7-Day Uganda Safari Experience
The 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience by Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd offers a unique opportunity to explore the Pearl of Africa’s natural treasures, blending wildlife, primates, culture, and breathtaking landscapes in one carefully curated journey. This safari is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic African adventure that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with meaningful cultural experiences. The itinerary takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated national parks, beginning from the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe to the lush forests of Kibale, the rolling savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, and the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport, followed by a night of relaxation at a comfortable guesthouse. From here, the safari ventures to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa, where guests enjoy an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience and a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp. The adventure continues into Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited park, offering incredible opportunities for big game viewing, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and scenic game drives across its savannah plains. This section of the safari promises encounters with elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, and countless bird species.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The highlight of the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience lies in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla. Guests embark on a life-changing gorilla trekking experience, followed by an intimate Batwa cultural encounter that unveils the traditions of one of Africa’s most ancient forest communities. The safari concludes with a road transfer back to Entebbe, where travelers reflect on an incredible week filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Every aspect of the itinerary is designed to balance adventure and comfort. Accommodations are selected for their quality, location, and hospitality, ranging from charming forest camps to scenic game lodges and intimate eco-retreats. Professional guides from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd ensure seamless logistics, insightful guiding, and personalized service throughout the journey.
This 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience is a perfect choice for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers seeking an all-in-one African adventure that delivers unforgettable memories of Uganda’s primates, wildlife, and people.
7-Day Uganda Safari Experience Highlights
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Day 1 |
Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check-in the Hotel for Relaxation | Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 2 |
Morning Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp & Forest Walk | Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 3 |
Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park | Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 4 |
Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel | Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 5 |
Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 6 |
Enjoy Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience in the Forest | Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water |
Day 7 |
Morning Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport and Flight Back to Johannesburg South Africa | End of Safari
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water |
Tour Quotation Based on Two Travelers and Standard Safari
- Rate Per Person: US$3,027
- Total for Two People: US$6,054
Detailed 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check-in at the Hotel for Relaxation
The 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where travelers are welcomed by a professional driver-guide from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd. After airport formalities, guests are transferred to the Airport Guest House, a cozy retreat located in the leafy suburb of Entebbe. This first day is dedicated to relaxation, allowing guests to unwind from their international journey and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Entebbe is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Its tranquil setting, lush gardens, and colonial-era charm provide a calming introduction to Uganda. Depending on the time of arrival, guests may choose to take a short stroll around the guesthouse gardens, enjoy the birdlife, or simply relax on the veranda with a refreshing drink. For those arriving earlier in the day, optional activities such as a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria can be arranged at an additional cost.
Dinner at Airport Guest House
Dinner is served at the guesthouse, offering a blend of local and continental dishes. The evening allows travelers to connect with 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience guide, discuss the upcoming itinerary, and adjust to the peaceful pace of Ugandan hospitality. With comfortable lodging, warm service, and the soothing sounds of tropical birds, this day provides the perfect introduction to a week-long journey through Uganda’s most iconic landscapes.
- Accommodation: Airport Guest House
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 2: Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After an early breakfast, travelers embark on a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. The drive meanders through Uganda’s central and western regions, offering views of rolling hills, fertile plantations, and traditional villages. En route, guests witness Uganda’s rural life, with farmers tending to banana plantations, tea estates, and cattle herds. The journey itself is part of the adventure, showcasing Uganda’s nickname as the “Pearl of Africa.”
Upon arrival, guests check in at Kibale Forest Camp, a charming eco-lodge located near the forest edge. After lunch and a brief rest, the afternoon is dedicated to a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-driven conservation project adjacent to Kibale. This wetland is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 200 species including the great blue turaco, hornbills, and kingfishers. It also provides a chance to spot primates such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
The swamp walk, led by local guides, immerses travelers in the ecological and cultural importance of the wetland. Guests learn how the community conserves biodiversity while benefiting from eco-tourism. This activity provides both a conservation and cultural perspective, making it a rewarding complement to the upcoming chimpanzee trek. The day concludes with dinner at the lodge and a restful night surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day three begins with the excitement of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. After breakfast, travelers join park rangers for a briefing before heading into the forest. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, the largest population in Uganda, alongside 12 other primate species. The trek lasts 2–4 hours depending on the chimps’ location. Once located, guests spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees as they forage, groom, and play. This intimate experience provides a deep connection with our closest living relatives, offering extraordinary photographic opportunities and unforgettable memories.
Following lunch, the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited and diverse park. The road transfer takes about 3–4 hours, passing through scenic crater lakes and fertile countryside. Upon arrival, travelers enjoy an afternoon game drive in the northern section of the park. This savannah landscape is home to elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and prides of lions that roam the Kasenyi plains. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting raptors, storks, and colorful bee-eaters.
In the evening, travelers check in at Enshama Game Lodge, a comfortable lodge located near the park. Dinner is served overlooking the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to reflect on a day filled with both primate and savannah encounters.
- Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 4: Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day four is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The day begins with a morning game drive, when predators are most active and herbivores graze in the cool morning air. With the Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop, travelers have the chance to see elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob. The park’s diversity ensures every game drive is unique, with surprises at every turn.
Later in the morning, travelers may opt for a guided nature walk in the Mweya Peninsula or Maramagambo Forest, providing a closer look at the park’s flora and smaller wildlife species. This experience adds depth to the safari by highlighting the importance of biodiversity beyond large mammals.
In the afternoon, guests embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise is a highlight of Queen Elizabeth, offering exceptional opportunities to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo along the shores. The channel is also a haven for birdlife, with fish eagles, pelicans, and herons commonly seen. The two-hour boat ride offers remarkable photographic opportunities and a relaxing perspective of the park’s ecosystems.
The day concludes with another game drive en route back to the lodge, followed by dinner and overnight stay. This combination of game drives, walks, and boat cruises ensures guests experience the full range of Queen Elizabeth’s landscapes and wildlife.
- Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 5: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day five begins with a final morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, maximizing chances of spotting any wildlife missed earlier. The Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park, is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be seen resting on fig tree branches. The sector also supports herds of elephants, buffalo, and topi, making it a rewarding route toward Bwindi.
After the game drive, the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey continues toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes travelers through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and picturesque valleys, showcasing Uganda’s scenic diversity. Packed lunches are provided en route, ensuring a seamless transfer.
Upon arrival, guests check in at Gorilla Mist Camp, an intimate lodge nestled on the forest edge. The lodge offers stunning views of the mist-covered hills and provides a tranquil retreat after the day’s journey. Dinner is served in the lodge’s restaurant, where guests are briefed about the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Excitement builds as travelers prepare for what is often described as the most transformative wildlife encounter in Africa.
- Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
Day six is the pinnacle of the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, travelers gather at the park headquarters for a briefing on trekking guidelines and conservation efforts. Treks can last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. The trek itself is a rewarding adventure, taking travelers through dense jungle, streams, and steep terrain. Upon finding the gorillas, guests spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers and dominant silverbacks. The experience fosters a deep connection with these gentle giants and highlights the importance of conservation.
In the afternoon, guests participate in a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa, also known as the “forest people,” are one of Africa’s oldest indigenous groups who once lived within Bwindi. Through guided interactions, travelers learn about traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plants, music, and storytelling. This experience provides cultural depth, connecting the natural environment with the people who have depended on it for centuries.
The day concludes with dinner and overnight at Gorilla Mist Camp. Guests retire with unforgettable memories of close encounters with gorillas and enriching cultural insights from the Batwa community.
- Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 7: Road Transfer to Entebbe and Departure
The final day of the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience begins with breakfast at the lodge before embarking on the road transfer back to Entebbe. The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours, with scenic stops for photography, refreshments, and lunch along the way. Travelers pass through Mbarara and Masaka towns, gaining a final glimpse of Uganda’s landscapes, from rolling hills to expansive tea plantations.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, guests are transferred directly to Entebbe International Airport for their onward flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, or other destinations. This marks the conclusion of the 7-Day Uganda Safari Experience, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories of primates, wildlife, and culture.
- Accommodation: None
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water
7-Day Uganda Safari Experience Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary (Airport Guest House, Kibale Forest Camp, Enshama Game Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp)
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water)
- Park entry fees for all national parks
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Bigodi Swamp Walk guided by local community
- Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Government taxes and levies
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to and from Entebbe
- Visa fees for Uganda
- Travel insurance (medical evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as bar bills, souvenirs, and laundry
- Porter services during trekking (optional but recommended)
- Any costs arising from changes in itinerary due to weather or unforeseen circumstances
Tour Quotation Based on Two Travelers and Standard Safari
- Rate Per Person: US$3,027
- Total for Two People: US$6,054