7-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari Adventure

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to Kampala, and optional city exploration.
• Day 2: Scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, birdwatching, and cultural encounters.
• Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Uganda’s scenic countryside.
• Day 4: Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.
• Day 5: Drive through the Ishasha Sector in search of tree-climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest followed by a cultural visit to the Batwa and Bakiga communities.
• Day 7: Scenic return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with a stop at Igongo Cultural Centre and the Uganda Equator.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kampala

Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional city experience exploring Uganda’s vibrant capital or the lakeside town of Entebbe.

Take time to relax after your journey, meet your safari team, and prepare for the exciting wildlife adventure ahead. Overnight in Kampala or Entebbe.

Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland Experience

After breakfast, begin your journey westward toward Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s best destinations for primate encounters. The scenic drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, traditional villages, farmlands, and expansive tea plantations.

After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation area famous for its rich biodiversity. During the guided nature walk, look out for colourful birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other wildlife while learning about local traditions, crafts, and rural Ugandan life.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest, known as the primate capital of the world. After a ranger briefing, enter the rainforest with experienced guides to search for habituated chimpanzee communities.

As you trek through the ancient forest, you may encounter other primates including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons, as well as numerous bird species. Once chimpanzees are located, spend a memorable hour observing their behaviour, social interactions, and daily activities.

After lunch, continue toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous savannah reserve. Enjoy changing landscapes as rainforest gives way to open plains before arriving at your lodge.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early for a thrilling morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Uganda’s best wildlife viewing areas. Search for iconic African animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and possibly leopards.

The open savannah scenery provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during the golden morning hours.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. The channel attracts large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless water birds. The boat safari offers a unique perspective as animals gather along the shoreline.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the famous Ishasha Sector, a remote wilderness area known for its unusual population of tree-climbing lions.

During a game drive through Ishasha’s open plains, keep your eyes open for lions resting high in fig trees, along with elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.

Continue through Uganda’s scenic southwestern highlands, where dramatic hills, winding roads, and mist-covered mountains create some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.

Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and relax at your lodge before tomorrow’s unforgettable trek.

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Cultural Experience

Today is the highlight of your Uganda gorilla trekking safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before entering the ancient Bwindi rainforest.

With experienced trackers, hike through dense vegetation and mountainous terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas, making every experience unique and adventurous.

Once you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing these endangered great apes as they feed, play, groom, and interact within their natural habitat.

After the trek, relax before visiting nearby Batwa and Bakiga communities to experience traditional music, dance, storytelling, and the cultural heritage of southwestern Uganda.

Day 7: Return to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, begin your return journey through Uganda’s scenic countryside toward Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through the hills and plains of southwestern Uganda.

Stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and a glimpse into Ankole traditions before continuing to the Uganda Equator for photographs and a memorable travel experience.

Your guide will then transfer you to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorillas & Chimpanzees.