The Flagship Safari

8-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary including gorillas, Wildlife & Big Five Adventure

If you want the perfect balance of gorilla trekking, classic African wildlife, and unforgettable scenery, an 8-day Uganda safari is the ideal choice.

This itinerary combines Uganda’s most iconic experiences — tracking mountain gorillas, spotting tree-climbing lions, cruising the Nile, and exploring lush rainforests — without feeling rushed.

For most travelers, this is the sweet spot between adventure and comfort.

Why Choose an 8-Day Uganda Safari?

An 8-day safari allows you to experience Uganda beyond just gorillas.

In one journey, you can combine:

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
  • Boat safaris on the Nile
  • Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley

If you’re wondering how this compares to shorter trips, see:
How many days do you need for a Uganda safari?

8-Day Uganda Safari Highlights

✔ Mountain gorilla trekking experience
✔ Big Five wildlife viewing
✔ Chimpanzee tracking
✔ Boat safari to Murchison Falls
✔ Equator crossing experience
✔ Scenic countryside and crater lakes

This itinerary is ideal for:

  • First-time safari travelers
  • Couples and honeymooners
  • Photographers
  • Bucket list adventurers

Detailed 8-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe

You’ll arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel.

Depending on arrival time, optional activities include:

  • Sunset at Lake Victoria
  • Botanical Gardens walk
  • Relaxing recovery evening

Overnight: Entebbe

Day 2 – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Drive north through rural Uganda towards Murchison Falls National Park.

Highlights along the way:

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (optional rhino tracking)
  • Local roadside markets
  • Rolling savannah landscapes

In the afternoon, visit the top of Murchison Falls — where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge.

Overnight: Murchison Falls area

Day 3 – Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Start early with a sunrise game drive.

Wildlife sightings may include:

  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Antelopes

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Nile to the base of the falls.

This is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda.

Day 4 – Transfer to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, journey south towards Kibale Forest.

The drive takes you through:

  • Tea plantations
  • Traditional villages
  • Crater lake landscapes

Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your forest lodge.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Kibale is known as the primate capital of East Africa.

Morning:
Track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Afternoon options:

  • Bigodi Wetland birding walk
  • Cultural village visit
  • Lodge relaxation

Day 6 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today you head to the highlight of your safari — gorilla country.

The journey offers:

  • Scenic highlands
  • Terraced hillsides
  • Traditional homesteads

Arrive near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and prepare for your trek.

Before trekking, read:
Gorilla Trekking Safety Guide
Gorilla Trekking Cost Guide

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking Experience

This is the moment most travelers dream about.

After an early briefing by park rangers, you’ll enter the dense rainforest to track a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movement.

When you finally meet them, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing:

  • Silverbacks
  • Playful juveniles
  • Mothers with infants

It’s often described as one of the most emotional wildlife encounters on Earth.

Learn more about trekking regions:
Bwindi Gorilla Sectors Guide

Day 8 – Return to Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe.

Highlights:

  • Equator crossing stop
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Scenic countryside views

You’ll be dropped at the airport for departure or an overnight stay.

How Much Does an 8-Day Uganda Safari Cost?

Prices vary based on comfort level and season.

Budget Safari

$2,200 – $3,000 per person

Midrange Safari

$3,500 – $4,800 per person

Luxury Safari

$6,000+ per person

Major cost factors include:

  • Gorilla permit fees
  • Lodge category
  • Group size
  • Season of travel

For a full breakdown, see:
Gorilla Trekking Cost Guide

Best Time for an 8-Day Uganda Safari

Uganda is a year-round destination, but some months are better than others.

Best Overall Months

  • June to September
  • December to February

These offer:

  • Easier gorilla trekking conditions
  • Better wildlife viewing
  • Less rain

For a detailed seasonal breakdown, read:
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Uganda vs Rwanda: Is 8 Days Better in Uganda?

Many travelers compare Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking.

Uganda is often preferred because:

  • Lower permit costs
  • More diverse wildlife safaris
  • Longer itineraries at better value

See full comparison:
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Guide

Is an 8-Day Uganda Safari Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you want:

✔ Gorillas + wildlife in one trip
✔ Strong value for money
✔ A balanced, immersive experience

Shorter trips can feel rushed, while longer safaris may stretch budgets.

Eight days offers the perfect middle ground.

Final Thoughts

An 8-day Uganda safari delivers the best of the Pearl of Africa in one unforgettable journey.

From roaring waterfalls and misty rainforests to once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounters, this itinerary captures everything that makes Uganda extraordinary.

If you’re planning your first safari or ticking off a lifelong bucket list dream, this is one of the most rewarding adventures you can take in Africa.