7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Day 1: Scenic Drive to the Forest of Kibale
You will be warmly welcomed at the airport or your hotel by your private guide. After a short briefing, step into your private Land Cruiser and set off to begin your safari adventure.
Begin your journey towards Kibale Forest, traveling through one of Uganda’s most scenic regions. The area is well known for its rolling tea plantations, lush countryside, and beautiful crater lakes, offering a striking introduction to western Uganda as you make your way towards the forest.
Transfer Time: 7 hours
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking at Primate Capital of the World
This morning, head into Kibale National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale is home to the highest density of chimpanzees in the region — over 1,500 individuals — making it one of the best places in the world to see them in the wild.
With the guidance of expert trackers, you’ll follow signs through the forest until you find one of the habituated chimp families. Once located, you’ll spend one hour observing their natural behavior — grooming, feeding, calling loudly through the forest, or moving swiftly through the canopy.
After the trek, continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Transfer time: 1-2 hours
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
Start your morning with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and elusive leopards often seen lounging in the shade.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds of elephants and buffaloes coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife.
In the evening, rest in your lodge or continue with a sunset game drive.
Day 4: Drive To Gorilla Land and Visit Batwa Community
Today, we leave the open savannah landscapes behind and journey toward Uganda’s ancient montane forests, a dramatic change in scenery and atmosphere. As we travel deeper into the highlands, the environment becomes cooler, greener, and more densely forested — the natural home of the endangered mountain gorillas..
If time allows, you may choose to take part in a guided walk through the Batwa community. This experience includes visits to basket weavers and a local school, storytelling about Batwa history and present-day life.
Transfer time: 5 hours
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest
Today you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places in Uganda. Check in and rest at your lodge, surrounded by the lake’s calm waters and dotted islands that create an unforgettable view.
Transfer time: 1-2 hours
Day 6: Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
Start your day at Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful and serene spots in Uganda. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 small islands, this lake is Africa’s second deepest — and completely free of crocodiles and hippos, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. Here you will embark on a boat adventure to explore some of these islands, taking in the stunning scenery and getting a glimpse of local life along the lakeshore.
Afterward, begin your journey towards Lake Mburo National Park.
Transfer time: 5 hours
Day 7: Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger — a unique way to get closer to the animals in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is one of the best places in Uganda to see large herds of zebras and the striking Rothschild’s giraffes.
After the walk, you’ll begin the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to pick up some local crafts.
Transfer time: 5 hours
Private Safari Cost
The price of each safari depends on the number of travelers, trip duration, and accommodation type. Below you can see approximate prices for each category.
Budget Friendly
For 2: $2,920 per person
For 4: $2,280 per person
Mid Range
For 2: $3,280 per person
For 4: $2,580 per person
Luxury Safari
For 2: $3,880 per person
For 4: $3,280 per person
