Best of Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari – 7 Days

Best of Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari – 7 Days

The Best of Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari – 7 Days, expertly designed by Wild Planet, takes you deep into Uganda’s spectacular Albertine Rift Valley, showcasing the country’s most important and diverse protected areas. This immersive journey combines classic wildlife safaris, river cruises, primate encounters, and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences.

During this safari, Wild Planet guides you through Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will track the Big Five, cruise the mighty River Nile, observe rich birdlife, trek chimpanzees in Africa’s primate capital, and come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat.

This carefully paced itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, scenery, and comfort—ideal for travelers seeking the very best of Uganda in one week.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
• On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
• Boat safari on the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Guided primate walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Return to Entebbe or option to end the tour in Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park & Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Wild Planet begins your safari with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala at 7:00 am. After a detailed safari briefing, you depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.

At Ziwa, you track white rhinos on foot, accompanied by experienced rangers who lead you within close proximity—often as near as 10 meters. During the trek, you may also encounter antelopes, warthogs, and other wildlife. Rangers provide detailed insights into rhino conservation and Uganda’s successful reintroduction program.

After the rhino experience, you continue to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Top of the Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. You then proceed to your lodge along the Nile River.

Accommodation Options:
Fort Murchison Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

You depart early for a morning game drive, the best time to spot predators in action. Your Wild Planet guide skillfully tracks lions, leopards, hyenas, and other wildlife while also encountering elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

In the afternoon, you embark on a boat safari along the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This relaxing cruise offers close-up views of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and—with luck—the rare shoebill stork.

Accommodation Options:
Fort Murchison Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park – Africa’s Primate Capital

After breakfast, you drive south toward Kibale Forest National Park, passing dramatic escarpments of the Great East African Rift Valley and enjoying views of Lake Albert. You arrive in Fort Portal, a charming town surrounded by tea plantations and crater lakes.

In the afternoon, you explore the Kasenda Crater Lakes region, with optional walks around Lake Nyinambuga and panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation Options:
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

After breakfast, Wild Planet transfers you to Kibale Forest Park headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by expert rangers, you trek into the forest, listening for the chimps’ distinctive pant-hooting calls.

Once you find a chimpanzee troop, you spend one full hour observing their behavior, interactions, and feeding patterns. Along the way, you may also encounter other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in birds and primates, including the great blue turaco, baboons, otters, and bushbucks.

Accommodation Options:
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes

Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You depart Kibale and journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive passes through rolling hills, rural villages, and scenic farmlands.

You arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon, check in to your lodge, and relax while preparing for the following day’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation Options:
Rushaga Gorilla Havens | Gorilla Conservation Camp | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 6 hours

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today delivers the ultimate highlight of your safari. After breakfast, you attend a mandatory gorilla trekking briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers explain conservation efforts and trekking guidelines.

Accompanied by skilled trackers, you hike through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trek durations vary, but once you locate the gorillas, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them at close range as they feed, play, and interact in their natural environment.

After the trek, you return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection.

Accommodation Options:
Rushaga Gorilla Havens | Gorilla Conservation Camp | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Return to Entebbe or End Tour in Kigali

After breakfast, you begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, passing through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda—often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” You stop at the Equator Line for photos and souvenirs before continuing to Entebbe, arriving in the evening in time for your onward flight.
(Daily flights from Bwindi to Entebbe are also available upon request.)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Time: Approx. 7 hours

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person)
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Accommodation with meals as specified
• Services of a professional English-speaking Wild Planet safari guide
• All park entrance fees
• Transportation in a customized 4×4 safari vehicle
• Boat safari on the Nile
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Visas and travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Beverages at lodges
• Optional activities not listed
• Porter services during treks

Conclusion

The Best of Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari – 7 Days by Wild Planet offers an exceptional introduction to Uganda’s natural wonders—combining Big Five safaris, river adventures, primate encounters, and once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experiences. Designed for comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife moments, this safari delivers the very best of the Pearl of Africa.

For more details, customization options, or expert guidance, consult Wild Planet today and let us create your perfect Ugandan safari adventure.