Uganda · Primate Tours

7-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimps and Wildlife Safari with Bwindi Trekking

7 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
03 Enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
04 Explore Lake Mburo National Park with walking and evening game drives

Experience a 7-day safari through four of Uganda's most spectacular national parks. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and witness rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and conclude with wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park. From dense rainforests to open savannahs, this adventure combines primate tracking with classic African wildlife encounters.

Join a guided trek through the rainforest and spend up to 1 hour with mountain gorillas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Kibale National Park via Fort Portal

Enjoy a scenic drive to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world.
Stop for lunch en route and take an optional community walk.
Check in to your lodge and relax.

Day 02

Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set out on a guided chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest.
Look out for other primates, birds, and forest wildlife along the way.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive.

Day 03

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains to spot lions, elephants, hyenas, and antelopes.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.

Day 04

Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

Enjoy a game drive in the Ishasha sector to observe rare tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check in to your lodge.

Day 05

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start with an early breakfast and a briefing at park headquarters.
Join a guided trek through the rainforest and spend up to 1 hour with mountain gorillas.
Return to the lodge for lunch, or enjoy a packed lunch in the forest.

Day 06

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Take a scenic drive with a stop at a cultural museum.
Enjoy an afternoon and evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park to see zebras, giraffes, impalas, and more.

Day 07

Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe

Begin the day with a morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
Drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.
Stop for lunch en route and arrive at the airport for your onward flight.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest, Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 7 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation in a 4WD with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Accommodation with meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Entry fees at all parks
One gorilla permit per person
One chimpanzee permit per person
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Guided nature walk in Lake Mburo

What's Not Included

Tips and drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Visas and travel insurance
All international and local flights
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

Valid passport with at least six months' validity
Uganda tourist visa or East Africa Tourist Visa
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, usually arranged by your operator
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry
Travel and medical insurance
Long-sleeved shirts and long lightweight trousers for insect and nettle protection
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
Comfortable hiking boots that are waterproof and broken in
Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into against ants and insects
Gardening gloves for holding branches on steep treks
Light, breathable safari clothes in neutral colors such as khaki, green, and beige
Sun hat or cap and sunglasses
Fleece or light sweater for cool mornings and evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for lodge and casual use
Closed walking shoes or boots
Neutral-colored clothing to blend with nature
Lightweight backpack for water and snacks
Daypack for treks and game drives
Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing
Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards; no flash near gorillas and chimps
Power bank and chargers
Headlamp or flashlight
Face masks required near gorillas and chimps
Insect repellent with DEET
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Malaria prophylaxis - consult your doctor before travel
High-energy snacks such as granola bars or nuts for treks

Know before you go

Apply for your Uganda tourist visa online at least 2 to 4 weeks before travel via the official immigration website.
Choose between a single-entry visa at USD 50, valid for 90 days, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at USD 100, allowing access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is mandatory on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
The maximum group size per gorilla trek is 8 visitors.
Gorilla trekking time varies from 2 to 6 hours depending on location.
Visits with gorillas are limited to 1 hour, with a 7 meter distance maintained and ranger instructions followed at all times.
Flash photography and loud noises are prohibited near gorillas.
The minimum age for chimpanzee tracking is 15 years.
Chimpanzee treks take 2 to 4 hours on forest trails with varying terrain.
Time allowed with chimpanzees is 1 hour once they are located.
Trackers help interpret chimpanzee behavior and forest ecology.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best wildlife viewing for game drives.
Guides use radios and tracking knowledge to locate big cats and other wildlife.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but diversity is high in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo.
Kazinga Channel boat cruises usually last 2 hours and offer sightings of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Afternoon boat cruises are particularly good for photography.
Guided nature walks in Lake Mburo are led by armed rangers for safety.
Walks provide a chance to approach zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and birds on foot and last 1 to 2 hours.
If you are unwell with flu, a cold, or a cough, you may not be allowed to trek primates in order to protect them from infection.
Rangers carry first-aid kits, and walking sticks are provided at trekking start points.
Always remain with your group during forest or savannah activities.
Gorilla and chimp permits directly support conservation projects and local communities.
A percentage of fees is invested in schools, health centers, and community livelihoods around the national parks.
By visiting, you contribute to the survival of endangered species.
Domestic flights have strict baggage limits of 15 kg in soft bags.
Transfers between parks involve scenic drives through Uganda's countryside.
Lodges in safari parks range from budget and mid-range to luxury, with comfort and some rustic charm in forest locations.
Tipping guidelines include USD 10 to 20 per trek for rangers and trackers, USD 10 to 20 per day for your safari driver-guide, and USD 5 to 10 per day for lodge staff.