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Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale, encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, and explore Lake Mburo’s scenic plains — all in one unforgettable week-long safari.
Discover the best of Uganda on this unforgettable 7-day safari adventure that combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and classic wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perfect for nature lovers and primate enthusiasts, this private safari takes you through scenic landscapes, savannah plains, and misty rainforest jungles teeming with rare wildlife.
Track wild chimpanzees in the primate capital of Kibale, enjoy game drives in the Kasenyi plains, and cruise along the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Cap it all off with a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The tour includes all permits, accommodations, meals, park entry, and expert guiding — offering you a fully packaged, seamless experience from arrival to departure.
Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport by your private driver-guide. From here, embark on a scenic journey westward to Kibale Forest National Park, known as East Africa’s primate capital. The drive (approx. 5–6 hours) offers stunning views of rural Uganda, including tea plantations, crater lakes, and bustling trading centers. Arrive at your forest lodge in the late afternoon or evening and enjoy a peaceful dinner surrounded by nature. This day allows you to unwind and prepare for the exciting chimpanzee trek ahead.
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest. Led by experienced rangers, you'll trek through the tropical rainforest to observe a habituated chimpanzee troop in the wild. After spending an hour with these lively primates, return to the lodge for lunch. Later, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing scenic crater lakes and rural communities. Arrive in time for an optional evening game drive and check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Wake up early for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for abundant wildlife like elephants, buffalo, lions, warthogs, and Uganda kobs. After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy some downtime before heading to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari. This two-hour cruise offers up-close sightings of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and over 600 bird species. It’s a photographer’s paradise. Return to the lodge for dinner, recounting the day’s incredible sightings by the fire under the stars.
Today’s route takes you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot them lounging in fig trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and continue your journey through Uganda’s beautiful southwestern highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening, check into your lodge nestled in the forest, and rest ahead of tomorrow’s life-changing gorilla trek.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and group allocation. Begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forest, guided by experienced rangers. The trek can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. Once found, you’ll spend one extraordinary hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat — an experience that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding village.
Depart Bwindi after breakfast and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and home to zebra, impala, giraffe, elands, and over 300 bird species. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy scenic landscapes dotted with rolling hills. Upon arrival, head out for a late afternoon walking safari with an armed ranger — a unique way to view wildlife on foot and learn about the park’s flora and fauna. Check in at your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night in the bush.
Enjoy an early morning game drive or another walking safari in Lake Mburo before checking out. Begin your return journey to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator crossing for photos and souvenir shopping. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening in time for your international flight or overnight hotel stay (if arranged). This marks the end of your unforgettable 7-day Uganda safari — a journey filled with iconic wildlife, lush landscapes, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Select your comfort level. All packages include full-board lodging near Kibale Forest and Bwindi, en-suite rooms, meals, and private safari transport with driver-guide.
| Comfort Level | Recommended Lodges | Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kibale Forest Camp, Bush Lodge, Buhoma Community Camp, Eagles Nest Lodge | $2,035 |
| Midrange | Kibale Forest Camp, Bush Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Arcadia Lodge Mburo | $2,265 |
| Luxury | Chimpundu Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mihingo Lodge | $3,935 |
The best time to do this safari is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are more favorable and forest trails are less slippery. However, the safari can be done year-round, with great chances of seeing both gorillas and chimpanzees in any season.June–September and December–February. Trails are drier and easier to hike, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. However, the tour runs year-round, and the wetter seasons (March–May and October–November) offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, often with discounted accommodation.
It's recommended to book your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February. During these periods, permits are in high demand and can sell out quickly.
By booking well in advance and working with an experienced tour operator, you can ensure a smooth and memorable trekking experience.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, can be physically demanding. Treks may involve hiking through dense vegetation, steep slopes, and uneven terrain. The duration of the trek can range from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family on that day. While a moderate level of fitness is beneficial, most individuals in good health can complete the trek. Porters are available to assist with carrying gear and providing support during the hike.
Chimpanzee trekking, especially in Kibale Forest National Park, is generally considered less strenuous compared to gorilla trekking. The terrain in Kibale is relatively flat, making the hikes more manageable. Treks typically last between 2 to 4 hours, including the time spent observing the chimpanzees. Participants should be prepared for some walking and the possibility of navigating through forest undergrowth, but the experience is accessible to most travelers with average fitness levels.
For both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, pack comfortable and protective gear including:
This is primarily a private tour, meaning you’ll have a dedicated vehicle and guide for your group throughout the trip. However, during activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, you’ll join a small group of up to 8 people as required by park regulations.
Yes, you can combine this safari with other activities such as game drives, boat safaris, cultural experiences, or visits to other parks like Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls. Many travelers also choose to extend their trip to Rwanda or Kenya for a more diverse East African adventure.
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