8 Days Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

A polished mid-range safari through Lake Mburo, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and immersive game drives.

Safari Overview

Encounter chimps, gorillas & other primates on this tour through savannah plains and West African jungles as you navigate Uganda's Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks.

Days	Destination / Experience
1&2	Transfer to Lake Mburo + safari activities
3&4	Transfer to Bwindi + gorilla trekking
5	Queen Elizabeth National Park & relaxation
6&7	Game drives, chimpanzee tracking & boat cruise
8	Transfer to Kampala

Day 1-2: Lake Mburo National Park

Day 1: Set off from Kampala with a fun Equator photo stop and coffee break along the way. Arrive at Lake Mburo ? Uganda's most intimate savannah park ? in time for a relaxed boat cruise on the lake, where hippos and crocodiles bask on the shoreline and waterbirds line the edges.

Day 2: Choose how you explore: a morning game drive across open acacia plains, a guided walking safari on quiet trails, a gentle horseback ride past grazing zebras, or a scenic cycling loop. After a day of wildlife viewing, unwind at your lodge before a night drive in search of leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal species.

Highlights

Equator photo stop en route
Boat cruise with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds
Optional horseback, cycling, or walking safari
Night game drive for nocturnal wildlife
Birding-rich savannah with over 300 species recorded

Snapshot

Hippos, crocodiles, zebra herds, and a strong chance of spotting nocturnal species on night drive.

Open acacia savannah, lake shorelines, and classic Equator-stop landscapes on the drive in.

Boat cruise, optional horseback or cycling safari, and varied game-viewing pace for day two.

Accommodation

Budget bandas or tented camp close to the park gate with shared lounge and simple full-board meals.

1-2 nights at a mid-range safari lodge near Lake Mburo with dinner and breakfast included.

Upscale lodge with private deck views, elevated dining, and guided nature add-ons on request.

Day 3-4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3: Travel into the misty hills of Bwindi, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and the world’s leading sanctuary for mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge, unwind, and prepare for the next day’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek.

Later in the afternoon, deepen your connection with the forest through a community visit or a Batwa cultural trail, where you’ll learn about traditional forest livelihoods and conservation efforts from local experts.

Day 4: After a ranger briefing, set off on a guided trek through the lush forest to find your habituated gorilla family. Spend a full hour observing their social behavior, then return to camp with memories (and photos) that last forever. The trek is moderately challenging, with steep sections and uneven terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Highlights

Mountain gorilla trekking with experienced rangers
Forest hike through a biodiversity hotspot
Batwa cultural trail or village visit
Conservation storytelling from local guides
Support for community-led conservation programs

Snapshot

Mountain gorilla trekking is the highlight, with other forest residents (duikers, monkeys, and birds) adding to the experience.

Misty valleys, mossy trees, and a primeval canopy create a breathtaking backdrop for every step of the trek.

A ranger-led gorilla trek followed by optional Batwa cultural walks or village visits.

Accommodation

Practical forest camp with warm showers, generator power windows, and easy transfer to briefing points.

2 nights at a Bwindi forest lodge, selected by sector for smooth trekking-day access.

Premium jungle lodge with panoramic valley views, fireplace lounge, and private porter coordination.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, head north into the western rift valley, where Queen Elizabeth National Park unfolds with crater lakes, sprawling savannahs, and the blue silhouettes of the Rwenzori mountains in the distance.

After checking in at your lodge, enjoy your lunch, relax as your prepare to enjoy an afternoon game drive through the Kasenyi plains and along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and lions are often spotted.

Highlights

Scenic transfer through the western rift valley
Game viewing in Kasenyi plains and along the Kazinga Channel
Sunset boat cruise rich with hippos, crocodiles, and birds
Comfortable overnight near key game tracks
Optional evening game drive for predators and nocturnal species

Snapshot

Hippos, elephants, buffalo, and lions are frequent sights; Kazinga Channel offers excellent birding and crocodile viewing too.

Crater lakes shimmer in the afternoon light while the distant Rwenzori peaks rise above the park’s open savannah.

Choose between a relaxing boat cruise or an evening game drive to spot big cats and nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation

Budget safari lodge with practical en-suite rooms and quick access to Kasenyi and channel activities.

1 night at a mid-range lodge in or near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

High-end lodge overlooking the savannah with fine dining, sundowner deck, and premium service.

Day 6-8: Savannah, Primates, and Departure

Day 6: Wake early for a sunrise game drive in Kasenyi and the crater zones, where elephants, buffalo, and big cats move quietly through the morning mist. Later afternoon, you shall board a boat for a calm afternoon cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles and thousands of waterbirds congregate at the water edge. evening relation at your lodge.

Day 7: After an early breakfast, embark on another morning game drive, to spot more wildlife and enjoy the diverse landscapes of the park.

Kyambura chimp tracking: Descend into the green gorge to track habituated chimpanzee troops, guided by experienced rangers who know the best routes and behaviors to watch for.

Day 8 departure: After breakfast, enjoy a final park game drive before transferring back to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure.

Highlights

Sunrise game drive in Kasenyi and crater zones
Boat cruise on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Local salt-mining village visit at Lake Katwe
Scenic transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe

Snapshot

Elephants, buffaloes, lions and hippos are key highlights; the gorge has agile chimps and abundant birdlife.

From crater lakes and sweeping savannahs to lush river gorges, the landscapes shift dramatically over these last days.

Game drives, a sunset boat cruise, chimp trekking, and a cultural visit at Lake Katwe make for an active finale.

Accommodation

Budget camp or lodge near Queen Elizabeth with practical amenities and good access to morning game drives.

2 nights in a comfortable mid-range lodge, with easy access to Kazinga Channel and Kyambura Gorge activities.

Luxury lodge with sweeping views, premium dining, and a relaxed departure pace on Day 8.

What’s included (and what’s not)

Included

✔ Return airport transfers (pick-up + drop-off)
✔ Transport for 8 days in a 4x4 WD, air-conditioned, with pop-up roofs (Land Cruiser / Safari van)
✔ Fuel for 8 days
✔ English-speaking safari guide for 8 days
✔ Private-standard / mid-range / luxury accommodation for 7 nights (full board)
✔ Bottled mineral water and all en-route meals
✔ All park entrance fees and itinerary activities
✔ Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi
✔ Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kyambura Gorge
✔ Boat cruises at Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
✔ Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
✔ Morning jungle walking safari

Excluded

✘ International flights to/from Uganda
✘ Visa fees
✘ Travel and medical insurance
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ Personal shopping and items of a personal nature
✘ Alcoholic drinks and beverages
✘ Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Gamba Uganda Safaris