10 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Encounter Safari
From $5,370 pp View →
Uganda
8 Days Uganda Gorilla Encounter Adventure Safari
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Price
- From $3,985 pp
- Group size
- Max 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
Eight days and three forests, moving southwest across Uganda from Entebbe to the Congo border.
Kibale Forest comes first, which has the highest density of primates in East Africa and the best chimpanzee tracking in the country. Thirteen species live here, and the Bigodi wetland walk beside the park adds birds and a community-run project worth the couple of hours.
Then Queen Elizabeth National Park for two nights: a game drive on the Kasenyi plains, the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel where elephant and buffalo come down to drink at close range, and the Ishasha sector for its tree-climbing lions.
The trip finishes with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is a long drive in and a steep walk once you are there, and it is the reason most people book this itinerary. Permits are limited and dated; we hold yours before you travel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kampala (Travel Time 1.30 hrs)
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver guide who will assist you with your luggage and provide a short briefing about the journey ahead. You will then be transferred to Entebbe, enjoying a pleasant drive through the beautiful surroundings of Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, with its lush landscapes and vibrant local life. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will proceed with check in and take time to relax after your journey. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Boma Hotel
- Luxury Accommodation
- No. 5 Boutique Hotel
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Transfer to Kibale National Park (Travel Time +6 hrs)
In the morning, you will depart for a relaxed and scenic drive through Uganda’s verdant countryside toward Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, there will be several pleasant stops for sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy the distant views of rolling hills, traditional villages, and the lush rural landscapes that characterize this beautiful region of the country. You are expected to arrive at Kibale Forest National Park in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and spend the remainder of the evening relaxing while overlooking the picturesque tea plantations. Dinner and overnight will be at the booked lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Chimpundu Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Nature Walk
In the morning, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers before setting off for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park. During the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as Vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Black and White colobus monkeys, along with a variety of forest birds. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk, well known for its rich birdlife and primates. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Chimpundu Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP (Travel Time +3 hrs)
In the morning, after a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of western Uganda. Upon arrival in the park, you will proceed for an afternoon game drive where you may encounter a variety of wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other savannah animals. Later, continue to your lodge where you will have time to rest and enjoy the stunning views over the Kazinga Channel, often dotted with wildlife in the distance. Dinner and overnight will be at the booked lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon boat Cruise
In the morning, you will depart for an early game drive in the park to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. This is an excellent time to spot a variety of animals, including the elusive big cats, elephants, buffaloes, and several antelope species as they begin their day. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some time to relax before lunch. In the afternoon, you will proceed to the Kazinga Channel for a memorable boat cruise, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 6
Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi National Park (Travel Time +6 hrs)
In the morning, you will set off on a spectacular drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and traditional villages, offering wonderful views of the countryside along the way. This drive also provides an opportunity to experience the authentic rural life of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival in Bwindi in the afternoon, you will proceed to your lodge where you can relax and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience. Dinner and overnight will be at the booked lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Buhoma Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 7
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Early in the morning, with packed lunch, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers before embarking on the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Gorilla trekking is often described as a once in a lifetime experience, offering the rare opportunity to meet mountain gorillas face to face in their natural forest habitat. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend up to one hour observing them as they interact, play, and feed. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation while reviewing photos from this memorable experience.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Buhoma Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 8
Transfer to the airport for departure
After an early morning breakfast, you will check out and begin your transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight. As the drive from Bwindi to Entebbe takes approximately ten hours, we recommend taking a domestic flight to Entebbe for greater comfort and time efficiency. Alternatively, you may choose to drive through Kigali for your departure, as this route offers a shorter and more convenient driving distance. Your driver guide will assist with the transfer and ensure a smooth journey to the airport. End of services. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Private transportation on a 4 x 4 safari vehicle
- En route lunches as specified
- Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person.
- 1 Gorilla ($ 800) permit per person
- Bigodi nature walk
- Boat cruises as mentioned in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- A professional driver guide speaking English/ French
- Bottled mineral water
- Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- And other day excursions as described in the itinerary
Not Included
- Air fare,
- Visa,
- Drinks,
- Laundry,
- Tips to local guides,
- Personal insurance,
- Souvenirs shopping bills
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 8 Days Uganda Gorilla Encounter Adventure Safari cost?
- This safari starts from $3,985 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 8 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- June to August and December to February are the drier trekking months, when the forest trails are less punishing. Gorilla trekking runs year-round, and permits must be secured well in advance in the popular months.
Keep exploring
Similar safaris you might love
Every itinerary is private and fully customizable. Use these as a starting point.
8 Days Uganda Signature Treasures Safari
From $4,266 pp View →
6 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trek and Wildlife Safari
From $2,480 pp View →
15 Days Kenya-Uganda & Rwanda Road Trip Safari
From $9,158 pp View →
5 Days Uganda Primates trekking Safari
From $2,852 pp View →
12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safaris
From $5,960 pp View →
Where you might stay
Lodges and camps on this itinerary
Ready to make 8 Days Uganda Gorilla Encounter Adventure Safari yours?
Tell us your dates and what you would love to see. The Enclose Africa Safaris team replies within one business day with your personal itinerary proposal, no obligation.
From $3,985 per person
Plan Your Safari