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Published on December 26, 2025

Uganda 7-Day Itinerary: Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through Uganda, a land of breathtaking landscapes and incredible biodiversity. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the unparalleled thrill of gorilla trekking with classic wildlife safaris, offering an immersive experience into the heart of Africa's Pearl.

Overview of Your Uganda Adventure

This 7-day safari is designed for travelers eager to witness Uganda's most iconic wildlife experiences. You'll journey through diverse ecosystems, from dense rainforests home to endangered mountain gorillas to sprawling savannas teeming with lions, elephants, and hippos. Prepare for early mornings, long drives, and moments that will stay with you forever.

Key Highlights:

Detailed 7-Day Uganda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Journey to Western Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be met by your safari guide. After a brief introduction, you'll begin your scenic drive towards Western Uganda. The journey will take you through diverse landscapes, past local villages and lush green hills. While it's a long travel day, it offers a glimpse into rural Ugandan life. Depending on your arrival time and the specific gorilla trekking sector, you may stop for the night near Lake Mburo or continue further towards the Bwindi region.

Travel Tip:Uganda's road network can be challenging. Expect long travel days and comfortable 4x4 vehicles for your journey. Pack snacks and stay hydrated.

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is largely dedicated to reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of roughly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The drive is incredibly picturesque, winding through terraced hillsides and vibrant communities. You'll arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon, allowing time to relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure tomorrow. Your guide will brief you on what to expect and what to pack.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highly anticipated day has arrived! After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. Here, you'll be divided into small groups, each assigned a gorilla family to trek. With experienced guides and trackers, you’ll delve into the dense forest. The trek can range from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas' movements, but the reward of spending an hour with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly indescribable. Observe their playful antics, tender interactions, and sheer power. After your unforgettable encounter, you'll return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: From Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Bwindi and drive north towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most popular wildlife destinations. The drive offers stunning views, potentially passing through Ishasha, known for its tree-climbing lions (a rare sight!). Upon arrival and checking into your lodge, you'll embark on an afternoon game drive. Explore the park's diverse habitats, searching for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and various antelope species. The park is also famous for its vast birdlife.

Fun Fact:Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park in the world, with over 600 bird species.

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your day begins with an early morning game drive, offering the best chance to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas as they return from their nocturnal hunts. Afterwards, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for a relaxing boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This tranquil cruise is a fantastic opportunity to see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and countless hippos cooling off in the water, alongside an incredible array of waterbirds. You might even spot crocodiles basking on the banks.

From certain vantage points within the park, you can also catch glimpses of the formidable Rwenzori Mountains National Park, often referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon."

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park & Afternoon Activities

After a final breakfast in Queen Elizabeth, you'll begin your journey east towards Lake Mburo National Park. This smaller park is unique for its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and papyrus swamps, and it's the only park in Uganda where you can easily spot impalas and zebras. After checking into your lodge, you can choose from a range of afternoon activities. Options include a walking safari (a rare opportunity in most parks), a horse riding safari, or a tranquil boat trip on Lake Mburo itself, offering views of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. This park provides a different perspective on Uganda's wildlife.

Alternatively, if time permits and you're interested in a cultural experience, a stop at nearby Lake Bunyonyi could be considered on your way from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth or from Queen Elizabeth towards Lake Mburo, though it would add significant travel time to an already packed itinerary.

Day 7: Morning Activity in Lake Mburo & Departure

Enjoy a final morning activity in Lake Mburo National Park. You could opt for another game drive, a guided bush walk to learn about smaller creatures and plants, or simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the savanna. Afterwards, you'll begin your drive back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary Ugandan adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for souvenir shopping in Kampala or Entebbe if desired, though the focus remains on getting you to the airport comfortably.

What to Pack for Your Uganda Safari

  • For Gorilla Trekking:Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof), long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect against thorns and insects), gardening gloves (to grip vegetation), rain jacket, small backpack, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries, and plenty of water.
  • For Safaris:Neutral-colored clothing (khakis, greens, browns), comfortable walking shoes, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, binoculars (essential!), insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear (if your lodge has a pool), and a light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings.
  • General:Personal toiletries, any prescription medications, universal travel adapter, power bank, and a copy of your passport and visa.

Practical Information

  • Visa:Most visitors require a visa for Uganda. Check the latest requirements with your local embassy or consulate. An East African Tourist Visa can be a good option if combining with Kenya or Rwanda.
  • Health:Consult your doctor regarding vaccinations (yellow fever certificate is often required) and anti-malarial medication.
  • Currency:Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, but local currency is useful for smaller purchases.
  • Language:English is the official language, with Luganda and Swahili widely spoken.
  • Best Time to Visit:The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are generally preferred for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, as trails are less muddy and animals congregate around water sources.

This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and wildlife, showcasing the very best of Uganda. Prepare for an journey that will connect you deeply with nature and leave you with a profound appreciation for Africa's untamed beauty.