Few experiences compare to locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the wild. This comprehensive 7 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimpanzees Experience takes you through Uganda's premier primate destinations. Trek through the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to encounter one of the rarest creatures on Earth—the mountain gorilla. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of chimps in Uganda and thirteen other primate species. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its famous tree-climbing lions, boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, and over 600 bird species. This safari offers the ultimate primate adventure combined with classic African wildlife experiences.
Key Safari Highlights
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
- Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi
- Spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel with hippos and crocodiles
- Guided night forest walk for nocturnal wildlife
- Visit Bigodi Swamp for primates and birdlife
- Visit the indigenous Batwa community
- Over 600 bird species across multiple parks
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival – Kibale Forest National Park
You will be met by your local host with your safari driver guide. Once you board your safari vehicle, depart for an 8-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Arrive in time for lunch and check-in at your lodge. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing from the long drive and enjoying the forest surroundings. Dinner and overnight at camp or lodge.
Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking
Have an early morning start with breakfast followed by a briefing by the ranger-guide before your morning chimpanzee tracking session. During the trek, encounter a large community of chimpanzees and thirteen other primate species including red and black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's, red-tailed, vervet and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and four species of nocturnal primates. The forest hosts approximately 400 bird species including crested guineafowl, great blue turaco, grey parrot, and African crowned eagles. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon walk at Bigodi Swamp—a community-based tourism project offering more primates, swamp birds, and wetland mammals including sitatunga antelope. After dinner, embark on a guided night forest walk in search of nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, galagos, and eagle owls. Overnight at the lodge.
Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Check out of the lodge after breakfast and embark on a 5-hour picturesque drive via Fort Portal and Kasese Towns to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Access the park via Kabatooro gate and visit the Queen's Pavilion for a panoramic view of the park. Enjoy a game drive en route to the lodge for check-in and lunch. Spend the afternoon resting before your sundowner game drive to end your day with stunning views. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Full Day
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the vast savannah plains, swamps, and forests of Queen Elizabeth which are home to about 95 mammals and over 600 bird species. Look out for lions, leopards, elephants, warthogs, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, and waterbucks among others. After lunch, transfer to the pier for your afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel—a natural waterway joining Lakes George and Edward. The channel is habitat to Nile crocodiles, arguably the highest concentration of hippos on the planet, different species of egrets, Goliath herons, saddle-billed storks, African fish eagles, Egyptian geese, and cormorants. Return to the dock and enjoy a game drive en route to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, check out and take an en-route game drive as you exit Mweya Peninsula section heading to the Ishasha section, renowned for the famous tree-climbing lions—a rare phenomenon found in only two places in Africa. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge nestled at the edge of the ancient forest. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking
Have an early morning breakfast followed by a briefing by the forest ranger before embarking on your gorilla trekking expedition. Carry your packed lunch and water for the excursion. The trek through the ancient forest can take 2-8 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. On sight of the gorillas, keep calm and watch them feed, play, swing from one branch to another, and enjoy the strictly one hour allowed in their presence. Bwindi Forest is an ancient rainforest with incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Return to the launch site, receive your tracking certificates, and take a ride back to your lodge. A possible visit to the Batwa Community is available if time permits. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive to Entebbe with a lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Centre—a fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of the Ankole people. Continue your scenic drive through Uganda's beautiful countryside. On arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable Uganda gorillas and chimpanzees experience concludes with lifelong memories.
What's Included
- Ground transportation throughout the trip
- Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Chimpanzee tracking permit per person
- Accommodation as indicated on the safari program
- All meals as indicated on the safari program
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Bottled water (1 liter per day)
- All activities as indicated (boat cruise, game drives, night walk, Bigodi Swamp)
- Batwa Community visit
- Flying doctors coverage within East Africa (14 days)
What's Excluded
- Visas/Entry Permit for Uganda
- Pre & Post tour accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe
- Porter services during gorilla/chimp trekking
- Gratuities and tips to hotels/lodges/camps staff and driver/guide(s)
- Local or international flights and departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Any items not included in the itinerary
