Experience the best of Uganda’s primates and savannah wildlife on this 7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Tour. The journey takes you through some of western Uganda’s most remarkable destinations, including Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Tour
The safari combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, exciting game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
From the lush tropical forests of Kibale to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth and the misty mountains of Bwindi, this itinerary offers a wonderful introduction to Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and primates.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be welcomed by your professional safari driver-guide. After introductions, your guide will brief you about the journey and answer any questions about the safari.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for check-in and relaxation. Spend the rest of the evening recovering from your journey and preparing for the exciting adventure ahead.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Overnight: Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal
After breakfast, meet your safari driver-guide and begin your journey westwards towards Kibale Forest National Park.
The drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, with views of traditional villages, cultivated farmland and rolling green hills. Along the way, you may see local communities tending crops such as maize, beans, millet and other seasonal produce.
Continue to Fort Portal, where you will stop for lunch before proceeding towards Kibale Forest.
Kibale is one of Uganda’s leading primate destinations and is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population. The forest is also home to numerous monkey species and an impressive variety of birds.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short walk around the lodge or simply enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Kibale Forest National Park
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking, Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
Today, enjoy one of the highlights of your Uganda wildlife adventure — chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. You will then enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers to search for habituated chimpanzee communities.
As you explore the rainforest, you may encounter other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bushbabies and other forest species. Kibale also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with numerous colourful forest birds inhabiting the canopy and undergrowth.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located on the edge of Kibale Forest. Enjoy a guided nature walk through the wetland, where you can look for monkeys, birds, butterflies and other wildlife while learning about the local community and conservation efforts.
After the Bigodi experience, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel towards the park and look out for wildlife along the route where possible.
Check into your lodge and relax for the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring areas such as the Kasenyi Plains.
The open savannah provides excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, spotted hyenas and other wildlife. The park’s varied habitats also support a wide range of bird species.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, or enjoy a packed lunch depending on the day’s schedule.
In the afternoon, take a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife-viewing experiences.
The channel attracts large concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, while elephants, buffaloes and other animals frequently gather along the shoreline to drink and graze. You will also have opportunities to see numerous water birds during the cruise.
After the boat trip, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the Ishasha sector on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ishasha is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. During your game drive through this remote section of the park, keep watch for lions resting in the branches of large fig trees. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the search provides an exciting wildlife experience.
You may also encounter elephants, topi, buffaloes, Uganda kob and other savannah animals.
Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the landscape gradually transforms from open savannah to cultivated hills and heavily forested mountain slopes.
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for the following day’s mountain gorilla trek.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Mbarara
Today is the main highlight of your 7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Tour — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the ranger-guides. You will then begin your trek through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
The duration and difficulty of the trek vary depending on where the gorillas are located and the terrain. Be prepared for steep slopes, dense vegetation and potentially muddy or slippery trails.
Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing these remarkable primates in their natural environment. Watching them feed, move, interact and care for their young is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
After the trek, return to your accommodation, collect your belongings and begin your journey towards Mbarara. Depending on the duration of the trek and road conditions, you may arrive in the evening.
Check into your accommodation, enjoy dinner and rest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Mbarara
Day 7: Lake Mburo Game Drive, Equator Visit and Departure
Wake up early, enjoy breakfast and continue towards Lake Mburo National Park for your final wildlife experience.
Take a morning game drive through the park, which is known for its populations of zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, topi, Uganda kob and Cape buffaloes. The park also supports a variety of bird species.
After the game drive, continue your journey towards Entebbe.
Make a stop at the Uganda Equator crossing, where you can take memorable photographs, browse local craft shops and enjoy refreshments before continuing your journey.
Proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 7-day Uganda gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Bigodi Wetland nature walk
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Ishasha wildlife experience
- Search for tree-climbing lions
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
- Scenic countryside drive through western Uganda
- Uganda Equator crossing experience