7-Day Uganda Primate Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Kampala Tour

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
• 02 Experience one hour with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• 03 Explore scenic Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding crater lakes
• 04 Discover Ugandan culture through village visits and a Kampala city tour

Discover Uganda on this 7-day private primate safari and cultural tour. Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and spend one hour with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Explore the scenic crater lakes area, relax at picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, and enjoy the lush countryside along the way. Immerse yourself in Ugandan culture with a Kampala city tour and visits to local villages, while experiencing tropical rainforest wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local traditions.

Spend one hour observing gorillas closely as they eat, play, and rest.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Journey from Kampala to Kibale National Park

• Depart from Kampala in the morning and head west to Fort Portal, passing tea plantations and scenic countryside.
• Continue to Kibale National Park and check in at your lodge within the tropical rainforest.

2

Day 02

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Nature Walk

• Embark on a guided hike in Kibale rainforest to track and observe chimpanzees for one hour.
• Spot red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other primates.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk at Bigodi Swamp, observing birds and swamp wildlife.

3

Day 03

Scenic Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi

• Visit the crater lakes area for panoramic views before continuing to Mbarara and then Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Travel through verdant countryside and pass traditional Ugandan homesteads and farms.

4

Day 04

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Embark on a full-day trek to locate a gorilla family, hiking in steep and muddy terrain.
• Spend one hour observing gorillas closely as they eat, play, and rest.
• Follow ranger guidance to ensure safe and respectful interaction with the wildlife.

5

Day 05

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Lakeside Relaxation

• Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, passing lush terraced hills and picturesque scenery.
• Explore the lake and its 29 islands, home to over 200 bird species.
• Enjoy a relaxing day soaking in the peaceful scenery and natural beauty.

6

Day 06

Return from Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala

• Drive back to Kampala, stopping at Mpigi village and the Ugandan Equator for photos and souvenirs.
• Continue to Kampala with lunch en route and check in at the hotel.

7

Day 07

Kampala City Tour and Departure

• Explore Kampala city highlights, including the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka's Lake, and the Uganda National Cultural Centre.
• Visit religious landmarks such as Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, and the Bahai Temple.
• Transfer to the airport for your onward international flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park entry fees
• Gorilla permits
• Chimpanzee permits
• Accommodation
• Bottled drinking water
• Professional driver-guide
• All ground transportation
• All activities included in the itinerary

What's Not Included

• International air transfers
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Additional accommodation not included in the itinerary

What to bring

• Essential clothing
• Binoculars and camera
• Sunglasses
• Power bank
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle

Know before you go

• Obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, as it is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
• Secure your visa online prior to travel; the East African Tourist Visa is suitable if visiting Kenya or Rwanda.
• Take malaria prophylaxis, as it is strongly recommended across most regions.
• Book gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits months in advance due to limited daily availability.
• Pack sturdy hiking boots and waterproof, neutral-coloured clothing suitable for forest trekking.
• Use insect repellent to protect against tsetse flies and other insects.
• The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February, though Uganda is enjoyable year-round.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT METEOROLOGICAL STATION (BUKU), Buku Rd, Entebbe, Uganda

Tour start

Kampala, Uganda

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.