8 Days Uganda Safari from Kigali

The 8 Days Uganda Safari from Kigali is an unforgettable cross-border adventure that begins in Kigali, Rwanda, and ends in Kampala, Uganda. This well-crafted journey combines thrilling primate encounters, classic savannah wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and breathtaking waterfalls.

Throughout the safari, you will track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, walk among playful chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, explore the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and witness the mighty Nile crashing through Murchison Falls National Park.

From mist-covered forests to open savannah plains and powerful waterfalls, this safari delivers Uganda’s finest experiences in just eight days.

Why Start from Kigali?

Starting your safari in Kigali shortens the driving distance to southern Uganda, especially Bwindi. As a result, you spend less time on the road and more time enjoying your adventure. Additionally, the scenic drive through rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural countryside offers a beautiful introduction to East Africa.

Trip Highlights

• Scenic transfer from Kigali to Uganda
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
• Game drives in Kasenyi Plains
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
• Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your professional driver-guide from Experiya Tour Company will warmly welcome you and brief you about the safari. Shortly after, you will begin your scenic drive to Bwindi via either the Katuna or Cyanika border.Along the way, you will enjoy rolling hills, tea plantations, terraced farmlands, crater lakes, and distant views of the Rwenzori Mountains. After crossing into Uganda, you will continue to your lodge near Bwindi.

In the evening, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s life-changing gorilla experience.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. They will assign you a gorilla family and explain trekking guidelines.

Then, accompanied by an experienced ranger, you will venture into the dense forest. Gorilla trekking can last between 30 minutes and 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements.

As you hike through the forest, you may spot other primates, forest birds, and unique plant species. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend one magical hour observing them. Watch them feed, groom, nurse their young, and interact naturally.

This intimate encounter is often described as the highlight of any African safari.

Afterward, you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)

Following breakfast, you will drive north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, you will pass through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

Here, you will enjoy a game drive while searching for lions resting in fig or acacia trees. You may also see elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes roaming the plains.

Later, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains

Rise early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. During this drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and waterbucks grazing in the savannah. Meanwhile, predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas may be returning from a night hunt.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, you will take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

During this 2–3 hour cruise, you will see large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking along the shores, and herds of elephants and buffaloes drinking water. Bird lovers will also spot fish eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, and cormorants.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, you will depart for Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing.

Then, enter the forest with a ranger guide to track chimpanzees. Trekking may last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Along the way, you might encounter L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Once you find the chimpanzees, spend one hour observing them as they swing through trees, groom each other, and communicate loudly.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. Although it is a long drive, the changing landscapes keep the journey interesting.

Upon arrival, you will visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging powerfully below. The thunderous sound and water spray create an unforgettable moment.

Later, check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Morning Game Drive

Start your day with an early game drive across the northern savannah. Expect sightings of giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, leopards, and warthogs.

Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile toward the base of the falls. You will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species along the riverbanks.

The boat stops near the falls, offering spectacular views of the cascading waters. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Rhino Tracking and Departure to Kampala

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before driving south toward Kampala. En route, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. This experience completes the “Big Five” adventure.

After lunch, continue to Kampala or transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives
• Boat cruise fees
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Full-board accommodation (meals included)
• Pick-up in Kigali and drop-off in Kampala/Entebbe
• 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
• Bottled drinking water during transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Travel and life insurance
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, porter fees, tips, etc.)

Final Thoughts

This 8-day safari offers the perfect balance of primate encounters, savannah wildlife, and scenic beauty. By combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic game drives, and river cruises, Experiya Tour Company ensures you experience the very best of Uganda in one seamless journey.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or first-time safari traveler, this adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.