7 Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

This 7-day Uganda primate safari combines chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, forest walks, and scenic travel through some of western Uganda’s best-known national parks. The route begins in Kampala and continues to Kibale Forest for chimpanzees, then heads to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalinzu before ending with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a focused Uganda wildlife holiday built around primates, while still enjoying community visits, forest landscapes, and a classic boat safari experience.

Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi Wetland community and birding walk
• Scenic transfer through Fort Portal and Crater Lake Country
• Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Katwe salt lake community visit
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Flexible accommodation choices from budget to luxury

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal and Mubende

Early in the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala and begin the journey west to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive passes through Mityana and Mubende, with a stop at the Nakayima Tree, one of Uganda’s well-known cultural heritage sites. After the stop, continue the drive through the scenic countryside toward Fort Portal, with lunch en route. You will arrive in the Kibale area in the late afternoon. If time allows, take a short visit to one of the nearby crater lakes for views of the surrounding hills before checking in at your lodge. Dinner and overnight in Kibale. Overnight options, Luxury: Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Mid-range: Rwenzori View Guest House, Budget: Rujuna View Guest House / Hotel Cornerstone

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest. This is one of Uganda’s best places to see chimpanzees in the wild. The forest walk is guided by a ranger and takes you through dense tropical vegetation as you search for one of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Along the way, you may also spot forest birds, monkeys, and other primates that live in the Kibale ecosystem. Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend time observing their movements and social behavior in their natural habitat. After lunch, continue for a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland. This area is known for birds, monkeys, and community conservation projects. It adds a lighter and more scenic experience to the day after the morning trek. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Katwe Salt Lake Visit and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, leave Kibale and drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you enter the park area, watch for wildlife such as warthogs, waterbucks, antelopes, elephants, and a variety of birds. Continue to Lake Katwe for a community visit to the salt works. Here, you can learn about the history of salt extraction and the role the lake has played in the area for generations.   After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gives you your first wider safari experience of the trip before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight options, Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Lodge, Mid-range: Ihamba Lodge, Budget: Institute of Ecology / Mweya Hostels

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early and head out for chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest, another rewarding primate experience on this route. Kalinzu is known for its chimpanzees, forest birds, and thick vegetation, making it a good complement to the Kibale experience. If preferred, this day can also include a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest instead, where you may see different tree species, primates, the bat colony, and the Blue Lake.   After lunch, continue for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers excellent sightings of hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many water birds along the shoreline. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Ishasha or the Main Southern Route

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on road conditions, the journey may pass through Ishasha, known for its tree-climbing lions, or continue through the main southern route. The drive itself is scenic, passing through cultivated countryside, local settlements, and the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. If you arrive with enough time, take a short village or community walk near your lodge to experience the local setting before dinner. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rise early, have breakfast, and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before starting your gorilla trek. Then head into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with your ranger guide in search of your assigned gorilla family. The trek can be demanding, often involving steep forest trails, muddy sections, and uneven terrain, so strong hiking shoes are essential. Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour observing them in their forest habitat, one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Uganda. If you still have time and energy later in the day, you may add a short community or cultural visit around the park area. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 7: Return from Bwindi to Kampala

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala through the scenic countryside of western Uganda. The drive takes you through rolling hills, farming areas, and small towns, giving a final view of Uganda’s varied landscapes. Stop for lunch en route before continuing to Kampala, where you will arrive later in the day

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Private ground transport with a driver guide
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Accommodation
• Meals as indicated
• Bigodi Wetland walk
• Katwe visit
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Park entry  fees

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Porter fees during gorilla trekking
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Optional activities
• Tips and gratuities