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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and transferred to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner and rest as you prepare for your adventure into Uganda’s wilderness.

Meals & Accommodation: Karibu Guest House

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk & Night Game Drive

After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible savannah park. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on a guided evening nature walk, where you encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and rich birdlife on foot — a rare and intimate safari experience.

After dinner, set out on a night game drive, offering a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards under the African night sky.

Meals & Accommodation: Rwakobo rock

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo, watching the savannah come alive as grazers and predators begin their day. After breakfast, continue southwest through rolling hills and terraced farmlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive in the Buhoma sector in the afternoon, surrounded by misty rainforest, and settle into your lodge for a peaceful evening in preparation for gorilla trekking.

Meals & Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning marks the highlight of the safari. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the forest for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Once found, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After lunch, depart Bwindi and travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening with views of crater lakes and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.

Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge

Day 5: Game Viewing & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Rwenzori Foothills

Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and hyenas. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.

After the cruise, continue west toward the Rwenzori Mountains, arriving at the foothills where your mountain adventure begins.

Meals & Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp

Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains – Start of the Trek

After meeting your experienced Rwenzori guides and porters, begin your three-day trek into the Mountains of the Moon. The trail passes through lush montane forest, bamboo zones, and moss-draped landscapes, offering a completely different side of Uganda.

Reach your mountain camp by afternoon and enjoy dinner surrounded by alpine wilderness.

Day 7: Rwenzori Mountains – High Altitude Exploration

Continue ascending deeper into the Rwenzori range, crossing streams, valleys, and unique afro-alpine vegetation zones. This day focuses on acclimatization, exploration, and soaking in the dramatic scenery that makes the Rwenzoris one of Africa’s most rewarding hiking destinations.

Overnight at a high-altitude mountain camp.

Day 8: Descend from the Rwenzori Mountains

After breakfast, begin your descent through the mountain trails, retracing your route through forest and moorland zones. Arrive back at the base in the afternoon, where you will enjoy a well-earned rest and celebrate the completion of your Rwenzori trek.

Day 9: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari

After breakfast, depart the Rwenzori region and journey back to Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside and trading centers. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight or overnight stay, marking the end of a truly diverse Uganda safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking or City Tour

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose from several optional activities. The most popular is a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria in search of the iconic shoebill stork, a fascinating prehistoric-looking bird. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, local craft markets, or simply relax at your lodge.
Meals & Overnight: Boma Guest House Entebbe

Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. En route, you will stop at the Equator line for photos, fascinating demonstrations, and a chance to browse through local craft shops. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and later embark on a guided walking safari. This experience brings you close to wildlife on foot, with opportunities to observe animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
Meals & Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kisoro

Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo to spot species you may have missed the previous evening. Look out for topis, warthogs, baboons, elands, and more. Afterward, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, arriving in Kisoro town – the base for exploring the Virunga Volcanoes. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro

Day 4: Hike Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m)

Today is dedicated to the challenging but exhilarating hike up Mount Sabyinyo. After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting off. The trek takes you through swampy grasslands, dense bamboo forests, and thick montane vegetation before reaching steep ridges that require determination and effort. The reward is spectacular: at the summit, you will stand at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with breathtaking views of all three countries. This experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Mutanda

After breakfast, head back to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are known for their playful behavior, constant movement, and unique golden-orange fur. The trek takes you through bamboo forests where the monkeys thrive, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and observation. After the trek, proceed to Lake Mutanda, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking the lake.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort

Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration & Community Visit

Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to canoe or take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda’s crystal-clear waters, where fishermen in traditional dugout canoes share stories of life on the lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, and visit nearby communities to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. It’s also a perfect day to unwind, sip coffee, and reflect on your safari experience.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The highlight of your safari arrives today – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out in small groups to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive through scenic hills and valleys towards Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s history. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore Kimironko Market, art galleries, and local craft centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Your 8 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Every day of this 8 Day Uganda Safari has been carefully planned to showcase Uganda’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable primate encounters. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the ancient forests of Bwindi and the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, each destination offers a unique experience that makes Uganda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your Uganda Wildlife Safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a friendly Wild Compass Africa safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax after your international flight or enjoy one of Entebbe’s optional excursions. Bird lovers can visit Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to search for the rare Shoebill Stork, while nature enthusiasts may prefer a peaceful walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to monkeys, tropical plants, and more than 100 bird species.

During the evening, your safari guide will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming adventure, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the exciting days ahead.

Today’s Highlights

  • Airport meet and greet
  • Scenic drive along Lake Victoria
  • Optional Shoebill birding excursion
  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens visit
  • Safari briefing

Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe or similar

Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Your First Wildlife Safari

After breakfast, begin your journey west towards Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s most picturesque wildlife destinations. Along the way, stop at the famous Uganda Equator Monument in Kayabwe, where you can take memorable photographs and learn about the fascinating geographical significance of the Equator.

As you continue your drive through rural Uganda, you’ll pass rolling hills, banana plantations, traditional villages, and grazing Ankole long-horned cattle, offering an authentic glimpse into Ugandan countryside life.

Arriving at Lake Mburo National Park, enjoy lunch before heading out on your first exciting game drive.

Although the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, Lake Mburo boasts exceptional wildlife diversity. Keep your camera ready for sightings of:

  • Plains Zebra
  • Eland
  • Impala
  • Topi
  • Buffalo
  • Waterbuck
  • Warthog
  • Giraffe
  • Leopard (occasionally)

As the sun begins to set across the acacia woodland, enjoy spectacular African scenery before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Today’s Highlights

  • Uganda Equator crossing
  • Scenic countryside drive
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Beautiful sunset over the savannah

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge or similar

Day 3: Walking Safari & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Wake early for one of the most unique experiences included in our Uganda Wildlife Safaris—a guided walking safari.

Unlike traditional game drives, exploring the park on foot allows you to appreciate wildlife from an entirely different perspective. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll quietly walk through open grasslands while observing zebras, giraffes, antelopes, birds, and smaller wildlife at close range.

Following breakfast, continue your journey southwest towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for protecting endangered mountain gorillas.

The drive itself is incredibly scenic, passing through tea plantations, volcanic hills, local markets, and terraced farmland. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape transforms into mist-covered mountains and ancient rainforest, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Africa.

After arriving at your forest lodge, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Today’s Highlights

  • Guided walking safari
  • Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
  • Tea plantations and mountain landscapes
  • Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or similar

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – The Highlight of Your Uganda Wildlife Safari

Today is the moment many travelers have dreamed about—the incredible experience of mountain gorilla trekking.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing from experienced park rangers. Small groups are assigned to a habituated gorilla family before entering the dense rainforest accompanied by expert guides and trackers.

The trek may last anywhere from one to seven hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights into the forest ecosystem, medicinal plants, birds, and wildlife that inhabit this extraordinary rainforest.

Then comes the unforgettable moment.

Standing only a few meters away from a family of wild mountain gorillas is one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Watch the powerful silverback protect his family, playful juveniles tumble through the vegetation, and mothers gently care for their infants. You’ll spend one magical hour observing these remarkable primates in complete silence while capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

After returning from the trek, enjoy a well-deserved lunch before visiting the nearby Batwa community (optional). Learn about the traditions, music, dances, and forest survival skills of the Indigenous people who once lived within Bwindi Forest.

Today’s Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking permit included
  • One hour with mountain gorillas
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Optional Batwa cultural experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or similar

Day 5: Bwindi to Ishasha Sector – Search for the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, leave the misty forests of Bwindi behind as you travel towards the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha is internationally renowned for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only a few locations across Africa. These magnificent predators are often seen resting high in fig and acacia trees during the warmest hours of the day.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive while searching for:

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • African elephants
  • Cape buffalo
  • Uganda kob
  • Topi
  • Hyena
  • Warthog

The open plains and beautiful scenery also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

Spend the evening relaxing at your safari lodge surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Today’s Highlights

  • Scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Tree-climbing lion safari
  • Afternoon wildlife viewing
  • Beautiful Ishasha landscapes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Topi Lodge or similar

Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Rise early for another exciting wildlife adventure across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Uganda’s premier game-viewing areas.

Morning is the best time to search for predators before temperatures rise. Your experienced guide will help locate lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, waterbucks, and large herds of Uganda kob grazing across the open savannah.

Following lunch, continue to the famous Kazinga Channel for one of Uganda’s most popular boat safaris.

Connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, the channel supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos.

During the relaxing two-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of:

  • Hundreds of hippos
  • Nile crocodiles
  • African elephants
  • Cape buffalo
  • African fish eagles
  • Pelicans
  • Pied kingfishers
  • Cormorants
  • Numerous migratory birds

This is one of the finest wildlife photography experiences in Uganda and an unforgettable highlight of your safari.

Today’s Highlights

  • Early morning game drive
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Hippos and crocodiles
  • Outstanding birdwatching
  • Wildlife photography

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or similar

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Begin another exciting day by visiting the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes.”

Hidden beneath the surrounding savannah lies a lush tropical rainforest that shelters a habituated community of wild chimpanzees.

Accompanied by experienced trackers, descend into the forest while listening for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees echoing through the trees.

Watching these intelligent primates interact, communicate, groom, and swing effortlessly through the forest canopy provides an incredible contrast to yesterday’s gorilla experience.

After lunch, you may relax at the lodge or choose an optional evening game drive for another opportunity to search for leopards, elephants, lions, and nocturnal wildlife.

Today’s Highlights

  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Kyambura Gorge rainforest
  • Excellent birdwatching
  • Optional evening safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or similar

Day 8: Return to Entebbe – Farewell Uganda

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Entebbe, bringing your unforgettable 8 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari to a close.

Travel through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, rolling hills, and traditional villages before reaching Fort Portal and continuing towards Kampala.

Enjoy lunch along the way and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve shared—from encountering endangered mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees to spotting tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and countless bird species.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight or assist with an additional overnight stay if required.

Although your safari comes to an end, the memories of Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife, welcoming people, and breathtaking landscapes will stay with you forever.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Why Travel with Wild Compass Africa?

At Wild Compass Africa, we believe that every safari should be more than just a holiday—it should be a meaningful journey that connects travelers with nature, wildlife, and local communities.

Our experienced safari specialists carefully plan every itinerary to ensure comfortable travel, exceptional wildlife encounters, and personalized service from arrival to departure. We work with professional driver-guides who possess extensive knowledge of Uganda’s national parks, wildlife behavior, and conservation efforts.

When you travel with us, you’ll enjoy:

  • Experienced local safari guides
  • Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Carefully selected safari lodges
  • Assistance with securing gorilla trekking permits
  • Flexible private itineraries
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
  • Responsible tourism practices that support local communities and wildlife conservation
  • Dedicated customer support before, during, and after your safari

With years of experience creating unforgettable East African adventures, Wild Compass Africa is committed to delivering authentic Uganda Wildlife Safaris that exceed expectations and create lifelong memories.

Day 1: Scenic Flight to Bwindi & Optional Nature Activities

Your adventure begins with a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, cutting down the long drive to Bwindi Forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred through lush countryside to your lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, optional activities like a community visit, birding walk, or a short hike to the waterfalls can help you stretch your legs and adjust to the forest environment.
Overnight at: Buhoma Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Ishasha Sector

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the dense, mist-covered forest. The trek can take between 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is a magical 1-hour encounter with these gentle giants—watching them play, feed, and interact.
Following this life-changing experience, you’ll drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your safari camp nestled in the wild.
Overnight at: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

Rise early for a rewarding game drive through Ishasha’s open savannah plains. Watch out for lions lounging in fig trees, grazing herds of buffaloes and topis, large elephant bulls, and flocks of savannah birds. After a hearty lunch, travel northward through the Maramagambo Forest to the Mweya region.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural stretch of water teems with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous birds including kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. It’s a relaxed way to view wildlife from a new perspective.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 4: Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk & Optional Game Drive

This morning, visit the enchanting Kyambura Gorge—a green gash in the earth known for its chimpanzee population. Accompanied by a ranger, walk through this rainforest corridor and listen to the calls of birds and monkeys as you try to locate the elusive chimpanzees.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and enjoy the tranquil setting, or opt for an evening game drive in the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a final opportunity to spot lions, elephants, and Uganda Kobs.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Night Game Drive

After breakfast, set off for Lake Mburo National Park—a smaller yet incredibly picturesque savannah park characterized by acacia woodlands, open plains, and lakes. On your way in, enjoy a short introductory game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, elands, warthogs, and giraffes.
After checking in and unwinding at your eco-lodge, prepare for an exciting night game drive. With luck, you may spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and genets under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger.
Overnight at: Mihingo Lodge

Day 6: Morning Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe

Start your day with a guided nature walk—the best way to quietly observe wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Your guide will interpret animal tracks, bird calls, and indigenous plants during this immersive 2–3-hour walk.
Later, depart for Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Arrive at the airport or your hotel in the early evening, concluding your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.