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8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali
The 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali is an exciting cross-border adventure that starts in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, and takes you deep into Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. This safari is designed for travelers who want to combine the convenience of arriving in Rwanda with Uganda’s world-famous mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and wildlife safaris.
From Kigali, you will cross into Uganda and explore the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, search for chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, enjoy thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and relax beside the scenic Lake Bunyonyi.
This itinerary offers the perfect blend of primates, wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes across Rwanda and Uganda.
Safari Highlights
✔ Airport pickup in Kigali, Rwanda
✔ Scenic transfer from Kigali to Uganda
✔ Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
✔ Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
✔ Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
✔ Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
✔ Kazinga Channel boat cruise
✔ Search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector
✔ Lake Bunyonyi relaxation
✔ Uganda Equator crossing
Detailed 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, you will meet your safari guide and begin your scenic drive to Uganda through the beautiful hills of Rwanda.
Cross into Uganda through the Cyanika or Katuna border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
Enjoy views of:
- Rwanda’s rolling hills
- Local villages
- Tea plantations
- Mountain landscapes
Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari.
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
Hike through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
Optional afternoon activities:
- Batwa cultural experience
- Community walk
- Coffee experience
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
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After breakfast, visit the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic destinations.
Enjoy optional activities:
- Canoe ride
- Boat cruise
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Later, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Driving Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
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Start the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Search for:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Uganda kobs
- Warthogs
- Antelopes
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
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After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions.
Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the Primate Capital of the World.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
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After breakfast, enter Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
During the trek, you may encounter:
- Chimpanzees
- Red-tailed monkeys
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Forest birds
Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature and community experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe via Scenic Countryside
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Entebbe.
Enjoy beautiful views of:
- Crater lakes
- Tea plantations
- Rural communities
- Uganda’s countryside
Optional stops:
- Equator crossing
- Local markets
- Photography points
Accommodation: Entebbe hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8: Departure from Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy optional activities:
- Mabamba Swamp shoebill excursion
- Kampala city tour
- Craft shopping
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Package Inclusions
✔ Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents)
✔ Chimpanzee trekking permit
✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide
✔ Kigali pickup and Entebbe airport transfer
✔ Accommodation for 7 nights
✔ Meals as indicated
✔ National park entrance fees
✔ Game drives
✔ Kazinga Channel boat cruise
✔ Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
✔ Bottled drinking water
Safari Package Exclusions
✘ International flights
✘ Rwanda/Uganda visas
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Alcoholic beverages
✘ Tips and gratuities
8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali Cost Estimate
| Safari Category | Estimated Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Budget Safari | USD 3,000 – 3,800 |
| Midrange Safari | USD 4,000 – 5,500 |
| Luxury Safari | USD 6,000 – 9,500+ |
Prices depend on accommodation level, group size, travel season, and permit availability.
Best Time for an Uganda Safari From Kigali
June – September ⭐
- Best gorilla trekking conditions
- Excellent wildlife viewing
December – February
- Dry weather
- Great safari experience
March – May & October – November
- Green scenery
- Fewer visitors
Why Book With Openbill Safaris Uganda?
At Openbill Safaris Uganda, we specialize in cross-border East African safari experiences, including Rwanda-Uganda gorilla and wildlife adventures.
We provide:
✔ Customized Uganda safari packages
✔ Gorilla and chimpanzee permit booking
✔ Kigali and Entebbe transfers
✔ Experienced local guides
✔ Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles
✔ Budget, midrange & luxury options
✔ 24/7 customer support
Our mission is “Changing Lives Through Tourism.” Through OpenVision Foundation Uganda, we support conservation and community projects that benefit wildlife and local communities.
Book Your 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali
Experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife, lakes, and landscapes starting from Kigali, Rwanda.
📧 Email: openbillsafarisuganda@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +256 745843863
Contact Openbill Safaris Uganda today for your personalized 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali quotation.