7 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA, CHIMPANZEE & WILDLIFE SAFARI

Description

7 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA, CHIMPANZEE & WILDLIFE SAFARI

Safari Overview

Discover Uganda’s incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes on this 7-Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari. This unforgettable journey combines thrilling chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, exciting wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Along the way, enjoy scenic crater lakes, the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a cultural visit to the Batwa community, and a stop at the Uganda Equator.

Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
• Crater Lakes Visit
• Bigodi Wetland & Community Walk
• Wildlife Game Drives
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Batwa Community Cultural Experience
• Uganda Equator Visit

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, driving through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, stop for lunch in Hoima before continuing through traditional villages surrounded by lush vegetation, offering excellent opportunities for scenic photography.

As you approach Fort Portal, enjoy spectacular views of the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains before arriving at Kibale National Park.

Situated between 1,100 and 1,600 meters above sea level, Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s richest tropical rainforests and is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and numerous other wildlife species. The park also boasts over 250 tree species, 325 bird species, and 60 mammal species.

Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the beautiful Crater Lakes Region and the surrounding tea plantations before checking in at your lodge.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Kibale Forest Camp

Mid-range

• Turaco Treetops
• Isunga Lodge

Luxury

• Primate Lodge
• Tabebuia Spa & Resort
• Papaya Lake Side Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Visit

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure at around 8:00 AM. Chimpanzees are humans’ closest living relatives, sharing approximately 98% of our DNA. During your trek, you may also encounter several other primate species, including:

• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Grey-cheeked mangabeys
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Bush babies

Kibale is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with species such as:

• Green-breasted Pitta
• Great Blue Turaco
• Yellow-spotted Nicator
• Rumped Tinkerbird

Spend time observing the chimpanzees as they feed, play, communicate, and socialize within their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area renowned for its rich biodiversity. Here you may see baboons, otters, bushbucks, mongooses, bush pigs, and numerous bird species.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Kibale Forest Camp

Mid-range

• Turaco Treetops
• Isunga Lodge

Luxury

• Primate Lodge
• Tabebuia Spa & Resort
• Papaya Lake Side Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours through Fort Portal. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including:

• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Uganda Kobs
• Antelopes
• Warthogs
• Numerous bird species

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers approximately 767 square miles and is also famous for the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Bush Lodge
• Engiri Game Lodge
• Similar accommodation

Mid-range

• Elephant Hub
• Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Luxury

• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Elephant Plains

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive along the famous Kasenyi Track, where you have excellent chances of spotting wildlife during their most active hours.

Look out for:

• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Uganda Kobs
• Antelopes
• Hyenas
• Numerous bird species

Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch before enjoying an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

This scenic cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including:

• Hippos
• Nile Crocodiles
• Buffaloes
• Pink-backed Pelicans
• Saddle-billed Storks
• Malachite Kingfishers
• Numerous water birds

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Bush Lodge
• Engiri Game Lodge
• Similar accommodation

Mid-range

• Elephant Hub
• Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Luxury

• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Elephant Plains

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelling through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Enjoy scenic views of Uganda’s rolling savannah and wildlife along the way before arriving at your lodge near Bwindi.

After lunch, enjoy a late afternoon game drive where you may encounter:

• Waterbucks
• Uganda Kobs
• Antelopes
• Warthogs
• Elephants
• Various bird species

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Ride 4 a Woman
• Trekkers Cottages
• Rushaga Haven Lodge

Mid-range

• Gorilla Mist Camp
• Bakiga Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Camp Lodge
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury

• Mahogany Springs
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Buhoma Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Visit

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

The trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforest may take 2–8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once located, spend one magical hour observing these magnificent animals in their natural environment while maintaining the recommended 7-meter viewing distance.

Following the trek, return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, you may visit the Batwa Community, where you’ll experience traditional dances, storytelling, and learn about the culture of Bwindi’s original forest inhabitants.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget

• Ride 4 a Woman
• Trekkers Cottages
• Rushaga Haven Lodge

Mid-range

• Gorilla Mist Camp
• Bakiga Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Camp Lodge
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury

• Mahogany Springs
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Buhoma Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala.

En route, stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and enjoy lunch at the Igongo Cultural Centre. Those interested may also visit the museum before continuing the journey.

Arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon.

Net Cost Per Person (USD)

Price Includes

• Gorilla Trekking Permit
• Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
• Rhino Tracking
• English-speaking professional guide
• Ground transportation
• Bottled drinking water
• Park entrance fees
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Cultural tours
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation
• Meals as specified

Price Excludes

• International airfare
• Uganda Visa
• Travel insurance
• Kampala hotel accommodation (before and after the safari)
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses and any other items not mentioned under the inclusions