8 Days Uganda Safari [Big Five, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Gorilla Trekking Safari]

Arrival in Uganda

Your 8 Days Uganda Safari journey begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by a warm welcome from your Samz Tours Uganda representative. The airport is Uganda’s main gateway, offering you your first glimpse of this diverse and beautiful country. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight accommodation.

Rest and Refresh

After a long flight, it’s important to take some time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest at your hotel, enjoy the serene atmosphere of Lake Victoria, and indulge in a refreshing meal before embarking on the incredible safari journey that awaits you in the coming days.

Scenic Road Transfer to Murchison Falls

After breakfast at the hotel, your 8 Days Uganda Safari adventure officially begins with a scenic transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s largest and most iconic parks. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours from Entebbe, passing through the beautiful Ugandan countryside. You will witness the country’s diverse landscapes, from lush farmlands to the savannah plains, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

On your way to the park, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This conservation area is home to the only rhinos in Uganda, which were reintroduced in the early 2000s after rhinos were wiped out in the country due to poaching. A guided rhino tracking session will give you the rare chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close in a natural setting. It’s an excellent way to begin your 8 Days Uganda Safari experience, as it’s one of the few places in Africa where you can track rhinos on foot.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

After your rhino tracking experience, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on an exhilarating hike to the top of Murchison Falls. This stunning waterfall is created by the Victoria Nile as it forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular display of water crashing down over 40 meters. The hike takes about 1 hour, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. This is the perfect opportunity to take photos and fully appreciate the raw power of nature.

Evening Game Drive

In the late afternoon, you will go on your first game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards), as well as giraffes, antelope, and various species of birds. The park’s open savannah plains and dense woodlands provide the perfect habitat for these animals. The game drive will take you to some of the best wildlife-viewing areas, and you may even spot nocturnal creatures such as hyenas and leopards as the evening sets in.

Morning Game Drive

Start your day early with a morning game drive. The cool morning hours are the best time to see predators like lions and leopards in action, as well as large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. The park’s varied landscapes, including savannah grasslands, riverine forests, and open plains, make it a haven for wildlife, and your 8 Days Uganda Safari guide will help you spot and identify the different animals.

Boat Cruise on the Nile River

After the morning drive, it’s time for a relaxing boat cruise along the Nile River. The boat takes you close to the base of Murchison Falls, offering incredible views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscapes. The cruise is also a prime opportunity to see wildlife along the riverbanks. You can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including the African fish eagle and kingfishers.

The boat cruise is also a great opportunity for bird watching, as the park is home to over 450 species of birds. The river’s calm waters provide a serene contrast to the excitement of the game drives, and it’s a great way to end your time in Murchison Falls National Park.

Evening Relaxation

After a full day of adventure, you’ll return to your lodge for some relaxation. Unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and reflect on the day’s experiences. You’ll have the option to relax at the lodge or take a stroll around the area to enjoy the beautiful evening sky.

Scenic Road Transfer to Kibale Forest

On Day 4 of 8 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through fertile highlands, traditional villages, and tea plantations. Along the way, you’ll get a chance to witness the diverse landscapes and the lush green hills of Uganda.

Bigodi Swamp Walk

Upon arrival at Kibale Forest, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a lunch at your lodge before embarking on the Bigodi Swamp Walk in the afternoon. This nature walk takes you through the swampy areas near the park, where you can encounter a variety of bird species and maybe even some monkeys like the blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys. The walk is led by an experienced guide who will provide insights into the unique ecosystem of Kibale Forest.

The Bigodi Swamp is also famous for its rich birdlife, and this walk offers a great opportunity for photographers and bird lovers to enjoy the beauty of Uganda’s flora and fauna.

Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

The highlight of Day 5 is chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and tracking these fascinating primates through the dense forest is a thrilling and educational experience. The forest itself is a tropical paradise, rich in biodiversity and home to various other primates, such as red colobus monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Your experienced 8 Days Uganda Safari guide will lead you through the forest, tracking the chimps’ movements, and once you locate them, you will have a limited time to observe their behaviors, interactions, and social dynamics. This unique experience is an unforgettable way to connect with nature and learn more about these incredible creatures.

Evening Relaxation

After your chimpanzee tracking, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Reflect on the day’s encounters with the chimpanzees and enjoy the serene surroundings of Kibale Forest. The lodge offers a peaceful setting where you can unwind and prepare for the next part of your adventure.

Scenic Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

On Day 6 of 8 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive will take about 5-6 hours, passing through the scenic hills of southwestern Uganda. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley and the local villages, making it a visually stunning journey.

Batwa Cultural Experience

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the Batwa people with a cultural experience in the afternoon. The Batwa are a group of indigenous people who once lived in the forests of Bwindi. The cultural experience will take you on a journey through the Batwa’s traditional way of life, including dances, storytelling, and a tour of their ancestral forest.

This cultural experience offers a unique insight into the Batwa’s history, heritage, and connection to the forest. It’s a meaningful addition to your 8 Days Uganda Safari, providing a deeper understanding of Uganda’s diverse cultures.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

On Day 7, the highlight of your 8 Days Uganda Safari awaits: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world to see these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

Your trek through the dense, mist-covered forest will be led by expert rangers who will guide you safely through the terrain. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures as they go about their daily activities. The experience of sitting just a few feet away from a silverback gorilla or a playful baby gorilla is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Evening Relaxation

After the trek, return to your lodge for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Reflect on your incredible encounter with the gorillas and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Scenic Transfer Back to Entebbe

On the final day of your 8 Days Uganda Safari, enjoy a scenic road transfer back to Entebbe, taking in the stunning views of the Ugandan countryside. This will be your last chance to enjoy the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes before you head home.

Departure

Upon arrival in Entebbe, your guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport for your return flight. If time allows, you may wish to explore Entebbe’s local attractions or relax at a nearby hotel before your flight.