8-Day Best of Uganda Safari
Three national parks. Chimpanzee tracking. Gorilla trekking. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 8-day Uganda safari is our most booked itinerary — and for good reason.It packs the very best of Uganda into a single seamless journey through Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Want more time in the parks? Compare our 11-day Uganda Gorilla & Primate safari and 12-day Ultimate Uganda Wildlife & Primate safari for longer itineraries, or see all our Uganda safaris.Safari at a Glance
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Parks | Kibale Forest NP • Queen Elizabeth NP • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
| Highlights | Chimpanzee tracking, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ishasha tree-climbing lions, gorilla trekking |
| Accommodation | Mid-range to luxury lodges |
| Group size | 2 – 8 people |
| Difficulty | Moderate (gorilla trek can be strenuous) |
| Start / End | Entebbe International Airport |
| Quotation | Personalised to your dates, party size and permit availability |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Entebbe to Kibale Forest
Depart Entebbe after an early morning briefing and drive west to Fort Portal, arriving at your lodge on the edge of Kibale Forest National Park in time for a late-afternoon guided nature walk. Overnight: Kibale area lodge.
Day 2 — Chimpanzee Tracking, Kibale Forest
After an early breakfast join a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest -— home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, the highest density in East Africa. The trek takes 2–4 hours through ancient mahogany and fig trees. The afternoon is free for a primate walk or a visit to the Kibale National Park visitor centre. Overnight: Kibale area lodge.
Day 3 — Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive south through the scenic Crater Lakes region toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stop at a crater lake viewpoint for photographs, then check in to your lodge in time for an afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi Plains — prime habitat for lions, elephants, Uganda kob and buffalo. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP lodge.
Day 4 — Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Game Drive
Morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector, followed by the famous two-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise at midday. The channel connects Lakes Edward and George and hosts one of Africa’s largest hippopotamus concentrations alongside thousands of water birds and bathing elephants. Optional afternoon game drive. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP lodge.
Day 5 — Ishasha Sector & Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive to the remote Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth NP — the only place in East Africa where lions regularly climb fig trees. Spend the day game-driving in search of these rare tree lions, as well as giant forest hogs, Uganda kob and the occasional leopard. Overnight: Ishasha sector camp.
Day 6 — Ishasha to Bwindi / Gorilla Trekking
Short drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After lodge check-in and a briefing from your guide, set out for gorilla trekking in the afternoon (or the following morning depending on permit allocation). Trek duration: 2–8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Overnight: Bwindi area lodge.
Day 7 — Batwa Cultural Trail
Spend the morning with the Batwa pygmy community on the Batwa Cultural Trail — an immersive forest walk led by former Bwindi forest dwellers who share their ancient hunting skills, herbal knowledge and traditional songs. The afternoon is free to relax or join an optional village walk. Overnight: Bwindi area lodge.
Day 8 — Return to Entebbe
Early breakfast and depart Bwindi for the drive back to Entebbe (approximately 7–8 hours). Drop-off at your Entebbe hotel or Entebbe International Airport for evening onward flights. En-route lunch stop in Mbarara town.
Included
- All accommodation (7 nights, mid-range to luxury)
- All meals — full board throughout
- Gorilla trekking permit per person
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Airport transfers and all ground transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
- All national park entry fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise fee
- Batwa Cultural Trail fee
- English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Mineral water during transfers
Excluded
- International flights and Uganda entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages and personal items
- Optional activities not listed above
Confirmed quotation
We prepare the rate for your exact travel dates, number of guests, room arrangement and current gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability. Contact us for a personalised quotation and live permit confirmation.
Accommodation is based on carefully selected lodges of the stated standard. Specific properties may vary depending on availability, but any substitutions will be of an equivalent or higher category unless agreed otherwise.Plan this safari with confidence
- Licensed local operator: Orugano Safaris Uganda Limited is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB/RTT/TT/2025/101604).
- Local Bwindi presence: Orugano Safaris operates Orugano Bwindi Lodge in Nkuringo, close to southern Bwindi.
- Coordinated permits and logistics: We check gorilla and chimpanzee permits, accommodation and transport before issuing the confirmed itinerary.
- Private planning: The route, vehicle and guide are organised around your party, arrival point and travel pace.
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