- Seguku Katale. Kampala
7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
Embark on an exciting 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, designed to provide a thrilling mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. From the powerful rapids of the River Nile in Jinja to the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this safari offers a complete package for nature lovers. You’ll experience everything from the adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting to the serene yet awe-inspiring sight of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With stops in Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and Queen Elizabeth National Park for an unforgettable game drive, this safari will showcase Uganda’s diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
Day 1: White Water Rafting, River Nile – Jinja
Kick off your 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari with an early departure at 5:30 AM from Kampala. A two-hour drive will take you to Jinja, the historical source of the River Nile. Once there, you’ll dive straight into the action with an exhilarating Grade 5 white-water rafting experience through the Bujagali area. This stretch of the Nile is known for its roaring rapids and stunning surroundings, providing both thrills and picturesque views.
After a day of adventure, you will retire to your lodge, which can range from luxury accommodations like Kampala Serena Hotel or Munyonyo Resort Hotel to midrange options like Cassia Lodge or La Petit Village. For budget-conscious travelers, Excellent Hotel provides affordable comfort.
Read more about white-water rafting in Uganda’s Nile.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart at 7:00 AM for a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving by afternoon. En route, you can catch glimpses of Uganda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural life. After checking in at your lodge, enjoy lunch before heading out on a guided walk to Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru, a site rich in cultural folklore and stunning limestone caves.
For your overnight stay, you can choose from luxury accommodations like Kyaninga Lodge, or midrange options such as Chimpanzee Guest House or Kibale Forest Camp. Budget travelers can opt for Kyaninga Royal Lodge.
Explore the beauty of Kibale Forest National Park.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Guided Nature Walk
Wake up early for breakfast and report to Kanyanchu Park Offices by 7:00 AM for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, offering a rare chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trek lasts approximately 3-4 hours, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe them as they go about their daily activities, including feeding, playing, and socializing.
After a break for lunch, you’ll visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching. This community-run sanctuary is a haven for bird species, and you might also spot primates and other animals. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.
Learn more about chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise
On Day 4 of the 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, you’ll depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, located to the southwest of Kasese. After a brief stop for lunch, you’ll embark on a Launch Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway known for its high concentration of wildlife. Keep an eye out for large herds of elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and crocodiles as they graze and bask along the channel’s banks.
Accommodations range from the luxurious Kyambura Gorge Lodge to midrange options like Park View Lodge, and for budget travelers, Simba Safari Lodge offers comfortable and affordable lodging.
Discover the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Set off at 5:00 AM for a thrilling game drive through the Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early mornings are the best time to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife species as they begin their day. The Kasenyi area is particularly known for large prides of lions hunting Uganda kob and other antelopes.
Later, you’ll journey south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, you’ll drive through the Ishasha sector, a region famed for its tree-climbing lions—a rare sight that will be a highlight of your trip.
Once in Bwindi, you’ll check in at your lodge. Choose from luxury accommodations like Trackers Safari Lodge or midrange options like Bakiga Lodge. Budget travelers can enjoy a comfortable stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa Cultural Visit
The sixth day of the 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari brings you to one of the most anticipated moments: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a hearty breakfast, you will report to the park offices at 7:00 AM for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and etiquette. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you’ll have an unforgettable hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa community, where you’ll learn about their culture, traditional hunting practices, and way of life before they were displaced from the forest. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
More about gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Day 7: Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Kampala, marking the end of your 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari. This journey will give you time to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters, thrilling adventures, and cultural experiences you’ve had over the past week.
For a leisurely drive back, there will be opportunities to make stops at craft markets for souvenirs or to take in the last glimpses of Uganda’s beautiful countryside before arriving in Kampala.
Plan your next adventure in Uganda.
