7-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking

7 Days Round trip from Entebbe Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track wild chimpanzees through the tropical forests of Kibale National Park
02 Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on game drives spotting elephants, tree-climbing lions, and buffaloes
03 Cruise the Kazinga Channel encountering hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife
04 Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spend time with endangered mountain gorillas

Discover Uganda's most iconic wildlife on this 7-day primates and safari adventure. Track playful chimpanzees through Kibale Forest, explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on thrilling game drives, and cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience. Photograph elephants, buffaloes, tree-climbing lions, and abundant birdlife across Uganda's most spectacular national parks on this extraordinary African safari.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Scenic Transfer to Kibale

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your professional safari guide warmly welcomes you.
Begin your scenic journey to Kibale National Park, passing through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes.
Upon arrival, check into your luxury forest lodge for relaxation and dinner surrounded by the sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Day 02

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience.
Encounter playful chimpanzees, monkeys, colourful birds, and dense tropical vegetation while photography-focused guides help position you for excellent forest photography.
Later, enjoy a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and community encounters.

Day 03

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Along the way, enjoy scenic views of crater lakes, rolling hills, and local villages.
Upon arrival, embark on an evening game drive during golden-hour light while searching for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and lions.
Afterward, relax at your luxury safari lodge overlooking the wilderness.

Day 04

Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive for the best wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Search for hyenas, elephants, Uganda kobs, and tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector if conditions allow.
Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and abundant birdlife gather along the waterbanks.

Day 05

Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through scenic landscapes and local communities.
Depending on your route, enjoy wildlife sightings and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Arrive at your luxury forest lodge positioned close to the gorilla trekking sector for relaxation and a safari briefing.

Day 06

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the dense rainforest in search of mountain gorillas.
Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Afterward, return to the lodge for relaxation, storytelling, and optional cultural experiences.

Day 07

Return to Entebbe and Departure

Enjoy breakfast with spectacular forest views before beginning your return journey to Entebbe.
Along the way, enjoy scenic stopovers, photography moments, and local craft shopping.
Afterward, transfer to the airport for your onward international flight, departing with unforgettable memories of Uganda's incredible primates, wildlife, and landscapes.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off services
All ground transportation in a customised 4x4 safari vehicle
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
Photography-focused guiding and wildlife positioning
Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
All national park entrance fees and conservation charges
Luxury safari lodge and forest accommodation
All meals during the safari as mentioned in the itinerary
Morning and evening game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise experience
Guided nature walks and selected cultural experiences
Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
Government taxes and safari-related levies
Emergency evacuation cover during the safari
Wildlife viewing opportunities including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, birds, and tree-climbing lions
Professional safari briefing and gorilla trekking orientation

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Uganda entry visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Optional gorilla habituation experience upgrade
Alcoholic drinks, cocktails, and premium beverages
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls
Tips and gratuities for safari guides, drivers, rangers, and lodge staff
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Porter fees during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
Photography equipment and camera rental charges
Optional cultural activities and extra excursions not listed in the itinerary
COVID-19 testing or vaccination costs if required
Government tax increases or park fee changes beyond our control
Personal hiking gear and trekking equipment
Any item not specifically listed under safari inclusions

What to bring

Lightweight clothing in neutral safari colours
Long-sleeved shirts and waterproof trousers for forest trekking
Comfortable hiking boots with good grip
Light rain jacket or poncho for rainforest conditions
Warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings
Wide-brim hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Garden gloves for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking through dense vegetation
Camera with zoom lens for wildlife and primate photography
Extra batteries, chargers, and memory cards
Binoculars for wildlife viewing and birdwatching
Waterproof camera bag or rain cover
Lightweight tripod for sunrise and sunset photography
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Personal medications and basic first-aid supplies
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
Energy snacks for trekking days
Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
Uganda visa and travel insurance documents
Gorilla and chimpanzee permit copies if required
Vaccination certificates where necessary
Waterproof gaiters or long socks for muddy trails
Walking stick for steep forest sections
Small waterproof backpack for trekking essentials
Dry bags for protecting electronics during rainforest hikes
Pack light using soft duffel bags because safari vehicles and domestic flights may have luggage restrictions.
Avoid bright-coloured clothing, since neutral colours improve wildlife experiences and photography opportunities in forest and savannah environments.

Know before you go

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking takes place in natural rainforest environments and may involve hiking through steep, muddy, or uneven terrain.
Travellers should maintain moderate fitness levels and prepare for walking several hours depending on the location of the primates.
The best wildlife viewing and trekking months are usually from June to September and December to February.
During these dry seasons, forest trails become easier to navigate and photography conditions improve significantly.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best golden light for wildlife and landscape photography.
Photography-focused guides help position visitors carefully for exceptional gorilla, chimpanzee, and wildlife photographs.
Visitors must follow strict conservation guidelines while visiting mountain gorillas.
Maintain a safe distance, avoid flash photography, and follow ranger instructions at all times.
Travellers who feel unwell may not be allowed to trek for conservation reasons.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors.
Travellers should consult medical professionals regarding vaccinations, malaria prevention, and personal medications before travelling to Uganda.
Luxury safari lodges offer comfortable rooms, private decks, forest views, gourmet dining, and relaxing campfire evenings.
Internet connections in remote wilderness areas may occasionally be slower.
Soft duffel bags are highly recommended because safari vehicles and domestic flights often have luggage limits.
Waterproof trekking gear and hiking boots are essential for rainforest experiences.
US Dollars printed after 2009 are widely accepted in Uganda.
Carrying some Uganda Shillings is useful for tips, local shopping, and small personal purchases.
Wildlife sightings are excellent in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the forest parks.
Nature remains unpredictable, making every safari unique and exciting.
Travellers can enhance their safari with gorilla habituation experiences, Batwa cultural encounters, luxury fly-in safaris, spa and wellness experiences at selected lodges, additional nights in Entebbe or Lake Bunyonyi, luxury room upgrades and private safari vehicles, domestic fly-in safari arrangements, and photography equipment support and porter services for trekking.