8 Day Uganda Safari from Kigali

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your professional safari guide in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain meaningful insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.

After the visit, begin your scenic drive toward southwestern Uganda. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, including the border crossing at Cyanika or Katuna. Along the way, enjoy Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills before transitioning into Uganda’s Kigezi Highlands—often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” for their terraced slopes and misty valleys.

You’ll pass small trading centers, banana plantations, and local homesteads, offering a glimpse into daily rural life.

Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi in the afternoon. After check-in, enjoy a freshly prepared meal and take time to relax while listening to the sounds of the forest.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters by around 7:00 AM for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and group size.

The Trekking Experience:

The trek begins as you enter the dense rainforest, following experienced trackers who locate the gorillas early in the morning. The hike can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, moving through thick vegetation, uneven terrain, and sometimes steep slopes.

Along the way, your guide will interpret the forest—pointing out medicinal plants, birds, and other wildlife such as monkeys or forest duikers.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour with them. During this time, you’ll observe their natural behavior—feeding on leaves, grooming each other, caring for infants, and resting. The presence of the dominant silverback, often calmly observing his group, is particularly memorable.

After your trek, return to the headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate, then transfer back to your lodge for a well-earned rest.

Afternoon (Optional):

You may choose a Batwa cultural visit or a guided forest walk to further explore the area.

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a drive of approximately 4 to 5 hours.

If conditions allow, you will pass through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen resting in fig trees—a unique wildlife sighting.

As you continue toward the northern part of the park, the landscape gradually opens into wide savannah plains dotted with acacia trees.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, check in, and enjoy lunch.

Evening Game Drive:

Later, head out for your first game drive. Expect sightings of elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes, with a chance to spot predators such as lions or leopards as they begin their evening activity.

Begin your day early with a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.

Morning Game Drive:

This is the best time to spot predators such as lions, often seen hunting or resting after a night’s activity. You’ll also encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks in the golden morning light.

Return to the lodge for breakfast or brunch.

Afternoon Boat Safari:

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s most wildlife-rich water bodies. The channel hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with Nile crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife.

You may also see elephants and buffaloes gathering at the shoreline to drink—offering excellent photographic opportunities.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed.

Later, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, with a drive time of approximately 3 to 4 hours.

The journey takes you through Fort Portal, a scenic town surrounded by tea plantations and crater lakes. You’ll stop here for lunch before continuing to your lodge.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in. The cooler climate and forest surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the savannah.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for your chimpanzee tracking experience.

Chimpanzee Tracking:

Kibale Forest has one of the highest densities of primates in Africa. The trek usually takes 2 to 4 hours, as you follow vocal calls and signs through the forest.

Once you find the chimpanzees, you’ll spend one hour observing them. Expect fast-paced action as they move through the canopy, communicate loudly, and interact socially.

Return to your lodge for lunch.

Afternoon – Bigodi Wetland Walk:

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This guided walk offers excellent opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique plant species. You’ll also engage with the local community and learn about conservation efforts.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours.

The drive takes you through scenic highlands, with panoramic views of terraced hills and valleys.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lakeside lodge.

Afternoon at Leisure:

Relax by the lake, take a canoe ride, swim, or explore nearby villages. Lake Bunyonyi is known for its calm waters and beautiful islands, making it an ideal place to unwind after several days of trekking and game drives.

Start your day with a guided morning boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

During the ride, visit some of the lake’s islands, including Punishment Island, and learn about local history, culture, and traditions.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy scenic views along the way and stop for lunch before continuing.

Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon or early evening, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.