8 Day Uganda Safari Starting from Kigali
8 Days – 7 Nights
8 Day Uganda Safari Starting from Kigali
Overview
This 8 day Uganda Safari starting from Kigali is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and thrilling game drives while starting and ending the adventure in Kigali, Rwanda. The safari covers some of Uganda’s most iconic destinations, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. From the dense forests of Bwindi to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, this tour offers a blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
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8 Days/ 7 Nights
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Uganda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla & Chimpanzee permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome by your guide at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. From here, you’ll start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking. En route, you’ll stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and informative experience that offers insight into Rwanda’s history.
As you continue the drive, you’ll pass through beautiful rural landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for photography. Upon arrival at Bwindi, check in to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours (with stops)
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Full board (Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing about the gorilla trekking experience. Your guide will assign you a gorilla family to track, and you’ll be grouped with others for a maximum of 8 people per family.
The trek through the dense forest is both challenging and exhilarating, but it culminates in one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences: spending one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, you’ll receive your gorilla trekking certificate as a memorable souvenir.
Return to your lodge to unwind and reflect on the extraordinary experience.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Full board
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its diverse wildlife, including the “Big Four” (elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards), Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s most famous parks.
You’ll arrive in the afternoon and enjoy an evening game drive, offering the chance to see herds of elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and possibly lions as they begin their nocturnal activities. You’ll then check in to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Resort / Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Start the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, and various antelopes. The plains are also known for attracting predators such as lions, so keep an eye out for early-morning hunters.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, embark on an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This is an excellent opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including the majestic African fish eagle.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Resort / Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Full board
Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive in search of any wildlife you may have missed the day before. Then, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the highest densities of primates in Africa.
You’ll stop for lunch in Fort Portal before continuing to your lodge near Kibale Forest.
Drive Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Kibale Home Stay
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi Wetland Walk
Kibale Forest is world-renowned for its chimpanzee tracking opportunities. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the trek. As you hike through the forest, you’ll have the chance to see not only chimpanzees but also other primates like baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and various species of birds.
After the chimpanzee tracking, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based initiative known for its stunning biodiversity. Enjoy a leisurely walk while spotting birds and other wildlife, as well as engaging with local communities.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Kibale Home Stay
Meals: Full board
Day 7: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation
Today, you’ll head south to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene beauty and picturesque islands. Spend the day relaxing by the lake, soaking in the tranquil surroundings, or opt for a community visit to learn more about the local culture.
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Crater Bay Cottages
Meals: Full board
Day 8: Morning Boat Ride – Transfer Back to Kigali
Start the final day of your safari with a morning boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. During the ride, visit Punishment Island, a local historical site, and explore the island communities that call Lake Bunyonyi home. After the boat ride, enjoy a leisurely morning before bidding farewell to the lake and beginning your journey back to Kigali.
Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 8-day Uganda Safari starting from Kigali.
Drive Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route
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Suggested Gorilla Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
