8 Days Uganda Safari: Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Discovery (Start & End in Kigali)

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Uganda safari, starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda. This adventure takes you through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and boat safaris, and Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture with Go Safaris Africa.

Safari Highlights

✅ Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
✅ Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
✅ Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
✅ Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
✅ Scenic drive through Uganda’s lush landscapes
✅ Cultural encounters with local communities

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Go Safaris Africa guide for a short briefing before beginning your scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Cross the border into Uganda via Gatuna or Cyanika, stopping for lunch en route. Arrive at your lodge in the evening and relax.

• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the dense rainforest. Spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat before trekking back. In the afternoon, visit a Batwa pygmy community for a cultural experience.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Arrive in the park and embark on an afternoon game drive, searching for elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and the elusive tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 4: Big Five Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with a morning game drive, increasing your chances of spotting lions, leopards, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Nature Walk

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its high concentration of primates. Upon arrival, take a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you’ll spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Camp

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Start your day with an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Follow expert trackers into the jungle and observe these intelligent primates as they play and communicate. After trekking, relax at your lodge or take an optional birdwatching walk.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Camp

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation & Boat Ride

Depart Kibale and take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride, explore small islands, or simply unwind by the lakeshore.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort / Arcadia Cottages

Day 8: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy an optional Kigali city tour before being transferred to the airport for departure.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

✅ Gorilla trekking permit ($700 per person)
✅ Chimpanzee tracking permit
✅ All park entrance fees & guided activities
✅ Professional English-speaking guide
✅ Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
✅ Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
✅ Bottled water during safaris

Safari Exclusions

❌ International flights
❌ Rwanda & Uganda visa fees
❌ Personal expenses & tips
❌ Optional activities