7-Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Pearl of Africa

Your safari begins the moment you land at Entebbe International Airport, where a friendly company guide will meet you with a warm Ugandan welcome. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to unwind with some rest or embark on a short city tour to soak in the energetic pulse of Kampala’s markets, restaurants, and cultural spots. The evening presents a perfect opportunity to enjoy Kampala’s nightlife or simply relax and mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Where to Stay:
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala or Fairway Hotel Kampala – Both offer excellent comfort and easy access to the city’s highlights while setting the tone for your adventure.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Gateway to Primate Kingdoms

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will provide a comprehensive briefing about the exciting days ahead. You will then depart on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World” for its astounding diversity of primates, including chimpanzees. The journey takes you through lush landscapes and small towns, with several stops for photos and refreshment breaks. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and prepare for an early start the following day.

Where to Stay:
Kibale Forest Camp or Primate Lodge Kibale – Both lodges offer comfortable accommodations nestled close to the park, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

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

Early breakfast sets the tone for an exciting morning trek. You will be briefed on the chimpanzee tracking guidelines before heading into the forest with expert guides and trackers. This primate tracking experience is incredibly rewarding as you observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, interacting with each other amidst the lush greenery. Alongside chimpanzees, the forest teems with other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and bush babies, as well as a variety of birds, including the crowned eagle and black bee-eater.

After this thrilling encounter, you will begin your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park, famous for its incredible wildlife diversity. On arrival, relax at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Where to Stay:
Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Both provide great access to park activities with comfortable amenities and beautiful views.

Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your day starts with an exhilarating game drive on the Kasenyi Track in the northern sector of the park. Here, the savannah teems with lions, elephants, buffalo, and large herds of Uganda kob. The vast open plains create spectacular opportunities to witness predator-prey dynamics and a diversity of wildlife up close.

After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for breakfast before embarking on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is a wildlife hotspot where hippos and crocodiles bask near the shores, while buffalo graze along the banks. The channel is also home to an impressive array of bird species such as pink-backed pelicans, pied kingfishers, and saddle-billed storks, making it a paradise for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park – Realm of the Gorillas

Following breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, often described as one of Africa’s last great rainforests. This journey takes you through the breathtaking highlands of the Kigezi region, offering dramatic views of terraced hills and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest up for your gorilla trekking expedition.

Where to Stay:
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Buhoma Lodge – Both lodges are ideally situated near the park headquarters and offer comfort coupled with spectacular forest views.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your final wildlife adventure begins early with breakfast before a briefing at the park headquarters on the rules and etiquette of gorilla trekking. The trek itself is an unforgettable experience — moving through dense vegetation and sometimes rugged terrain, guided by experienced rangers who track the gorilla families.

The time it takes to find the gorillas varies, anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, depending on where the families are located on the day. When you finally come upon the mountain gorillas, you will have one precious hour to observe them closely. Watching the gentle interactions of the silverback, mothers, and playful infants is an emotional and humbling experience that leaves many visitors profoundly moved.

After your trek, return to your lodge for a late lunch and a chance to reflect on the magic of this incredible encounter.

Day 7: Return to Entebbe International Airport – Farewell to Uganda

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before setting off on your journey back to Entebbe. The drive retraces much of the route through southwestern Uganda’s spectacular landscapes. Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will drop you at Entebbe International Airport or your chosen hotel in the city, bringing your unforgettable wildlife journey to a close.