Uganda · Primate Tours

6-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

6 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Search for chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge
  • 03 Cruise the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward
  • 04 Look for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
  • 05 Enjoy a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
  • 06 Relax among the 29 islands of Lake Bunyonyi

Explore Uganda's wildlife on a 6-day journey from Entebbe to Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. Experience a walking safari, game drives, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, with the chance to spot zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more. Travel through the Ishasha sector in search of its famous tree-climbing lions before heading into Bwindi for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking. The tour ends with time to relax by the scenic islands of Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe.

The excitement of having the opportunity to watch these gentle and endangered giants is something you will never forget.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Entebbe Arrival and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

We can either pick you up from your hotel or from Entebbe Airport when you arrive. An English-speaking driver-guide will be assigned to pick you up, and we will begin our journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Mburo is a small and convenient park located close to the highway connecting Entebbe and Kampala to the parks in western Uganda.

Lake Mburo National Park is a small savannah park in Uganda. It is home to many different types of birds and animals, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and hippos. There is also a rare leopard that lives there.

When we arrive, we will go to the check-in desk. If we have extra time, we can go on a late afternoon to evening game drive. Otherwise, we will head to our accommodation and spend the evening relaxing without any plans or obligations.

2
Day 02

Lake Mburo Nature Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

We will have breakfast early in the morning and then go for a morning walk in Lake Mburo National Park with a ranger-guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, who will be carrying a weapon. During this walk, you will get to see zebras, giraffes, eland, topi, and other antelope, as well as Cape buffaloes and more animals up close.

You can walk along the trail up the hills to see Lake Mburo and the surrounding landscape beyond. Afterwards, we will return to your accommodation to check out.

Then, we will get into the vehicle and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We plan to arrive at our lodge in time for lunch. After eating and resting for a while, we will head out for wildlife viewing. During the game drive, we might see groups of buffaloes or elephants, a family of lions, a shy leopard, warthogs, and various types of antelope. After that, we will return to the lodge and you can relax.

3
Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

We will have breakfast and then go to search for chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. The gorge is a habitat for chimpanzees, and it is also home to other animals such as baboons, monkeys, and birds. Today, you will spend the first part of the day following chimpanzees here.

After that, we will return to the lodge for a break and lunch. Once you have finished eating, you will board a boat for a 2-hour trip on the Kazinga Channel, the waterway that connects Lakes George and Edward.

During the cruise, you will be amazed by sightings of giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, along with other wildlife. You will also find many different types of birds near the water. After the boat ride, you can go on a short late afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge.

4
Day 04

Morning Safari in Kasenyi and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Wake up early and go on a morning safari in the Kasenyi Plains. Keep an eye out for Cape buffaloes, groups of elephants, lions, and leopards, although leopards may be difficult to see, along with other animals.

After the game drive, return to the lodge and check out. Then, continue to the Ishasha sector to look for the famous tree-climbing lions. The possibility of seeing these lions is around 70%, but sometimes they are difficult to spot, especially when they are searching for food in the tall grass. If you are able to see them, the sight is beautiful and easy to remember.

After Ishasha, we will continue to the place where we will stay near Bwindi National Park, specifically in the Ruhija sector, arriving in the evening at around 5:00 or 6:00 pm.

Optional (extra cost $120): You can choose to participate in a lion tracking experience. This means you will join a member of the predator research team, who will guide you on this expedition.

5
Day 05

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Have breakfast and go to the ranger station. You will receive instructions from a ranger-guide on what you should and should not do while trekking. After that, you will enter Bwindi Forest for your exciting experience.

The amount of time it takes and the type of terrain you move through will vary depending on how these great primates move. After finding a gorilla group, you can spend one hour with them. The excitement of having the opportunity to watch these gentle and endangered giants is something you will never forget.

After the trek, return to your accommodation, check out, and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by beautiful hills covered in green vegetation. These hills are quite tall, ranging from 2,200 to 2,478 meters in height.

What makes the lake truly special are the 29 islands scattered throughout it. These islands come in different shapes and sizes and are very enchanting to look at. You could spend hours admiring them.

6
Day 06

Lake Bunyonyi Views and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a calm breakfast at your accommodation while taking in the stunning view of the Bunyonyi islands right in front of you. Afterwards, begin your journey back to Entebbe Airport.

Expect to have lunch on the way and stop at the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe. You can take some memorable photos there and also buy some artwork if you like.

Continue the journey and arrive at the airport in the late afternoon or evening.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee habitat, Kazinga Channel boat wildlife, Lake Bunyonyi island-studded lake

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee habitat, Kazinga Channel boat wildlife, Lake Bunyonyi island-studded lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Uganda 6 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
  • International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Clothing & Footwear

  • Neutral-colored clothing: opt for light brown, green, or khaki attire to blend with the environment and avoid attracting insects.
  • Long-sleeved shirts & trousers: protect against sun, insects, and thorny vegetation.
  • Sturdy hiking boots: essential for trekking in Bwindi; ensure they are waterproof and broken in.
  • Gaiters or waterproof socks: keep mud and water out during treks.
  • Light rain jacket or poncho: rain is possible even in dry seasons, especially in rainforest areas.
  • Warm layers: include a fleece or light down jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Swimwear: for relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi or lodge pools.
  • Comfortable lodge attire: casual clothes for downtime at accommodations.

Gear & Essentials

  • Daypack with rain cover: carry essentials during treks and game drives.
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration pack: stay hydrated during activities.
  • High-energy snacks: granola bars or dried fruits for energy during treks.
  • Binoculars: enhance wildlife viewing on game drives and walks.
  • Camera with extra batteries & memory cards: capture memorable moments; avoid flash photography near wildlife.
  • Headlamp or flashlight: useful in lodges with limited lighting.
  • Trekking poles: assist with stability on uneven terrain; often available for rent locally.
  • Gardening gloves: protect hands from thorns and rough vegetation during treks.

Health & Hygiene

  • Insect repellent with DEET: essential for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF: protect skin and lips from sun exposure.
  • First aid kit: include plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Wet wipes & hand sanitizer: maintain hygiene during treks.
  • Face masks: recommended during primate treks to prevent disease transmission.

Documents & Miscellaneous

  • Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permits: mandatory for tracking activities.
  • Passport & copies: keep originals and photocopies in separate bags.
  • Travel insurance: ensure it covers adventure activities.
  • Vaccination certificate: yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda.
  • Cash in small denominations: useful for tips and purchases in areas without card facilities.
  • Travel adapter: Uganda uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G).

Know before you go

Lake Mburo National Park: Walking Safari

What to Expect:
Lake Mburo is unique in Uganda for offering walking safaris, allowing you to explore its diverse ecosystems on foot. Guided walks, typically starting from Rwonyo Tourism Center, last about 3 hours and provide opportunities to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, hippos, and over 300 bird species. These walks are conducted during the day and at night, with nocturnal walks using spotlights to observe night-active animals like leopards and hyenas.

Preparation Tips:

  • Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
  • Carry insect repellent with at least 30% DEET, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle.
  • A small backpack can be useful for carrying essentials during the walk.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game Drive, Chimpanzee Tracking & Kazinga Channel

Highlights:

  • Game drives: explore the park's diverse landscapes, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
  • Chimpanzee tracking: Kyambura Gorge offers a chance to track habituated chimpanzees in a lush, forested setting.
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise: this 32 km natural channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, hosting one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles. The boat cruise provides close-up views of these animals and a variety of bird species.

Tips:

  • For chimpanzee tracking, wear long sleeves and trousers to protect against insects and thorny vegetation.
  • Boat cruises are typically scheduled in the morning and late afternoon when wildlife activity is highest.
  • Bring a good camera and binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Ishasha Sector: Tree-Climbing Lions

Unique Feature:
The Ishasha sector, in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions - a rare behavior observed in only a few places worldwide. These lions often rest in fig trees during the heat of the day.

Travel Note:
Access to Ishasha is typically by road, with the sector located approximately 2 hours from the main areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It's a common route when traveling from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Gorilla Trekking

Experience:
Bwindi is home to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forest to spend a precious hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Preparation Tips:

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, and trousers.
  • Bring gloves to protect your hands from nettles and thorns.
  • Carry a rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Hiring a porter is recommended to assist with your backpack and provide support during the hike.

Lake Bunyonyi: Relaxation

Overview:
Lake Bunyonyi, meaning 'Place of Many Little Birds,' is Uganda's second-deepest lake and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. With 29 islands scattered across its waters, it's an ideal spot to unwind after your safari adventures.

Activities:

  • Take a canoe ride to explore the lake and its islands.
  • Visit local communities to learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Enjoy birdwatching, with numerous species inhabiting the area.
  • Relax at lakeside lodges, taking in the serene environment.

Travel Tips & Timing

  • Best time to visit: June to September and December to February are the dry seasons, offering better trekking conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Permits: secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.
  • Health precautions: consult your doctor about vaccinations and medications, such as malaria prophylaxis, before traveling.
  • Local currency: the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the local currency. It's advisable to carry some cash, as card facilities may not be available in remote areas.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe, Uganda
Tour start
Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Uganda.

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