Chimps, Gorillas and Beyond
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS
Uganda
Great Apes and Safari
This 7-day safari through Uganda offers an immersive experience into the country's diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. From the lush rainforests of Kibale, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, to the dense jungles of Bwindi where you can track mountain gorillas, this journey combines primate encounters, thrilling game drives, and scenic boat cruises. With Midrange and Luxury accommodations, private 4x4 safari customized vehicles and knowledgeable private guides, you will explore some of Uganda's most iconic wildlife destinations in comfort and style.
Itinerary Details
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a journey that will take approximately 5-6 hours. This park is renowned for its high primate population, including chimpanzees, baboons, and several species of monkeys. Once you arrive, check into your chosen lodge, either Turaco Treetops or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, both of which provide comfortable accommodations set within the beauty of the forest. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest surrounding you. The evening is yours to unwind at the lodge and enjoy a delightful dinner.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Mid-range/Luxury
After an early breakfast, prepare for one of the highlights of your trip: chimpanzee tracking in KibaleForest. Your guide will lead you through the lush forest in search of chimpanzees. Tracking can take between one to four hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees, and once located, you will have the chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. After the tracking experience, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for the Bigodi Swamp Walk, a beautiful and bird-rich swamp located just outside Kibale. The swamp is home to a variety of bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco, and offers a chance to spot other wildlife, such as monkeys and reptiles. The walk is an excellent opportunity to explore the ecological diversity of the area. Afterward, return to the lodge to relax for the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Mid-range/Luxury
After breakfast, embark on a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which will take approximately 3-4 hours. Known for its vast savannahs, wetlands, and forests, Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s most famous national parks, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and lions. Upon arrival, check into your chosen accommodation—Ardvark Safari Lodge or Bush Lodge, both offering comfortable stays with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. In the late afternoon, go for a sunset game drive where you will have the chance to see a variety of wildlife as they come out to graze. As the sun sets, the park’s scenic beauty provides the perfect backdrop for memorable photographs.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Luxury/High-end
Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to a wealth of wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, which you might have the chance to spot (though sightings are rare). The game drive offers opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and a variety of birdlife. After the game drive, return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The boat cruise is one of the best ways to see wildlife, with frequent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species, including pelicans and kingfishers. Return to the lodge in the evening to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Luxury/High-end
Following breakfast, you will begin your drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a journey that will take around 6-7 hours, including a stop at Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may have the chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions. Continue your scenic drive to Bwindi, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check into your chosen lodge, either Mahogany Springs or Ride 4 A Woman, both offering comfortable and well-located accommodations with views of the surrounding rainforest. After settling in, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the upcoming gorilla tracking adventure
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Luxury
The day begins with an early morning briefing about the upcoming gorilla tracking experience. You will be assigned to a gorilla group and accompanied by a trained guide through the dense, mist-covered forests of Bwindi. Gorilla tracking can be physically demanding, as it may take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours to locate the gorillas, but the reward is unmatched. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have an hour to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation. For those interested in cultural experiences, you can participate in a village walk or visit the Batwa community to learn about the local people and their traditions.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Level: Luxury
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Kihihi Airstrip for your connecting flight to Entebbe. The drive will take around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Level: N/A
Journey Highlights:
Tailor This Journey
Our travel specialist is ready to start curating your bespoke journey
CALL US AT +267 77 778 755
Explore More...