8-Day Classic Uganda Safari
Gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale, the Big Five in Murchison Falls, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha — the quintessential Ugandan experience.
8-Day Classic Uganda Safari
This 8-day expedition by Tarec Gorilla Safaris is the quintessential Ugandan experience. We combine the "Big Five" savannah adventure with the "Big Two" primate encounters, gorillas and chimpanzees. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the misty peaks of Bwindi, this journey captures the very soul of the Pearl of Africa.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
From arrival in Entebbe to the Equator and back, this journey unfolds day by day. Follow the timeline below to see how each day leads into the next.
Your Tarec guide will meet you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel. We head north through the Luwero Triangle, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided bush walk to see white rhinos on foot. After lunch, we enter Murchison Falls National Park and drive to the Top of the Falls to witness the Nile squeezing through a 7-meter gorge.
Enjoy a sunrise game drive in the northern sector, home to giraffes, lions, elephants, and leopards. In the afternoon, we take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. You'll see thousands of hippos and massive crocodiles, followed by an optional (but highly recommended) hike to the top of the falls for an aerial view.
A full day of scenic driving along the Albertine Rift. We pass through local villages and vibrant tea plantations in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. We arrive in Fort Portal, a beautiful town near the edge of the Kibale rainforest.
Enter the rainforest to track our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Kibale has the highest density of primates in Africa! Spend an hour observing their vocal displays and social play. In the afternoon, we visit Bigodi Wetland for a community-led walk to spot rare birds and monkeys like the grey-cheeked mangabey.
We drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator. After checking in, we head out for an evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains to look for predators starting their night hunt.
The morning begins with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering a front-row seat to the highest concentration of hippos in the world. Afterward, we drive to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, before continuing to the Bwindi Gorilla Highlands.
The moment you've been waiting for. Accompanied by expert UWA rangers, you will trek through the dense Bwindi forest. Once the Mountain Gorillas are found, you will spend one profound hour in their presence. This is widely considered the greatest wildlife encounter on Earth.
After a relaxed breakfast, we begin our return journey. We stop at the Igongo Cultural Center for a traditional lunch and make a final stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping before arriving in Entebbe for your evening flight.
Rates & Pricing
Our rates are per person sharing and vary depending on group size, season, and accommodation level. The Uganda gorilla permit ($800) is included in every rate below. All rates include park fees, permits, meals, and a private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide.
| Group Size | Accommodation | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | Budget | $3,850 |
| 2 travellers | Budget | $3,050 |
| 2 travellers | Mid-range | $2,450 |
| 2 travellers | Luxury | $4,150 |
| 4 travellers | Mid-range | $2,250 |
| 6+ travellers | Mid-range | $2,080 |
What's Included & Excluded
We believe in full transparency. Here is exactly what is included in your 8-Day Classic Uganda Safari — and what is not. If you have any questions, our team is happy to clarify before you book.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit ($800 per person)
- Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
- 4×4 Safari Vehicle & Professional Driver-Guide
- All National Park Entrance Fees
- Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Sanctuary
- Full Board Meals & Drinking Water in Car
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Murchison Falls Nile Boat Cruise
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Fuel and vehicle maintenance
- International Flights & Visas
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips & Gratuities for staff
- Alcoholic drinks & Laundry
- Optional activities not listed
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Any item not mentioned in the inclusions
Getting There
Your safari begins and ends in Entebbe, Uganda's main gateway. Most international travellers arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). We provide complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure. Direct flights operate from major hubs across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
Tarec Gorilla Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company specialising in tailor-made gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Our team of experienced driver-guides is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.