The Perfect 7-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, is a land of endless wonder — where misty mountains rise above emerald forests, lions prowl the golden plains, and the mighty Nile roars through deep gorges. It is a country that captures the full essence of Africa in one destination: breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters on Earth.

For travelers seeking to experience the best of Uganda in one unforgettable week, a 7-day safari itinerary offers the perfect balance between adventure, discovery, and relaxation. This journey takes you from the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the mystical rainforests of Bwindi, where you’ll meet the gentle giants of the wild — the mountain gorillas.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through The Perfect 7-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary, blending wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences into a journey that will stay with you forever.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your Ugandan adventure begins the moment you land at Entebbe International Airport, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. The air is warm, the landscape lush, and the smiles of Ugandans immediately make you feel at home.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your safari guide from Moreen Tours & Travel, who will brief you about your upcoming journey and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the afternoon unwinding after your flight or exploring nearby attractions.

Optional Activities:

• Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where colorful birds flutter through towering trees.

• Take a boat cruise on Lake Victoria to Mabamba Swamp in search of the rare shoebill stork.

• Stroll through the craft markets or enjoy a relaxed dinner by the lakeside.

Spend your first night in the comfort of a cozy hotel such as Hotel No.5, The Boma Entebbe, or 2 Friends Beach Hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park – The Power of the Nile

After breakfast, your journey begins northward to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes about 5–6 hours, offering scenic views of rolling hills, roadside villages, and vast countryside.

En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only population of white rhinos. Here, you can enjoy an exciting guided walk to track these gentle giants on foot — a thrilling way to complete your “Big Five” experience once you enter Murchison.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty River Nile splits the park into two — the northern savannah and the southern forested region. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species.

After checking into your lodge, head out for a sunset game drive, where the fading light paints the savannah in gold. It’s your first real glimpse of the wild — a prelude to what lies ahead.

Overnight options:

• Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)

• Baker’s Lodge (Luxury)

• Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 3: Explore Murchison Falls – Safari, Boat Cruise & Hike to the Top

Today promises to be one of the most thrilling days of your trip. Wake up early for a morning game drive through the northern sector, where wildlife is most active. Watch the sunrise cast golden light over herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and lions stalking through the grass.

After your safari, return to your lodge for lunch before heading out for the famous boat cruise on the Nile. This two-hour journey upstream toward Murchison Falls is one of the highlights of Uganda safaris. You’ll spot hippos lazing in the water, crocodiles basking along the shores, and countless birds — including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and African fish eagles.

As you approach the falls, the calm river suddenly narrows into a roaring torrent, forcing its way through a 7-meter-wide gorge before plunging 45 meters below. The spectacle is breathtaking.

For the adventurous, disembark and take a guided hike to the top of the falls. The trail winds through scenic viewpoints, each revealing the river’s power in full glory. Standing at the summit, you’ll feel the spray of the Nile on your face — a truly humbling experience.

Dinner awaits back at your lodge, where you can enjoy the sounds of the wilderness as night falls.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Savannah of Wonders

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and picturesque wildlife reserves. The journey takes about 7–8 hours but is filled with stunning landscapes, rural life, and panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”

Arriving in Queen Elizabeth by evening, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy dinner with a view of the vast plains below. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, herds of elephants and buffaloes, and abundant birdlife — over 600 species recorded here.

Overnight options:

• Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)

• Elephant Plains Lodge (Mid-range to Luxury)

• Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 5: Game Drive & Boat Cruise Along the Kazinga Channel

Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the most productive wildlife-viewing areas in Uganda. Lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of Uganda kob roam freely here, offering incredible photographic opportunities.

After your safari, return for lunch and relaxation before embarking on an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.

This two-hour cruise brings you within meters of wildlife — hippos snorting beside your boat, crocodiles basking in the sun, and elephants cooling off at the water’s edge. Birdwatchers will be in heaven, with sightings of African skimmers, pelicans, cormorants, and majestic fish eagles.

As the sun sets, the golden reflections on the channel create a magical scene — a perfect ending to your day in the wild.

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Today’s journey takes you from the open savannahs to the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

The drive through the Ishasha sector offers a chance to spot the park’s famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. As you continue, the scenery changes dramatically — rolling hills give way to terraced slopes and dense rainforest, shrouded in mist and mystery.

Arriving in Bwindi by afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge nestled on the forest’s edge. The cool mountain air, the sound of rustling leaves, and the distant calls of forest birds create an atmosphere of tranquility and anticipation for tomorrow’s grand adventure.

Overnight options:

• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Luxury)

• Bwindi Lodge (Luxury)

• Mahogany Springs Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking – A Life-Changing Encounter

Today is the highlight of your 7-day Uganda safari — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Groups are then assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families, and the trek begins.

The hike through the dense forest can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. The trail winds through thick vegetation, steep slopes, and ancient trees — but the reward at the end is beyond imagination.

When you finally find the gorilla family, all fatigue disappears. You’ll spend a full hour observing their behavior — a silverback resting peacefully, mothers cradling infants, juveniles playing in the vines. Their intelligence, gentleness, and striking resemblance to humans create a profound emotional connection that words cannot describe.

After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your experience — a symbol of your contribution to gorilla conservation. Return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable day.

Day 8 (Optional Departure Day): Return to Entebbe or Kigali

If you’re flying out from Entebbe, you’ll begin your drive back through Kabale and Mbarara, with a lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre, arriving by evening. Alternatively, you can cross into Kigali, Rwanda, for a shorter transfer and outbound flight.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll leave Uganda with memories of stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm-hearted people — the true essence of Africa’s Pearl.

Why This 7-Day Itinerary Works

This carefully crafted itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s diversity in a limited timeframe. It combines classic safari adventures with unique primate encounters, offering a perfect blend of game drives, boat cruises, and gorilla trekking — without rushing through the experience.

In just one week, you’ll see the Big Five, cruise the legendary River Nile, track mountain gorillas, and explore Africa’s most diverse ecosystems — all while enjoying comfortable lodges, delicious cuisine, and the guidance of expert local tour leaders.

Explore Uganda with Moreen Tours & Travel

To make this journey seamless, enriching, and unforgettable, travel with Moreen Tours & Travel, a trusted Ugandan safari company specializing in tailor-made wildlife and cultural experiences.

With Moreen Tours, every detail is handled with care — from luxury lodge bookings to gorilla permit arrangements and professional safari guiding. Their personalized itineraries ensure you don’t just visit Uganda, but truly experience it — from the roar of Murchison Falls to the quiet gaze of a mountain gorilla.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, Moreen Tours & Travel will craft the perfect Uganda safari that captures your sense of adventure and love for nature.