7 days Uganda wildlife, Gorilla trekking, and Chimpanzee trekking safari

7-Day Primate and Wildlife Adventure in Uganda

This well-planned 7-day safari takes you to some of Uganda’s most gifted destinations for an unforgettable primate and wildlife experience. You will explore Kibale Forest National Park for rare chimpanzees and over 13 other primate species, Queen Elizabeth National Park for the iconic tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the endangered mountain gorillas and an immersive Batwa cultural experience.

The trip includes game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, a cultural encounter, a boat cruise, sightseeing, and photography. It begins and ends in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, offering delicious cuisines, comfortable lodging, and seamless transfers.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park Meet your expert driver-guide at the agreed pick-up point for a briefing on Uganda and the adventure ahead. You will then embark on a scenic 6-8 hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of Africa. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, the sight of Ankole long-horned cattle, busy towns, and traditional homesteads. A lunch stop will be made en route. If time allows, you may visit crater lakes near Fort Portal before arriving at your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for registration and briefing. Enjoy a 1-5 hour trek through Kibale Forest, encountering chimpanzees and other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Along the way, spot forest mammals, birds, and unique plant species. Once you find the chimpanzees, spend an hour observing their behavior and taking photos before returning for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Swamp, a community-managed Ramsar site rich in primates, birds, and local culture. Witness locals engaged in daily activities and enjoy the beauty of this lush wetland. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive After breakfast, embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the Top of the World at the Isunga community, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of crater lakes and surrounding landscapes. Then, check out and drive for approximately 2-3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited savannah park.

After lunch and some rest at the lodge, set off for a thrilling night game drive. This is the best time to spot nocturnal predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as other animals such as hippos and buffaloes. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night.

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel Begin your day with a morning game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the Mweya Peninsula. Look out for members of the Big Five, various antelope species, warthogs, and other wildlife.

After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. This is a perfect opportunity for photography and relaxation. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha After breakfast, check out and drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Spend about two hours observing these unique predators before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy stunning views of mountains and lush vegetation along the way. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, have dinner, and rest in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience After an early breakfast, collect your packed lunch and necessary documents, then proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. The trek, which lasts between 1-6 hours, takes you deep into Bwindi’s dense jungle in search of a gorilla family. Once found, you will have one hour to observe and photograph these majestic primates as they interact in their natural habitat.

Later, engage in a cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of Bwindi. Learn about their traditional hunting, storytelling, and survival skills. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Return to Kampala/Entebbe and Departure After breakfast, check out and embark on an 8-9 hour drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Enjoy a lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center and a visit to the Equator for photography and demonstrations about the northern and southern hemispheres. Arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable safari.

End of Safari.