7-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Safari

Overview

An action-packed 7-day midrange safari that delivers Uganda’s greatest wildlife hits. This expertly curated itinerary combines rhino trekking, Big Five game drives, and premier primate encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Travel from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the mysterious Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, capping off your adventure at the serene Lake Bunyonyi. Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, wildlife-dense Ugandan experience in just one week

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: An intimate hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu: Experience close encounters with our closest primate relatives in a lush tropical forest.
The Complete Big Five: Track rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, then search for lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes in Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Iconic Water Experiences: A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls among hippo pods and a Kazinga Channel safari with exceptional wildlife viewing.
Unique Wildlife Phenomenon: Search for the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
Scenic Finale: Unwind at the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful and deepest lakes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rhinos & The Mighty Nile – To Murchison Falls

Meet your guide in Entebbe/Kampala and drive north. Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino trekking experience on foot—your first “Big Five” check. Continue to Murchison Falls, check into your lodge with stunning Nile views, and relax.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range, inside the park)

Day 2: Savannah Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

An early morning game drive on the delta tracks offers fantastic sightings of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and more. After lunch, embark on the highlight afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. Get close to hundreds of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Optionally, take a strenuous but rewarding hike to the Top of the Falls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3: To the Equatorial Lakes – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, journey south through Uganda’s rural landscapes. Arrive in the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth NP in the afternoon. An evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains introduces you to the park’s savannah wildlife before sunset.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 4: Chimpanzees & The Kazinga Channel

Head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Walk through the dense forest, listening for their calls. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a magnet for hippos, elephants, buffalo, and incredible birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 5: Tree-Climbing Lions & To Gorilla Country

Drive south through the famous Ishasha sector, scanning fig trees for the rare tree-climbing lions. Continue into the highlands, arriving at the misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in and relax, preparing for the following day’s monumental trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 6: The Ultimate Encounter – Gorilla Trekking & To Lake Bunyonyi

The day you’ve been waiting for. After an early briefing, begin your gorilla trek. Hike through the ancient forest until you find your assigned family. Spend a magical, regulated hour in their presence. After receiving your certificate, transfer to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi to relax and soak in the views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort (Mid-range)

Day 7: Scenic Return – Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe

Enjoy a final lakeside breakfast. Embark on the scenic journey back to Entebbe, with a lunch stop and a photo opportunity at the Uganda Equator. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in the late afternoon/evening for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions & Exclusions

Round-trip airport transfers.
Full-time services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
All ground transportation in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
All park entrance fees and government taxes.
One Gorilla Trekking Permit per person (valued at $800).
One Chimpanzee Trekking Permit per person (non-resident).
All activities described (game drives, boat cruises, trekking).
All game drives and boat cruises as per the itinerary.
Accommodation as specified (6 nights).
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water throughout.