7 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Safari

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe by your professional driver-guide. After a briefing, you will set off on a full-day scenic drive to southwestern Uganda, covering approximately 8 to 9 hours.

This journey introduces you to Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from urban centers to rolling countryside. A highlight is the stop at the Equator in Kayabwe, where you can take photographs and enjoy a brief demonstration of the Earth’s hemispheres. Continuing westward, you will pass through lush farmland, banana plantations, tea estates, and small towns, offering insight into rural Ugandan life.

A lunch stop is typically made in Mbarara, after which the journey continues into the Kigezi Highlands. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with winding roads, terraced hillsides, and mist-covered valleys often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”

Arrival at your lodge in Bwindi is in the late afternoon or early evening. After check-in, enjoy a warm dinner and the tranquil atmosphere of the forest as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Today is dedicated to the highlight of your Uganda safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You will learn about gorilla behavior, trekking guidelines, and conservation efforts before being assigned to a small group (maximum of 8 participants).

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will begin your trek into the dense forest. The trekking experience can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. The terrain is often steep and covered with thick vegetation, but the journey is made rewarding by the sights and sounds of the forest—bird calls, rustling leaves, and occasional sightings of other primates.

When you finally encounter the gorilla family, you will spend up to one hour observing them at close range. Watching these gentle giants feed, groom, and interact is both humbling and unforgettable. This intimate wildlife encounter is widely regarded as one of the most powerful experiences in Africa.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free for rest or optional cultural visits.

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular wildlife safari destination.

The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and offers scenic views of rural landscapes and local communities. Depending on your route, you may pass through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions—an exciting highlight if luck is on your side.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take time to relax before heading out for an evening game drive. As temperatures cool, wildlife becomes more active, increasing your chances of spotting elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions.

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This region is known for its large herds of Uganda kobs, which attract predators such as lions and leopards.

As you explore the savannah, keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, and a variety of bird species. The morning hours provide excellent lighting for photography and active wildlife sightings.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda, offering close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and an abundance of birdlife including African fish eagles and pelicans.

After breakfast, you may visit the Katwe Salt Lake, where local communities have harvested salt using traditional methods for generations. This cultural experience provides valuable insight into local livelihoods and history.

Later, continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, a drive of approximately 3 to 4 hours. En route, you will pass through scenic countryside with rolling hills and farmland.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided nature walk. This community-run conservation area is known for its biodiversity, including several monkey species, colorful birds, and unique wetland vegetation.

Today you will experience chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, one of the most rewarding primate encounters in Africa.

After a morning briefing, head into the forest with experienced guides in search of habituated chimpanzee groups. The tracking experience involves walking through dense forest trails while listening for the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy.

Once located, you will observe their dynamic behavior—swinging through trees, grooming, feeding, and communicating with one another. Kibale is also home to over 12 other primate species, making this a rich and diverse wildlife experience.

Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours. The route takes you through scenic countryside, small towns, and agricultural landscapes.

A lunch stop will be made along the way, with opportunities to stretch and take in the surroundings before continuing to your final destination.

You will be dropped off at your hotel or at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife safari.