7-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Kibale Chimps

• Warm Welcome: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Ibyiza Safaris guide will greet you with a warm welcome and provide a brief overview of your upcoming adventure as you head to your hotel.

• Optional Activities: Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the charming town of Entebbe. Highlights include:

  • A stroll through the historic Entebbe Botanical Gardens

  • A visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

  • A relaxing lakeside experience by Lake Victoria, enjoying a fresh tilapia dish and a chilled local beer as the sun sets.

• Scenic Drive: After an early breakfast, begin your journey westward through Uganda’s lush countryside, passing tea plantations and vibrant local villages.

• Lunch Stop: Pause in Fort Portal, Uganda’s tourism city, for a taste of local cuisine. Known for its scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and expansive tea estates, Fort Portal offers a delightful cultural and culinary experience. Alternatively, lunch may be served at your lodge in Kibale depending on travel time.

• Arrival in Kibale: Continue to Kibale National Park, arriving at your lodge to relax and settle in. Kibale Forest is famed as the "Primate Capital of Africa," home to 13 primate species including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees (approx. 1,500), red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the unique Uganda mangabey.

• Chimpanzee Trekking: After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a safety briefing before venturing into the forest. Spend an unforgettable hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, feeding, grooming, playing, and caring for their young.

• Lunch & Rest: Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and a short rest.
•  Bigodi Wetlands Walk: In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This 4.5 km⊃2; haven is rich in birdlife and primates, with papyrus swamps, grasslands, and tranquil water channels offering a serene wildlife experience.

 Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Morning Departure: After breakfast, set off for Bwindi, the sanctuary of the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Scenic Route: Travel through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, where you might spot the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Arrival in Bwindi: Continue to your lodge in Bwindi, arriving in time for dinner and a restful evening.

• Early Start: Rise early for the highlight of your safari, gorilla trekking. Begin with a comprehensive briefing on safety and conservation guidelines.

• Trekking Experience: In groups of eight, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the dense forest. The trek may last 3–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. The moment you meet these gentle giants is truly humbling and unforgettable.
• Reflection and Rest: Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on this profound experience, and the privilege of witnessing these rare creatures in their home.

• Scenic Drive: After breakfast, journey through southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills, banana plantations, and herds of Ankole long-horned cattle.

• Cultural Stop: Enjoy lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre, which showcases the traditions of local tribes through its museum, indigenous gardens, and traditional homesteads.

• Arrival & Activities: Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, check in and embark on a boat ride to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. After dinner, you may also choose (at an extra fee) to go for a night game drive which offers a chance to see the elusive leopard and other nocturnal wildlife like bush pigs, genet cats and the white-tailed mongoose.

• Walking Safari: Begin your day with a guided walking safari, offering a close-up experience with wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and elands.

• Game drive & Departure: After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a final game drive before heading back to Entebbe.

• Equator Stop: Pause at the Equator near Masaka for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping.

• Farewell: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in the evening for your flight home.