beautiful lake

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Your Hotel

Your 8-day safari kicks off with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. After meeting your guide, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala for a restful evening. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Entebbe’s local attractions, including the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe or Kampala

Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, begin your 8-day safari with a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The 4-5 hour drive offers picturesque views of Uganda’s rolling hills and a stop at the Equator, where you can take memorable photos and witness a water swirl demonstration showing how water behaves on either side of the Equator.

Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, check into your lodge before embarking on an evening game drive. Lake Mburo is renowned for its wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and buffaloes. With over 350 bird species, the park is also a birdwatcher’s haven.

Overnight: Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 3: Morning Nature Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the third day of your 8-day safari with an early morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, guided by a park ranger. This is one of the best ways to experience wildlife up close. After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, including views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon. Depending on your energy levels, you can go on an optional evening game drive to catch a glimpse of lions and leopards.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin the day with a thrilling morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, which is known for its large populations of lions and Uganda kobs. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, and leopards.

After lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species, including African fish eagles and pelicans. The channel is also a prime spot for observing elephants and buffaloes as they come to the water’s edge.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Transfer to Bwindi

Day five of your 8-day safari begins with an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.” Trek through the dense forest as you listen for the sounds of chimpanzees and follow their movements. This unique experience offers a rare opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

After tracking, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Be sure to keep your camera ready as you pass through this area. Arrive in Bwindi in the evening, where you’ll check into your lodge.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the highlight of your 8-day safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll set out with your ranger guide in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending an hour with these gentle giants is indescribable.

In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Batwa community for a cultural walk. The Batwa are indigenous to the Bwindi forest, and this experience provides insight into their traditional way of life.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7: Scenic Drive to Lake Bunyonyi and Boat Trip

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful destinations. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect place to unwind after the more active days of your 8-day safari.

Upon arrival, take an afternoon boat trip to explore some of the lake’s 29 islands and learn about their unique histories. Lake Bunyonyi is also a great spot for birdwatching, with various species such as weavers and kingfishers found around the lake.

Overnight: Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi

Day 8: Transfer Back to Entebbe via Mbarara

Your 8-day safari concludes with a journey back to Entebbe. After a leisurely breakfast, travel through the bustling town of Mbarara. Along the way, stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about the history and culture of the Ankole people. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon, where your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable 8-day safari in Uganda.

This 8-day safari combines the excitement of gorilla trekking, game drives, and boat cruises with opportunities for relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi. From Queen Elizabeth National Park’s sprawling savannahs to Bwindi’s misty forests, each day brings new wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an adventurer or nature lover, this 8-day safari offers a perfect blend of Uganda’s best highlights, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time in the Pearl of Africa.

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