8 Days Gorilla Trek & Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 8 Days Gorilla Trek & Wildlife Safari combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one well-balanced journey. The itinerary connects savannah game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This safari follows Uganda’s western circuit, offering strong wildlife diversity, scenic landscapes, and immersive primate encounters. You explore the Nile River, track chimpanzees in tropical rainforest, cruise the Kazinga Channel, and finish with a close encounter with mountain gorillas. Each destination offers a different ecosystem and a distinct safari experience.

Tour Highlights

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile
Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Bigodi Wetland birding walk
Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Scenic drives through western Uganda
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with expert guide

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

You depart early from Entebbe or Kampala and drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. You stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. After lunch, you continue into the park and visit the Top of the Falls. You watch the Nile force through a narrow gorge before plunging into a powerful waterfall.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

You start the day with an early morning game drive across the northern savannah. You look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. You observe hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife along the riverbanks.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

You travel south through Uganda’s countryside. You pass tea plantations, rural villages, and rolling hills. You arrive in Kibale Forest in the evening and settle into your lodge surrounded by rainforest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

You enter Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking with experienced rangers. You walk through dense rainforest and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and primate viewing.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 5: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. You look for elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes in the open savannah.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge

Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

You start the morning with a game drive across the park. You continue to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. You see large groups of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birds along the shoreline.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge

Day 7: Ishasha Sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You travel through Ishasha Sector where you search for tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. You continue into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Return

You report for a briefing early in the morning before entering Bwindi Forest. You trek through thick jungle with rangers until you locate a gorilla family. You spend one hour observing them in their natural environment. After the experience, you begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala.

Inclusions

Airport or hotel transfers
Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Rhino tracking at Ziwa
Accommodation in selected category
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking guide
Game drives and boat cruises
Park entry fees
Full-board meals during safari
Bottled drinking water during transfers

Exclusions

International flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities (Batwa culture, extra experiences)
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Laundry services
Any services not listed in inclusions