07 Days Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking
Tour Type
Private / Group
Region
East Africa
Safari Highlights
Gorilla Trekking: A face-to-face encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Walk through the humid forests of Kibale to observe habituated chimps.
Tree-Climbing Lions: A unique opportunity to see the famous lions that rest in fig trees in the Ishasha sector.
Kazinga Channel Cruise: A boat trip offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Cultural Encounters: Visit the local communities surrounding the parks.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Location: Entebbe to Kibale National Park Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite near Kibale
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our guide. We will immediately depart for Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through beautiful Ugandan countryside, traditional homesteads, and tea plantations. Kibale Forest is known as the "Primate Capital of the World" due to its high density of chimpanzees. Check in at your accommodation and enjoy dinner under the stars.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Location: Kibale National Park Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite near Kibale
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest. The chimpanzee trek is an exciting experience as you hike through the jungle, listening to the calls of the chimps before locating them. Once found, you will spend one hour observing them play, feed, and interact. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to spot birds and other primates like the Colobus Monkey and Red-tailed Monkey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite in Queen Elizabeth
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will pass through the scenic crater lakes region, offering stunning views of the landscape. Upon arrival, we may enjoy a short game drive en route to the lodge. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most popular savannah park and offers diverse ecosystems including grassy plains, tropical forests, and wetlands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite in Queen Elizabeth
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains. This is the best time to spot predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as large herds of Ugandan Kobs and buffaloes. After lunch, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This trip is a highlight for many, as you will see hundreds of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to the water's edge to drink, along with a vast array of birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tree-Climbing Lions (Ishasha) & Transfer to Bwindi
Location: Ishasha Sector to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite near Bwindi
We depart Queen Elizabeth and drive south through the remote Ishasha sector. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rarity found in only a few places in Africa. We will search the large fig trees for these lazy cats. Afterward, we continue our journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Mountain Gorillas. The drive is scenic, passing through rural villages and terraced hillsides.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Accommodation: Budget Lodge / Campsite near Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your trip. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. You will be assigned to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, hiking through steep, dense, and muddy terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour watching them feed, groom, and play in their natural habitat. The sheer size and gentleness of the Silverback will leave you in awe. Return to the lodge for a celebratory dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Entebbe & Departure
Location: Bwindi to Entebbe/Kampala
After breakfast, we begin the long drive back to Entebbe, stopping for lunch en route in Mbarara town at the Equator monument for photos and souvenirs. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an incredible 7-day Uganda adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This 7-day Uganda safari takes you deep into the heart of the “Pearl of Africa.” It is a carefully crafted adventure that blends the adrenaline of trekking for Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees with the relaxation of classic game drives and boat cruises. You will explore the ancient rainforests of Bwindi, the primate capital of Kibale, and the diverse savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Included
Transportation: 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
Fuel: Unlimited fuel for the entire safari.
Driver/Guide: Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
Permits: One Gorilla Trekking Permit ($700 USD) and one Chimpanzee Tracking Permit ($150 USD).
Park Fees: All entry fees for Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi.
Accommodation: 6 nights in budget campsites or budget lodges.
Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) throughout the safari.
Boat Cruise: 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Activities: Game drives and nature walks as per the itinerary.
Excluded
International Flights: Airfare to/from Entebbe.
Visa Fees: East African Tourist Visa ($50-$100 USD).
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Tips: gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff.
Personal Items: Laundry, beverages (alcohol/soda), souvenirs.
Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Safari Experience
Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Book your spot today!