7 Day best of Uganda wildlife, chimpanzee and gorilla safari
Overview
This 7 Day best of Uganda wildlife, chimpanzee and gorilla safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with chimpanzee and Uganda gorilla safari. This 7 Day best of Uganda wildlife, chimpanzee and gorilla safari offers travelers an extraordinary opportunity to explore Uganda’s natural wonders, from the iconic Murchison Falls to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Whether you’re seeking close encounters with majestic gorillas, thrilling game drives across savannah plains, or tranquil boat cruises on scenic rivers, this journey is designed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of magnificent landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. Among its many treasures, Uganda is renowned for its exhilarating gorilla trekking, captivating chimpanzee tracking, and unforgettable Uganda wildlife safaris.
Uganda gorilla safari is a highlight for 7 Day best of Uganda wildlife, chimpanzee and gorilla safari adventurers. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, offers the rare chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is not just a wildlife encounter it’s an emotional and transformative experience that connects you to one of the planet’s most endangered species.
Uganda chimpanzee trekking is a must-do activity for primate lovers. The country boasts several chimpanzee habitats, including Kalinzu Forest Reserve, where visitors can witness the fascinating behavior of these intelligent creatures. Combined with Uganda wildlife safaris in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park, this itinerary provides a well-rounded exploration of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
Tour highlights
Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Top of the Falls Tour
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Transfer to Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Departure Back to Kampala or Entebbe
Price Includes
Tour includes
All national park entrance fees and conservation levies
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Ground transportation in a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle
Bottled water during drives and activities
Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
Driver allowances and fees
Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee trekking permit
All mentioned activities except for optional experiences
Price excludes
Tour Excludes:
Uganda Visa (available online or on arrival)
International and internal flights
Personal expenses including gratuities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Laundry services
Tips for guides and hotel staff
Travel and medical insurance
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages beyond water
Itineraries
Day 1Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or Kampala your meet guide and encounter on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The journey takes you through lush landscapes and traditional villages, offering glimpses of local life along the way.
Upon arrival at the park, you’ll head out for an evening game drive on the northern bank of the Nile River. This area is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Keep your eyes peeled for predators like lions and leopards as the sun sets over the savannah. After the game drive, you’ll retire to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Top of the Falls Tour
Today wake up for an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The cool morning hours are ideal for spotting wildlife as they emerge to graze or hunt. Your guide will navigate through diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to riverine forests, ensuring ample opportunities to see animals like hartebeests, warthogs, and Jackson’s hartebeests. Birders will also delight in sightings of species like the shoebill stork and African fish eagle.
In the afternoon, you’ll go for a boat cruise along the Nile River. This tranquil experience offers close encounters with aquatic wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, as well as birds like kingfishers and herons. The cruise culminates at the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into turbulent waters below a truly awe-inspiring sight.
End your day with a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The thunderous roar of the falls and mist rising from the river create a dramatic atmosphere that is sure to leave you spellbound.
Day 3Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you’ll depart Murchison Falls National Park and head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through picturesque scenery, including rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. You’ll have an optional evening game drive upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park to explore its diverse habitats and spot wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and waterbucks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and its abundant birdlife making it a paradise for both wildlife lovers and bird watchers. You’ll settle into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise, and Evening Game Drive
Today start your day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi Plains. This area is known for large herds of Uganda kobs and other antelopes that attract predators like lions and leopards. Your guide will help you track wildlife while sharing insights into their behaviors and habitats.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a hotspot for hippos and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species such as pelicans and cormorants. The cruise offers excellent photographic opportunities as animals come to drink along the shores.
Conclude your day with an evening game drive to catch nocturnal animals starting their activities under the cover of darkness. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation
Day 5Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Transfer to Bwindi
This morning, you’ll venture into Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee tracking a thrilling experience that brings you face-to-face with one of humanity’s closest relatives. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll follow trails through dense forest while listening for the calls of chimpanzees overhead. Observing these intelligent primates in their natural environment is both fascinating and humbling.
After your chimpanzee tracking adventure, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountain gorilla population. The drive offers stunning views of terraced hillsides and lush greenery as you approach Bwindi’s mist-covered forests. Upon arrival, check into your lodge for dinner and rest in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.
Day 6This morning, you’ll venture into Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee tracking a thrilling experience that brings you face-to-face with one of humanity’s closest relatives. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll follow trails through dense forest while listening for the calls of chimpanzees overhead. Observing these intelligent primates in their natural environment is both fascinating and humbling. After your chimpanzee tracking adventure, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountain gorilla population. The drive offers stunning views of terraced hillsides and lush greenery as you approach Bwindi’s mist-covered forests. Upon arrival, check into your lodge for dinner and rest in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.
Today marks the highlight of your Uganda safari, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll attend a briefing by park rangers who will guide you through this unforgettable experience. Trekking through dense vegetation and rugged terrain requires physical effort but is immensely rewarding when you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Spend an hour observing their behaviors watching juveniles play or mothers care for their young and take in this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
After your trek, you’ll transfer to Lake Bunyonyi a serene destination known for its picturesque views and tranquil waters dotted with 29 islands. Relax at your lodge as you reflect on your incredible day amid stunning surroundings.
Day 7Departure Back to Kampala or Entebbe
On your final day, enjoy breakfast by Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for optional activities like canoeing or visiting nearby communities before departure.
