7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour

Generally, the best time for this Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee tour is June to September and December to February. During these months, drier conditions make gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and nature walks more comfortable. However, Uganda offers year-round safari opportunities, while the wetter months can also provide excellent wildlife and primate experiences.

This Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee tour suits couples, families, friends, solo travelers, and private or small groups. Additionally, it is ideal for travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences in one safari.

You can expect to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, leopards, warthogs, Uganda kob, waterbucks, and various antelope species. Furthermore, Uganda offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with many colorful forest, wetland, and savanna species.

Wildlife sightings remain natural and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

For a comfortable experience, carry sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera. Additionally, pack a small backpack for trekking essentials.

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our professional driver-guide will warmly welcome you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will receive a short safari briefing before transferring to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the lodge, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Meanwhile, Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Therefore, this first day allows you to rest after your journey and adjust comfortably before starting your 7-day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour. Later, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay as you anticipate the unforgettable primate and wildlife experiences ahead.

Travel Direction: Entebbe International Airport → Entebbe Hotel (approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on hotel location).

Meal Plan: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water

Accommodation options:

After breakfast, you will depart Entebbe and head west towards Kibale National Park, Uganda’s famous primate destination. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful countryside scenery. Additionally, you will have a lunch stop before continuing towards Fort Portal and the Kibale forest area.

Later, you will arrive at your lodge and relax briefly. Afterwards, you will enjoy an evening guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. During the walk, you can spot monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and other wetland wildlife. Finally, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Travel Time: Approximately 5–6 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water

Accommodation options:

After an early breakfast, you will head into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a morning game drive. As you explore the Kasenyi Plains, you will search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and other savanna wildlife. With luck, you may also spot lions and leopards. Meanwhile, your guide will help you understand the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.

After lunch, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. During the cruise, you will see large numbers of hippos and crocodiles along the shoreline. Furthermore, elephants, buffaloes, and waterbirds often gather near the water. Later, you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Travel Direction: Queen Elizabeth Lodge → Kasenyi Plains → Kazinga Channel → Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water

Accommodation options:

After breakfast, you will depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and, thereafter, travel south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, you will pass through the remarkable Ishasha Sector. Here, you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions. Additionally, you can encounter elephants, buffaloes, topi, and other antelopes. Therefore, this transfer also provides another opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Afterwards, you will continue through the beautiful hills and countryside of southwestern Uganda. Meanwhile, you will enjoy scenic views as you approach the Bwindi forest. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and relax. Later, you will take part in an evening Batwa cultural experience. During the visit, you will learn about Batwa traditions, forest heritage, music, and traditional ways of life. Finally, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s rest before your Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure.

Travel Direction: Queen Elizabeth National Park → Ishasha Sector → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel Time: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the route and road condition

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water

Accommodation options:

After an early breakfast, you will head to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park trekking briefing point. First, your ranger guide will brief you before you enter the ancient forest. Then, you will begin your gorilla trekking experience, following forest trails through dense vegetation. Along the way, you may encounter forest birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Eventually, you will reach your assigned gorilla family and spend a magical hour observing these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you will return to the starting point and, thereafter, enjoy lunch. Depending on your trekking time, you will then depart for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic highland lakes. As you travel through the rolling hills, you will enjoy spectacular views of the countryside. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and relax beside the lake. Finally, you will enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Travel Direction: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park → Lake Bunyonyi
Travel Time: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the Bwindi sector.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water

Accommodation options:

After breakfast, you will depart Lake Bunyonyi and, thereafter, begin your journey back to Entebbe. As you travel northwards, you will pass through the scenic hills and countryside of southwestern Uganda. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and, where appropriate, make short stops for refreshments and photography. Therefore, the return journey becomes a memorable part of your Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee tour.

Later, you will reach Kayabwe, where you will enjoy the Uganda Equator Experience. Here, you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres while exploring the local crafts, shops, and cultural attractions. Afterwards, you will continue towards Entebbe, depending on your departure flight schedule. Finally, our team will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour.

Travel Direction: Lake Bunyonyi → Kabale → Mbarara → Kayabwe → Entebbe
Travel Time: Approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Drinks : Bottled mineral drinking water