7-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

Experience Uganda’s Finest Wildlife and Primate Adventures

Discover the incredible diversity of Uganda on this 7-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari, a carefully crafted journey that combines thrilling wildlife safaris with unforgettable encounters with our closest relatives in the wild. Explore some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks, track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, trek wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, and enjoy exceptional game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From mist-covered rainforests and rolling tea plantations to vast savannahs, crater lakes, and the famous Kazinga Channel, this safari showcases the very best of Uganda’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic African experiences.

Tour Overview

The 7-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari begins in Entebbe or Kampala before heading west to Kibale Forest National Park, widely regarded as the primate capital of East Africa. Here, you’ll experience an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure and explore the rich biodiversity of the tropical rainforest.

Your journey then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah safari destination. Enjoy thrilling game drives across the Kasenyi Plains and a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and countless bird species gather along the shoreline.

The final highlight of the safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trek through the ancient rainforest with experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat.

The safari concludes with a scenic return drive to Entebbe or Kampala, including a stop at the Uganda Equator.

Safari Highlights

Primate Experiences

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Guided Forest Walks
• Primate Photography

Wildlife Experiences

• Morning Game Drives
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
• Wildlife Photography
• Birdwatching
• Scenic Road Safaris

National Parks Visited

• Kibale Forest National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Wildlife You May Encounter

Primates

• Mountain Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
• Olive Baboons

Savannah Wildlife

• African Elephants
• Cape Buffaloes
• Lions
• Leopards (occasionally)
• Uganda Kobs
• Waterbucks
• Warthogs
• Hyenas
• Nile Crocodiles
• Hippos

Birdlife

With over 600 bird species recorded across the safari destinations, bird enthusiasts can expect sightings of:

• African Fish Eagle
• Great Blue Turaco
• Kingfishers
• Bee-eaters
• Hornbills
• Herons
• Pelicans
• Sunbirds

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience both Uganda’s famous primates and its spectacular savannah wildlife within one week.

Unlike itineraries that focus only on gorillas or wildlife, this safari combines the country’s three most popular destinations into one seamless journey, giving you the opportunity to enjoy rainforest adventures, classic African game drives, scenic boat safaris, and breathtaking landscapes.

Is This Safari Right for You?

This safari is perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Uganda
• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Nature lovers
• Birdwatchers
• Couples
• Families with older children
• Solo travelers
• Photography enthusiasts
• Private groups

A moderate level of fitness is recommended for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as both activities involve walking through natural forest trails with varying terrain.

Trip Information

Gorilla Trekking Experience

The gorilla trekking adventure takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas.

After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll hike through the rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may last between 2 and 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

Once found, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of habituated wild chimpanzees.

Your guided forest walk offers an excellent opportunity to observe chimpanzees communicating, feeding, and swinging through the forest canopy while learning about the park’s unique ecosystem.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.

Travel west through Uganda’s scenic countryside, passing tea plantations, rolling hills, traditional villages, and beautiful landscapes before arriving at Kibale Forest National Park.

After checking into your lodge, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Driving Time

Approximately 5–6 hours

Activities

• Scenic Drive
• Tea Plantation Views
• Photography
• Lodge Relaxation

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following breakfast, report to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure.

After spending time observing wild chimpanzees, return for lunch before continuing south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Along the drive, enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the beautiful Albertine Rift Valley.

Driving Time

Approximately 3–4 hours after trekking

Activities

• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Scenic Transfer
• Wildlife Viewing Along the Route

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake early for an exciting game drive across the Kasenyi Plains.

Search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, and, with a little luck, the elusive leopard.

After lunch, enjoy the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, offering close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of birds.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Activities

• Morning Game Drive
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
• Wildlife Photography

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the Ishasha Sector, internationally famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Spend time searching for these unique predators before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Arrive at your lodge and receive a briefing for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.

Driving Time

Approximately 5–6 hours

Activities

• Tree-Climbing Lion Search
• Scenic Drive
• Photography

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for registration and a safety briefing.

Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll hike through Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Once located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge to relax and celebrate one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

Activities

• Gorilla Trekking
• Forest Hiking
• Wildlife Photography

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with numerous islands.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake or choose optional activities such as:

• Canoe Ride
• Birdwatching
• Nature Walk
• Cultural Village Visit

This relaxing day offers the perfect opportunity to unwind after your gorilla trek.

Driving Time

Approximately 2–3 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe/Kampala

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala.

Stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs, lunch, and souvenir shopping before continuing to your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Your unforgettable Uganda wildlife and primates adventure comes to an end.

Driving Time

Approximately 7–8 hours

Activities

• Equator Experience
• Scenic Drive
• Optional Souvenir Shopping

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation Options

This safari can be customized to match your preferred level of comfort.

Luxury

Elegant safari lodges with premium service, spacious rooms, fine dining, and exceptional views.

Mid-range

Comfortable lodges offering excellent amenities and convenient access to national parks.

Budget

Affordable accommodations providing clean, comfortable rooms and excellent value.

What’s Included

• Airport transfers
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• All park entrance fees
• Game drives
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Accommodation for 6 nights
• Meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• Government taxes

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic and premium beverages
• Laundry services
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities at Lake Bunyonyi
• Items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

Why Choose This 7-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari?

The 7-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Pearl of Africa in a single week. By combining chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, classic game drives and boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the unique tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi, and a relaxing finale at Lake Bunyonyi, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, scenic beauty, and relaxation. With experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully planned travel routes, this safari delivers an authentic and memorable Ugandan experience from start to finish.