8 Days Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Gorillas Safari in Uganda

Discover three of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife experiences on this 8-day rhinos, chimpanzees and gorillas safari. This carefully designed Uganda safari combines rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Beyond the primates and rhinos, the journey allows you to experience Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, local communities, tropical forests and diverse wildlife.

This safari is ideal for travelers looking for a combination of wildlife, primates, nature and adventure within a relatively short Uganda itinerary.

8-Day Uganda Safari Overview

This 8-day Uganda safari takes you through some of the country’s most important wildlife and primate destinations.

Safari Highlights

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi Wetland nature walk
• Scenic drive through western Uganda
• Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Local community and cultural experiences
• Scenic landscapes of western Uganda

Main Destinations

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Safari Type

Wildlife and primate safari

Accommodation

Available in budget, mid-range and luxury options depending on your preferences.

Why Choose This 8-Day Uganda Safari?

Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, offering the opportunity to combine traditional wildlife viewing with some of the world’s most exciting primate experiences.

This itinerary brings together three exceptional experiences:

Rhinos: Track endangered southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Chimpanzees: Enter the rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park in search of wild chimpanzees.

Gorillas: Trek through the ancient forests of Bwindi in search of endangered mountain gorillas.

The combination makes this an excellent option for travelers who want more than a conventional Big Five safari.

Detailed 8-Day Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Gorillas Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Arrive in Uganda and meet your safari guide, who will brief you about the journey before starting the drive towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed journey through the Ugandan countryside, with views of local villages, farms and changing landscapes.

Upon arrival at Ziwa, check into your accommodation and relax.

If time permits, you may enjoy an introductory nature experience around the sanctuary.

Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Uganda: rhino tracking on foot.

With a trained ranger, you will walk through the sanctuary in search of southern white rhinos. The experience provides an opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment while learning about rhino conservation in Uganda.

After the rhino experience, continue towards Kibale Forest National Park.

Kibale is widely recognized for its exceptional primate diversity and is one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking.

Arrive at your lodge and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Kibale Forest area

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland

Today is dedicated to one of the highlights of your Uganda safari: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with trained guides and trackers.

As you walk through the rainforest, look and listen for chimpanzees moving through the trees. You may also encounter other primates and forest wildlife.

Possible sightings include:

• Chimpanzees
• Red colobus monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• Olive baboons
• Forest birds

After the trek, enjoy lunch before visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, depending on your itinerary and available time.

The community-managed wetland is particularly interesting for birdwatchers and travelers interested in local conservation and community tourism.

Return to your lodge for relaxation.

Overnight: Kibale Forest area

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, leave Kibale and continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey offers beautiful views of western Uganda, including rolling hills, crater lakes and rural communities.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, begin exploring the park depending on your arrival time.

Queen Elizabeth is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Lions
• Leopards
• Uganda kob
• Warthogs
• Hippos
• Antelopes
• Numerous bird species

You may enjoy an afternoon game drive before proceeding to your lodge.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start the day with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The park’s diverse habitats support a remarkable range of wildlife. Your guide will help you search for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other species.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is famous for its concentration of hippos and other wildlife along the shoreline.

During the cruise, you may see:

• Hippos
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Crocodiles
• Waterbirds
• African fish eagles
• Kingfishers
• Herons
• Storks

After the cruise, return to your lodge and relax.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to a significant population of endangered mountain gorillas.

The journey takes you through some of Uganda’s most scenic countryside.

Depending on your chosen route, you may pass through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha area, which is known for its tree-climbing lions.

If conditions and timing permit, you may enjoy a game drive in Ishasha before continuing towards Bwindi.

Arrive at your lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, travel to the relevant park headquarters for a briefing.

Your trek begins with experienced park guides and trackers. The duration can vary significantly depending on where the gorilla family is located and the terrain you encounter.

Walking through Bwindi’s dense rainforest is an adventure in itself.

Along the way, you may see:

• Mountain gorillas
• Forest birds
• Monkeys
• Butterflies
• Ancient trees
• Ferns and other rainforest vegetation

Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing these incredible animals.

Watching gorillas interact, feed, rest and care for their young is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and celebrate the experience.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Bwindi to Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, begin your journey to your chosen departure point.

Depending on your flight arrangements, you can travel back to Entebbe, or the itinerary can be arranged to end in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Kigali option can be particularly convenient for travelers who are flying out of Rwanda after their Uganda gorilla trekking experience.

Your safari ends with a transfer to the airport or your preferred accommodation.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Wildlife You Can Expect to See

Although the main focus of this itinerary is rhinos, chimpanzees and gorillas, the safari provides opportunities to encounter a much wider range of wildlife.

Depending on the season and location, you may see:

Primates

• Mountain gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Colobus monkeys
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Olive baboons

Large Mammals

• Southern white rhinos
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Hippos
• Lions
• Leopards
• Uganda kob
• Warthogs
• Waterbucks
• Bushbucks

Birds

Uganda is also one of Africa’s outstanding birding destinations. Forests, wetlands, savannahs and lakes along the route support a remarkable variety of bird species.

Best Time for an 8-Day Uganda Safari

Uganda can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on your priorities.

The drier months are generally popular for wildlife viewing and trekking because trails can be easier to navigate.

The wetter periods can bring greener landscapes and excellent conditions for photography and birding, although forest trails can become muddy.

Because gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are limited, it is important to book your permits and accommodation well in advance, particularly when traveling during popular periods.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Requirements

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require permits, and availability should be confirmed before finalizing your travel arrangements.

For gorilla trekking, travelers should also be prepared for:

• Walking through steep and uneven terrain
• Variable weather conditions
• Potentially long trekking times
• Muddy forest trails
• Physical exertion

Good hiking shoes, long trousers, waterproof clothing and a daypack are recommended.

What to Pack for This Uganda Safari

For an 8-day rhino, chimpanzee and gorilla safari, consider packing:

• Lightweight clothing
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long trousers
• Waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Garden gloves for gorilla trekking
• Hat and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Small daypack
• Personal medication
• Lightweight rain gear

Is This Safari Suitable for You?

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to combine wildlife and primate experiences in one Uganda holiday.

It is particularly suitable for:

• First-time visitors to Uganda
• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Primate lovers
• Photographers
• Adventure travelers
• Couples
• Small private groups
• Travelers interested in conservation

If gorilla or chimpanzee trekking is not suitable for you, the itinerary can also be redesigned around wildlife, birding, cultural experiences, nature walks and boat safaris.

Why Travel with Epic Uganda Vacation?

At Epic Uganda Vacation, we create tailor-made Uganda safaris based on your interests, travel style and budget.

Whether you are looking for a budget, mid-range or luxury Uganda safari, we can customize the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your preferences.

Our Uganda safaris combine wildlife viewing with authentic experiences while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism.

From tracking rhinos on foot to walking through Kibale’s rainforest and searching for mountain gorillas in Bwindi, this 8-day safari is designed to give you a diverse introduction to Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does an 8-day Uganda rhino, chimpanzee and gorilla safari cost?

The cost depends on the accommodation category, number of travelers, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, transportation, travel dates and activities included. Contact us for a personalized quotation.

Can I do gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking on the same safari?

Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed to combine chimpanzee trekking in Kibale with gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Where can I track rhinos in Uganda?

Southern white rhinos can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking can range from relatively moderate to physically demanding depending on the location of the gorilla family, terrain and weather conditions.

Can this itinerary start in Kigali?

Yes. The itinerary can be customized to start or end in Kigali, depending on your international flight schedule and preferred route.

Can I customize the 8-day Uganda safari?

Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, accommodation preferences, flight schedule, budget and preferred activities.

Book Your 8-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari

An 8-day rhinos, chimpanzees and gorillas safari offers an exceptional combination of Uganda’s wildlife and primate experiences.

From the conservation story of Ziwa’s rhinos to the chimpanzee-rich forests of Kibale and the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, every destination adds something different to your journey.

If you are ready to explore Uganda, contact Raptors Africa Safaris and let us tailor your safari around your interests, preferred accommodation and travel dates.

Your Uganda adventure starts with the right itinerary.