7-Day Uganda Safaris and Tours (Best Packages Options)

Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse and captivating safari destinations. In just seven days, you can enjoy many of the country’s top highlights. You can trek mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can watch playful chimpanzees in beautiful tropical forests. You can track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.

You will also enjoy classic game drives and boat safaris, with good chances of seeing much of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Uganda is rich in monkeys and birds, making it a dream destination for primate lovers and birdwatchers. Many of Uganda’s best parks lie close together, especially in the southwest. This makes it easy to plan a well-paced 7-day safari. In one week, you can experience stunning landscapes, warm local culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Where should I go on a 1-week safari in Uganda?

The most popular 7-day safaris in Uganda focus on the southwest. This route includes Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Parks. It is ideal for first-time visitors. It offers both gorilla trekking and chimp tracking in one trip. If gorilla trekking is not your main goal, there is a great alternative. You can visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale National Park. This route combines rhino tracking, game drives, boat safaris, and chimp trekking.

For travelers seeking more adventure, an eastern loop is a great choice. This journey includes Ziwa, the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, a cultural visit in Karamoja, and Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon. It offers wildlife, culture, and dramatic scenery far from the usual tourist routes.

Elephants in Murchsion Falls National Park

Is 7 days a good length for a safari in Uganda?

Seven days is a good length for a Uganda safari. It gives enough time to enjoy the main southwestern highlights. You can trek gorillas in Bwindi, track chimps in Kibale Forest National Park, take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and go on a game drive to see the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could add an overnight at Lake Mburo National Park, making it an 8-day safari. To include Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch without missing the southwest highlights, a 10-day safari is the best option.

What animals can I expect to see?

On a 7-day Uganda safari, you’ll see a wide variety of animals.

On the southwestern route through Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale, you are almost certain to spot mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and many monkeys and birds. You also have a very good chance of seeing chimpanzees and lions, and sometimes even leopards or giant forest hogs.

Lake Mburo is the only southwestern park with giraffes, zebras, and impalas. For Big Five fans, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are excellent, with lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos.

What kind of accommodations can I expect?

Uganda offers accommodations for every budget and taste. Your choice depends on what you want to spend. Many major parks have luxury lodges or camps, with comfort and service on par with the best in Africa. There are also mid-range and upmarket lodges for a balance of comfort and value. For budget travelers, guesthouses and well-equipped campsites provide a simple but enjoyable stay.

What is the best time of the year for a 7-day safari in Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda for a 7-day safari is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. These months offer the best conditions for gorilla and chimp trekking and make game drives in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls easier and more enjoyable. September and October are also good months to visit. The wet months of March, May, and November are less ideal, and we do not recommend April, which is the wettest month in most of the country.

How much will a 7-day Uganda safari cost?

A 7-day Uganda safari that includes gorilla and chimp trekking usually costs between US$2,400 and US$3,000 per person for budget to mid-range options.

This generally includes transport, accommodations, meals, park fees, permits, and a professional driver-guide. Cheaper camping tours are also available, but make sure to check what is included. Luxury safaris with high-end lodges or private services typically cost over US$4,500 per person.