Uganda wildlife safari presented here is a perfect 7-day adventure into the heart of the country’s iconic natural treasures.
You begin your journey at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, tracking wild rhinos on foot. Next, immerse yourself in Murchison Falls National Park for thrilling safari game drives and a boat cruise along the Nile River, encountering Big Five animals in the picturesque savannah landscape.
Your Uganda wildlife safari continues at Kibale National Park,where you’ll trek through lush rainforests to observe a habituated chimpanzee community. From there, venture to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife.
A key highlight is trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining population. Guided by experts, you’ll engage with these gentle giants responsibly and marvel at their fascinating behavior.
The adventure wraps up at Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxation and reflection. Finally, you’ll return to Entebbe or Kampala, completing your extraordinary Uganda wildlife safari.
7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari – Highlights
- Explore Uganda’s top wildlife attractions
- Track wild rhinos on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Enjoy a boat cruise and game drives at Murchison Falls National Park
- Visit the top of Murchison Falls – the world’s strongest waterfalls
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park‘s diverse African wildlife
- See over 13 species of primates at Kibale Forest National Park
- Comfortable accommodation throughout your stay
- Breathtaking forest & mountain views
- Culture interactions with local communities
- Exceptional birding opportunities
- Inspiring photographic opportunities
7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari – Summary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon Boat cruise
Day 3: Visit the Top of the Falls & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Village Walk
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Gorilla trekking & Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
Day 7: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe
Details
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your incredible Uganda wildlife safari starts with an early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe at 6:30 AM. Heading northwest, the drive leads to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest park, offering some of the best wildlife experiences on any Uganda wildlife safari itinerary.
En route, we’ll pass lively towns and peaceful rural villages before stopping at the famous Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where Uganda’s only wild rhinos reside. Here, a two-hour rhino tracking adventure on foot allows close encounters with these majestic animals, making your Uganda wildlife safari even more memorable.
After rhino tracking, enjoy a delicious lunch at Kabalega Dinners before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving late afternoon. Game viewing begins as you enter the park, where over 70 mammal species, including 4 of the Big Five, and over 470 bird species create a thrilling Uganda wildlife safari experience.
The park’s crown jewel is Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow 8-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters. This breathtaking spectacle, paired with flourishing savannahs and riverine woodlands, solidifies the park’s reputation as a must-visit on any Uganda wildlife safari.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Bakers Lodge/ Paraa Safari Lodge/Nile Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Hornbill Safari Lodge/Heritage Safari Camp/Red-chili Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 375 km or 7-8 hours
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Your Uganda wildlife safari kicks off with an early breakfast at 6:00 AM, followed by an exciting 3 to 4-hour game drive through the northern savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. As the sun rises, spot incredible wildlife such as Rothschild’s Giraffes, African Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, and Spotted Hyenas, alongside many other fascinating species.
Bird enthusiasts on this Uganda wildlife safari can enjoy sightings of rare birds, including Pel’s Fishing Owl, Saddle-billed Stork, and perhaps the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork. After your adventure, you’ll head back to the lodge to relax and savor a delicious lunch.
The afternoon brings a captivating boat cruise on the Nile River, a highlight of your Uganda wildlife safari. Watch crocodiles glide beneath the water, observe hippos in playful pods, and enjoy the diversity of waterbirds. The journey culminates at Murchison Falls, where the Nile dramatically narrows into an 8-meter gap before plunging 45 meters below.
Return to the lodge for dinner and reflection after this thrilling day on your Uganda wildlife safari.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Hornbill Safari Lodge / Heritage Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Visit the Top of the Falls & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Your exciting Uganda wildlife safari continues with a relaxed breakfast before heading to the top of Murchison Falls. Witness the world’s most powerful waterfalls from a breathtaking viewpoint, where the Nile River crashes through an 8-meter gap in the rocks.
After experiencing the falls, we’ll leave Murchison Falls National Park and drive south toward Kibale Forest National Park, passing through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley and charming rural villages. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the beauty that defines this Uganda wildlife safari.
We’ll stop for lunch in Fort Portal, a picturesque town set in the shadow of the mystical Mountains of the Moon, renowned for its lush tea plantations. After lunch, we continue to Kibale National Park, famous for its diverse tropical rainforest and an incredible concentration of primates—13 species, making this stop a highlight of your Uganda wildlife safari.
We will reach our camp in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Crater Safari Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 366km or 6 hours
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Village Walk
Your Uganda wildlife safari continues bright and early, with breakfast served at 6:30 AM before heading to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre in Kibale Forest National Park. At 7:00 AM, a pre-trek briefing will be conducted by professional rangers who will guide you through this exciting primate adventure, which kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp.
Set off into the enchanting Kibale Forest, renowned for hosting one of the densest populations of chimpanzees in Africa. Trekking through this tropical haven may take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of these highly social and intelligent primates, which live in communities of up to 200 individuals.
With a remarkable 95% success rate for sightings, Kibale Forest stands as Africa’s premier destination for chimpanzee tracking—a key highlight of any Uganda wildlife safari.
When you locate the chimpanzees, savor an unforgettable hour observing their dynamic interactions, captivating behavior, and remarkable similarities to humans. Photograph their playful gestures and social bonds to create lasting memories of this iconic Uganda wildlife safari experience.
You then return to the starting point and enjoy your packed picnic lunch. After lunch, the fun does not stop as you go for a guided cultural walk in Bigodi Village.
Here, you visit traditional healers; women craft makers, traditional homesteads and listen to the storytelling of an Mzee (elderly man).
After our exciting day we will head back to our camp/lodge to freshen up.
Then we will have dinner and reminisce about our wonderful day and amazing time so far in Uganda.
Then we’re off to bed for a good night’s rest, because tomorrow other superb national parks awaits!
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Crater Safari Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer To Bwindi Via Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to the lovely staff in Kibale Forest before setting off on a scenic journey south. Passing through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular savannah parks, you’ll marvel at explosion craters and stunning landscapes as your Uganda wildlife safari unfolds.
The park is home to 600 bird species and 95 mammal species, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, monkeys, and antelopes. A slow drive through the southern Ishasha region offers a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions lazing in fig trees, while Uganda Kob, buffalos, elephants, and topi graze peacefully below.
Continuing south, the journey takes you through rolling hills, charming homesteads, and sweeping panoramic views. After lunch en route, you’ll arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting misty hills, 400 plant species, and sheltering half of the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas, along with 120 mammals and 351 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Relax, savor your dinner, and prepare for the next thrilling phase of your Uganda wildlife safari.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Haven Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Agandi Lodge
Budget: Trekkers Tavern Ruhija
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 400km or 7 hours
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Evening at Lake Bunyonyi
This day of your Uganda wildlife safari promises an adventure of a lifetime: a close encounter with the magnificent Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast at 6:30 AM, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by expert rangers who will guide your trek.
At 8:00 AM, embark on your thrilling gorilla trek through the dense rainforest, home to exotic birds, rare butterflies, and elusive monkeys. The trek, lasting 2 to 7 hours, can be challenging due to steep trails and humid air. However, meeting a gorilla family in their natural habitat is an unforgettable, awe-inspiring highlight of your Uganda wildlife safari.
After an hour spent observing and photographing the gentle giants, enjoy your packed lunch before returning to the park offices to receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Later, take a short drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the scenic jewel of the Kigezi Highlands. Unwind with an evening boat cruise to explore its 29 idyllic islands as you reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi
Mid-range: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 55-85 km or 1-3 hours
Day 7: Travel Back to Kampala/Entebbe
Your Uganda wildlife safari concludes with a leisurely breakfast before starting the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Prepare for a long but scenic drive, and don’t forget to pack snacks and water for the trip.
Our first stop will be at the Igongo Cultural Centre, a renowned enterprise featuring a five-star hotel, a top-rated restaurant, craft shops, and one of Uganda’s best museums. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch while learning about the rich Ankole culture—a cultural highlight of your Uganda wildlife safari.
After lunch, we’ll continue to the Equator, one of the few places in the world where you can cross this imaginary line on land. Witness the unique water swirl demonstration and take photos to commemorate this iconic moment. You’ll reach Entebbe or Kampala in the late afternoon to prepare for your onward travel, marking the perfect end to your Uganda wildlife safari adventure
End of the 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
What’s Included
- Accommodation: Hotel/lodges (6 nights).
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
- All national park entrance fees
- Guided mountain gorilla trek with permits
- Guided chimpanzee trek with permits
- Safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Wildlife boat cruise on the Nile River
- Visit the Equator
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare to and from the destination
- Medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Any activity not described in what’s Included
- Meals on your own
- Gratuities
