6 Days Uganda Safaris

Uganda offers a safari experience like no other in Africa. Unlike other safari destinations with dry savannahs and wide plains, Uganda is green, fertile, and full of life. It is famous for forest wildlife and rich birdlife. Gorilla trekking is the country’s top attraction. Close behind are unforgettable encounters with well-habituated wild chimpanzees. But Uganda is not only about rainforests. 

Its lush savannahs are home to lions, elephants, hippos, and other iconic wildlife. This unique mix of forest and open plains sets Uganda apart. A 6-day Uganda safari gives you time to explore several ecosystems. You move from dense rainforests to wide savannahs. The result is a varied, exciting, and truly memorable wildlife adventure in one of Africa’s most biodiverse countries.

Is 6 days enough time for a safari in Uganda?

Yes, 6 days is enough time for a rewarding safari in Uganda. It allows you to see many of the country’s top highlights. You can include gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, and a visit to at least one savannah park. Here, you may see Big Five animals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. 

Still, six days cannot cover everything Uganda has to offer. Trying to see too much can make the trip feel rushed and tiring. For the best experience, choose a well-planned route. Balance forest adventures with savannah wildlife. This way, you enjoy the journey and fully appreciate Uganda’s beauty.

Elephants in Murchsion Falls National Park

Where should I go on a 6-day Uganda Safari?

Your route depends on whether gorilla trekking is important to you. If gorillas are your main goal, your safari will focus on southwestern Uganda. This region is home to Uganda’s two gorilla trekking parks. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular choice. It offers more than 200 gorilla permits each day.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the quieter option. It lies on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. The park has only one habituated gorilla family and offers just eight permits per day.

Most 6-day trips in the southwest combine Bwindi or Mgahinga with Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park has forests, savannahs, and wetlands. Top highlights include the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, rich wildlife along the Kazinga Channel, and clear views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. 

Many itineraries also add chimp trekking. Popular sites include Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kibale National Park. A stop at Lake Mburo National Park is also common, as it lies halfway from Entebbe. 

If gorilla trekking is not on your list, a great 6-day option is Murchison Falls National Park. This can be combined with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest

For a more remote safari, Kidepo Valley National Park is an excellent choice. It can also be paired with Ziwa Rhino Ranch for a rich and varied wildlife experience.

Uganda Chimpanzee trekking

Which animals am I likely to see?

The animals you see on a 6-day Uganda safari depend on the parks and forests you visit. On a southwestern safari with gorilla and chimp trekking, seeing mountain gorillas is almost guaranteed. The chance of seeing chimpanzees is over 90 percent. 

Parks such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley are home to four of the Big Five. These are lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Rhinos are the only missing member.

Elephants, buffalo, and lions are seen often in these parks. Leopards are present but harder to spot. Boat trips in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls are very rewarding. You will see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many water birds. Giraffes are common in Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Park. For rhinos, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the best place to visit. It protects Uganda’s only white rhinos. They are tracked on foot and are almost always seen, even on short visits.

Uganda’s signature antelope is the Uganda kob, which is found in many parks. The country is also rich in primates. These include olive baboons, Uganda mangabeys, red colobus, Rwenzori colobus, vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. 

Uganda is a dream destination for bird lovers. Over 1,080 bird species live here, from forest birds to water species, making every safari full of wildlife surprises.

3 Day Uganda Safaris

What are the options to extend my 6-day safari in Uganda?

If you have an extra day or two after your 6-day Uganda safari, there are many great ways to extend your trip. Adventure lovers can enjoy white-water rafting on the Nile River near Jinja, right where the river flows out of Lake Victoria. This is one of the most exciting rafting experiences in Africa.

From Entebbe, you can take a boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to see rescued chimpanzees up close. For a calmer experience, you can paddle a traditional canoe through Mabamba Swamp in search of the rare and famous shoebill stork.

If you want to explore beyond Uganda, a gorilla trekking safari combines perfectly with a Big Five safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Both destinations are just a short flight from Entebbe. Another popular option is Zanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania. Here you can relax on white-sand beaches, explore spice plantations, and enjoy the rich Swahili coastal culture. These extensions allow you to mix wildlife, adventure, and relaxation, creating a well-balanced and unforgettable East African journey.

What is the best time to visit Uganda?

Uganda can be visited all year round. National parks, gorilla trekking, and chimp trekking are always available. However, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons. 

These run from June to August and from December to February. During these months, trekking is easier. Forest trails are drier and less slippery. Wildlife in the savannah parks is also easier to see, as animals gather near water sources. Gorilla and chimp trekking is still possible in the rainy season. 

However, the heavy rains from March to May can make trails muddy and difficult. Some outdoor activities may also be disrupted. For the best mix of easy hiking and good wildlife viewing, the dry season is the ideal time. This is when Uganda is most comfortable to explore and at its most beautiful.

How much will a 6 Day Uganda safari cost?

The cost of a 6-day Uganda safari depends on your route and comfort level. Most safaris that include gorilla and chimp trekking cost between US$2,000 and US$3,500 per person. The price mainly depends on the type of accommodation you choose. This cost usually includes gorilla and chimp permits, park and activity fees, transport, meals, and lodging. Safaris without gorilla trekking are much cheaper. 

Luxury safaris cost more and may include top lodges, private guides, or domestic flights. Uganda offers safari options for many budgets. You can choose an active adventure trip or a fully inclusive luxury experience. This makes Uganda a destination for every kind of traveler.

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Best 6 Day Uganda Safari Packages