After breakfast, meet your professional driver-guide and begin the journey west toward Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda's most important destinations for primate experiences.
The drive takes you through changing landscapes as you leave the urban areas behind and enter the lush countryside of western Uganda. Along the way, you will see farms, villages, tea plantations and beautiful rolling landscapes.
Stop in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing toward Kibale.
In the afternoon, depending on your arrival time, explore part of the scenic crater lake region around Fort Portal and Kibale. The area is known for its green hills, volcanic crater lakes and beautiful rural scenery.
Continue to your lodge near Kibale Forest National Park, check in and relax.
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge KibaleMidrange Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge / Chimpundu LodgeBudget Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp / Kibale Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Experience an unforgettable 7-day Uganda Ultimate Gorilla Safari combining chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, mountain gorilla trekking and meaningful cultural experiences.
This journey takes you through some of western Uganda's most celebrated wildlife and primate destinations, beginning in Kibale Forest National Park, widely known for its exceptional primate diversity and one of Uganda's premier chimpanzee trekking experiences.
Your adventure continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where open savannah, woodland, wetlands and the famous Kazinga Channel create opportunities to encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hippos and numerous bird species. A game drive and boat cruise provide two different ways to explore this remarkable ecosystem.
The final stage of the safari takes you into the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will undertake an unforgettable mountain gorilla trek. Walking through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family offers an opportunity to observe these remarkable great apes in their natural environment.
Along the journey, you will also have opportunities to interact with local communities around the protected areas, learn about their traditions and experiences, enjoy cultural performances and gain a deeper appreciation of the communities living alongside Uganda's wildlife.
This safari combines chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, savannah wildlife, rainforest, wetlands, cultural experiences and scenic landscapes into one comprehensive Uganda adventure.
Safari Route
Your Safari Itinerary
After breakfast, prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.
Transfer to the park's designated trekking headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers.
Kibale is famous for its primate diversity, and during the trek you will explore a beautiful tropical forest ecosystem while searching for habituated chimpanzees.
As you walk through the forest, your guide will explain the behaviour and ecology of chimpanzees and point out other wildlife along the trail. Depending on the conditions, you may encounter other primates, forest birds, butterflies and a variety of tree and plant species.
Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have an opportunity to observe them as they move through the forest, feed, communicate and interact with one another.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is particularly well known for birdlife and community-based conservation. The walk provides opportunities to see monkeys, butterflies, wetland vegetation and numerous bird species.
Birdwatchers may encounter species such as the Great Blue Turaco and other forest and wetland birds depending on the season.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as previous day.
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, check out and begin the journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with views of farms, crater lakes, villages and the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's most diverse protected areas, combining savannah plains, woodland, wetlands, lakes and other habitats.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the park with a game drive, depending on your arrival time and the day's conditions.
You may encounter wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and antelopes. The park is also known for lions and other predators, although predator sightings depend on location, season and luck.
Continue to your lodge and check in.
Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the surrounding scenery before dinner.
Luxury Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant PlainsMidrange Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge / Aardvark Safari LodgeBudget Accommodation: Bush Lodge / Kazinga Channel View Resort
Meal Plan: Full Board
Wake up early for breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The early morning provides excellent conditions for wildlife viewing as animals are often more active before the day's temperatures increase.
Explore the savannah and woodland areas in search of wildlife. Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks and other antelopes.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise.
The cruise provides a different perspective of Queen Elizabeth's wildlife and is one of the park's signature experiences. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
As you cruise along the shoreline, you may see elephants and buffaloes coming to drink, hippos resting in the water and numerous bird species along the banks.
The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers and birdwatchers.
After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The transfer takes you through some of southwestern Uganda's most spectacular landscapes. As you travel away from the savannah of Queen Elizabeth, the scenery gradually changes into the rolling hills and highlands associated with the Kigezi region.
Enjoy views of cultivated hills, rural communities, valleys and lush vegetation along the way. On clear days, you may also enjoy views toward the Virunga volcanic mountains depending on your route.
Continue to your lodge in the Bwindi area and check in.
The remainder of the evening is dedicated to relaxation and preparation for the following day's gorilla trekking experience. Your guide can brief you on what to expect and help you prepare your trekking equipment.
Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.
Luxury Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge / Silverback LodgeMidrange Accommodation: Engagi Lodge / Gorilla Safari Lodge / Ruhija Gorilla CampBudget Accommodation: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Friends / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
After an early breakfast, prepare for the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Carry your packed lunch, sufficient drinking water and trekking essentials before transferring to the designated park headquarters.
At the briefing, you will receive important information about gorilla trekking procedures, forest safety, responsible wildlife viewing and conservation.
You will then be allocated a habituated gorilla family and accompanied by an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guide and trackers.
The trek takes you deep into Bwindi's ancient rainforest. The terrain can be steep, muddy and challenging, and the duration depends on where the gorillas are located and how they move through the forest.
Along the trail, you can appreciate the incredible biodiversity of Bwindi, including trees, ferns, vines, butterflies and forest birds. Other primates may also be encountered.
When the gorillas are located, you will have an unforgettable opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, rest, groom, interact with one another and move through the dense vegetation.
The encounter provides an opportunity to learn more about gorilla behaviour, social structures and conservation while capturing photographs in accordance with the applicable trekking guidelines.
After the gorilla viewing experience, trek back through the forest to the starting point and meet your driver-guide.
Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your energy and local arrangements, a community or cultural experience may also be arranged.
Accommodation: Same as
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe.
The drive takes you through the scenic southwestern countryside, including the Kigezi highlands and rural communities.
Depending on your route and available time, you may make a stop for lunch and/or a visit to the Uganda Equator before continuing toward Kampala or Entebbe.
Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your 7 Days Uganda Ultimate Gorilla Safari.
END OF SAFARI
Safari Highlights
Accommodation
Luxury:
Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains
Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge / Silverback Lodge
Midrange:
Turaco Treetops Lodge / Chimpundu Lodge
Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge / Aardvark Safari Lodge
Engagi Lodge / Gorilla Safari Lodge / Ruhija Gorilla Camp
Budget:
Kibale Forest Camp / Kibale Forest Lodge
Bush Lodge / Kazinga Channel View Resort
Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Friends / Gorilla Valley Lodge
What's Included
What's Not Included
Pack List
Safari Tips
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