8 Days Amazing Gorillas of Uganda Safari
About This 8-Day Safari
In 1907, from his book “My African Journey”. A young Member of the British Parliament at the time- Winston Churchill named Uganda the Pearl of Africa. He said, “The Kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up and at the end; there is a wonderful new world. The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and most of all the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa. I say; concentrate on Uganda for Magnificence, for Variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life- bird, insect, reptile, beast- for vast scale, Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa!
In this itinerary, you will enjoy interesting African history and culture experiences, track our closest DNA relatives (the Chimpanzees) and also Visit the highly endangered mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, watch some of the “Big five game” as well as different bird species, primates, Beautiful scenic views and Boat Cruises.
Therefore, you are welcome to experience and enjoy nature’s beautiful master Craft with us at Giravex Safaris
- Gorilla Tracking
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Safari/Nature walks
- Community and culture experience
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruises
- Equator Experience

Where You Will Go
The places this safari visits, in the order you will reach them.
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, elephants and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
The “primate capital of the world”, famous for chimpanzee trekking and 13 primate species.
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in south-western Uganda and home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Uganda’s smallest savannah park, walkable and home to zebras, giraffes, elands and buffalo.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe international Airport, our professional driver guide will receive you and take you to your hotel. Your guide will also brief you about the COVID19 protocols and precautions to take. You will use the rest of time of the day to relax and prepare for your safari.
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park; Nature/Community experience
After an early breakfast, you will be picked from the hotel to start your journey to the primate capital of the world; Kibale Forest National Park. Your journey will take you via Fortportal City where you will have Lunch and later on embark for the Bigodi Sanctuary eco-community walk through the wetland. The walk offers you possible views of counts of birds including the great Blue Turaco and Hornbills. The views of the swamp dwelling animals like Sitatunga may also be sighted. Then proceed to the local communities and get to experience their way of life such as feeding, interaction, socioeconomic activities and maybe learn about their history and heritage. You may visit different families doing different activities such as Banana Juice making, Banana beer brewing, coffee processing, herbal medicine, basket weaving etc.
Later on, you will move to your lodge, still in time to spot the beautiful hot orange sunset.
Chimpanzee Trekking; Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Information Centre at 8am for briefing by the park rangers and then set off for the chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest boasts of high counts of habituated chimpanzees with over 95% chances of encountering them. The chimpanzee trekking exposes you to impressive forested landscapes with undulating terrain that presents a rewarding hike. The hour of direct encounter with chimpanzees, seeing them as they patrol, munch leaves or fruits, socialize, young ones playing and make pant hooting calls creates remarkable memories. During the trekking, you may spot primates like black and white colobus monkeys. Return to the lodge for lunch and later embark on a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Morning game drive; Kazinga channel Boat Cruise; Drive to Ishasha Sector
After an early breakfast, we will go for a morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains that are a great place with chances of coming across lions, Uganda Kob and some herds of buffalos. Deep into the thickest and bushes towards the salt lakes is where if lucky you will encounter a leopard hidden in the thickets as if waiting to pounce on its prey. Later on, Lunch will be served hot at the lodge before we head to the Kazinga Channel; that flows to connect Lakes Edward and George. The boat ride here will offer sighting of the largest concentration of hippos, Crocodiles, buffaloes, Elephants, water birds including among others, the hamerkop and Kingfishers occasionally shooting into the waters for prey.
You will later in the evening drive to the southerly Ishasha Sector in search for the tree-climbing lions and other wild animals and birds.
Check on the Tree-climbing lions; Sunset game drive in the Ishasha Sector
On this day after breakfast, you will embark on a game drive in search for the tree-climbing lion. You will look up the fig trees that are the lions’ favourite trees for climbing. While on the game drive, you will see as well as many other animal species such as elephants, Topis, buffaloes, Kob and many more. Lately in the evening, you may see the nocturnal animals come out of their hiding spots.
Morning game drive; Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, we will go for a morning game drive to sum up wildlife experience in this premier destination park of Uganda.
After the game drive, we will embark on a southward transfer journey to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our drive will take us through the Ankole plains and the beautiful Kigezi terraced hills. We will have Lunch en-route before we get to our Lodge.
Gorilla trekking; Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Wake up early to prepare for this once in a lifetime experience, the remarkable meet with the Gentle Giants- the Mountain Gorillas. After breakfast, your guide will drive you to the park offices- you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and then you will be off for the venture of your life. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas cloaked in the foliage is a rousing moment.
Do not leave these items behind; sunscreen, insect repellent, your passport, camera, hiking boots, long safari pants and long sleeved shirts or T-shirts plus a light rain jacket. Please avoid very bright and hot colored clothes- These not only attract insects to you but also can be offensive to the residents of the jungle. These items will come in handy as you go through the thick forest and encounter the unpredictable weather of Bwindi: Expect rain or sunshine anytime.
After your trekking exercise, you will be transferred to Lake Mburo National Park.
Morning Nature/Safari walk; Optional night game drive.
After a relaxing breakfast, we will go out for a resourceful and rewarding nature walk in the company of an experienced guide to have the natural feel of nature. Here you will see the Zebra, Giraffe, Shy Eland (the biggest antelope), Water buffalos, Impalas, Kob, Topis, Bushbucks, waterbucks, Jacksons Hartebeest and many beautiful birds. In this park, you will be able to see little creatures you would not see while in the vehicle. We shall return to the lodge and then we can do some swimming or just chill by the as the day winds down.
You will also have an optional night game drive where you will have an interesting experience getting to see some animals you wouldn’t likely see during the day like bush pigs ,mongoose, a leopard(if you’re lucky), spotted hyenas and others. You will later retreat to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport via the Equator
We will take a shower to freshen up and then have our full hot lazy breakfast. Thereafter we will embark on our journey to Entebbe. You will have a stopover at the Equator for the Coriolis water experiment showing the magnetic forces at the center of the earth’s surface, photographs and thereafter embark on your journey.
Where You Will Stay
Lodges are subject to availability. If a lodge is full we replace it with one of an equal standard.
The Boma Hotel – Entebbe
Chimpanzee Guest House
Bush Lodge
Enjojo Lodge
Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
Mihingo Lodge / Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 8 Days Amazing Gorillas of Uganda Safari?
The package includes Very good English speaking Driver guide; accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary; meals as mentioned (breakfast, lunch and dinner); 4x4 wd safari vehicle and all transportation ground; all entry fees into the national park; gorilla tracking permit; chimpanzee tracking permit; community tours fees; boat cruise. It does not include international flights (both inbound and outbound); east african community entry/tourist visa; meals and drinks not mentioned here-in the itinerary; optional activities not mentioned here-in the itinerary; items of personal nature and tips; any alcoholic drinks.
Where does the 8 Days Amazing Gorillas of Uganda Safari start and end?
The journey starts with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport and finishes with your transfer back to the airport for your departure flight.
Do I need a gorilla permit?
Yes. Mountain gorilla trekking requires a permit and the number of permits is limited each day, so we recommend booking as early as you can, especially for the dry months of June to September and December to February. Giravex reserves your permit once your dates are confirmed.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. We will confirm exactly what applies to your passport when you book.
When is the best time to take this safari?
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Giravex itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, budget and interests. Tell us what you would like to change and a trip specialist will tailor it for you.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send a quote request or message us on WhatsApp. A trip specialist will reply with availability and a detailed quote for your group size and dates.
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