7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari; Gorilla & Chimp Trekking, & More
Our 7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari for Gorilla Tracking, Cultural and Chimp Safari is wonderful Ugandan-based one week safari leading to three of the country’s amazing National Parks – Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks for jaw-dropping tourist activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat rides, cultural tours and guided nature walks among others.
Covering about 79,500 hectares, Kibale Forest National Park is an excellent chimpanzee trekking destination based within western Uganda. This Park came into existence in 1993 after several years of being a Forest Reserve.
While the chimpanzees are the main focus for this safari, you can always be open to sights of forest elephants, leopards, other primates (especially grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys and birds.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a 1978-square kilometer Park set in the west of Uganda and about 400 kilometers from the Capital.
The Park is a stronghold for the tree climbing lions also visitors are also offered views of the manned lions, African bush elephants, Defassa waterbucks, Hippos, chimpanzees, Olive baboons, Nile crocodiles, Cape buffaloes, leopards, Topis, bushbucks, warthogs and several species of feathered beauties via boat rides, game drives, bush walks, chimp treks, birding tours, hot air balloon tours and so much more.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 331-square kilometer Protected Area in the extreme south-west of the country, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park is known for being the top gorilla trekking destination in the East African region owing to its high concentration of these Giant Apes.
For Bwindi visitors, there are chances of undertaking gorilla trekking and Habituation Experience, guided forest walks, bird watching, mountain biking tours, Batwa cultural experiences and many others. However our focus during this safari is gorilla trekking adventures with a chance of meeting face to face with one of the 21 habituated gorilla groups.
Highlights of the 7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari
- Chimpanzee tracking.
- Gorilla Trekking.
- Wildlife viewing.
- Boat rides.
- Guided walk through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary.
- Batwa cultural tour.
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala City to the lush Kibale National Park, in the west
Day 2: Electrifying Chimpanzee treks and guided walk-through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary.
Day 3: Drive to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 4: Game drives through the Northern area and after Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel.
Day 5: Leave for the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda for gorilla treks.
Day 6: Soul-stirring Gorilla Trekking experience and Cultural tour.
Day 7: Leave for Kampala City-departure.
Detailed itinerary of the 7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala City to the lush Kibale National Park, in the west
Breakfast at your place of residence in Kampala and set off for a drive to Kibale Forest National Park, in western Uganda via Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal road while appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature and have a Lunch break in Fort Portal Town.
Still within this Town, undertake a tour of the Toro Royal Palace, Karambi Royal Tombs and Crater Lakes before continuing to the Lodge for dinner, overnight and relaxation.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Primate Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge.
- Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel or Kibale Forest Camp.
- Budget: Chimpanzee Guesthouse or Chimps Nest.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Journey time: 6-7 hours including en-route stops.
Day 2: Chimpanzee treks and guided walk through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary
Have a hefty and delicious breakfast at the Lodge and set out for the transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for briefing from UWA Park officials. You will be acquainted with the history and any other relevant details on the Park, dos and don’ts of chimpanzee treks and then embark on the search for the chimpanzees in the jungles.
While walking, look-out for the other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoests monkeys, olive baboons and variety of bird species such as the great blue Turaco among others.
Your several hours of walking will be rewarded with a one hour encounter with the Great Apes for out-of-this-world interactions and photography.
A guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is planned for the afternoon to introduce you to the unique wetland habitat that shelters some few primate species and over 200 wetland bird species.
Learn about the impact of tourism on surrounding communities by interacting with the locals, visiting the community schools, health centers, water sources and even purchase some souvenirs. Retire to the Lodge with a fulfilled heart and wait for another adventure.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Primate Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge.
- Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel or Kibale Forest Camp.
- Budget: Chimpanzee Guesthouse or Chimps Nest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Drive to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a hearty breakfast, leave Kibale Forest National Park behind and head to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will have a day of game viewing or relaxation at the reserved place of lodging.
Drive through Fort Portal Tourism City, towards Kasese and finally to Queen Elizabeth National Park in a 3-4 hours’ journey. Lunch will be served at the Lodge on arrival and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Sum up the day with a night game drive to see the big cats-leopards and lions as well as other nocturnal life of the Park such as spotted hyenas.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Game drives through the Northern area and after Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel
Start the fourth day with breakfast, then afterwards begin the guided game drive through the northern plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the country’s most endowed places where views of Uganda Kobs, leopards, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, Topis, bushbucks, Cape buffaloes, duikers, mongoose, lions, Hippos and many others. Make occasional stops for photography and continue back to the Lodge after 3-4 hours of exploration.
After lunch, you will leave for Mweya jetty via the beautiful plains where more animals will be encountered. Just relax while exploring the calm waters of Kazinga Channel for the highest concentration of Hippos in the whole World, several Nile crocodiles, elephants, Uganda Kobs and many other animals along the banks.
Several aquatic and wetland bird species will be spotted along the way and later enjoy sunset views before returning back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Leave for the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda for gorilla treks
After an amazing breakfast, you will depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the southern sector of Ishasha for a game viewing experience like no other.
The scenic drive will take you to see one of the most extraordinary lions-the one that climb trees for several reasons with opportunities of photography. Have a picnic lunch or better still visit Savannah Resort Kihihi for a hot lunch. Enjoy a restful and refreshing evening, then dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Lake Kitandara Camp or Engagi Lodge.
- Budget: Bwindi View Bandas or Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6: Thrilling Gorilla Trekking Experience and Cultural tour
Today’s tour is for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via guided gorilla trekking and cultural experiences. This day begins with a briefing session at the Park Headquarters before getting into the Park to search for the habituated gorilla groups through several trailheads.
Haven to the World’s highest concentration of Mountain gorillas, this is definitely the best place to achieve your dream of seeing gorillas in the wild. Treks are difficult and take 1-4 hours, sometimes even lasting up to 6 hours but the reward is what will take your breath away.
Just one hour of gorilla observation and photography is the best moment of this 7-day safari and afterwards get back to the Lodge for hot meal. In the afternoon continue to the surrounding Batwa community for a leisurely stroll to learn about their riveting culture and way of life.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Lake Kitandara Camp or Engagi Lodge.
- Budget: Bwindi View Bandas or Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Leave for Kampala City-End of 7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari
Be up early for breakfast and bid farewell to the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Mbarara City for Lunch and Equator crossing for photography and souvenir shopping.
Drop-off point depends on your personal interest and this marks the end of your 7 days Gorilla tracking, wildlife and Chimp safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
End of your 7 days Uganda Wildlife Safari for Gorilla Tracking, Wildlife and Chimp Safari
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Inclusions for 7 Days Uganda Safari
- Chimpanzee permit.
- Gorilla permit.
- Bigodi wetland walks fees.
- Game drives.
- Park entrance fees.
- Boat cruises.
- Ranger/guide fees.
- Driver allowances.
- Batwa cultural tours.
- Road transfers by a private safari vehicle.
- Bottled water.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- 6 nights’ accommodation in the three Parks.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Exclusions for 7 Days Uganda Safari;
- Personal insurance.
- Other expenses of personal nature such as tips, shopping, telephone fees, laundry services, cigarettes and beverages.
- Optional activities not on the itinerary.
- Hotel fees in Kampala (eve and last day of the safari).
Essential Gear to Consider;
Essential Gear for Your 7 Day Uganda Safari
As you prepare for your exciting 7-day safari in Uganda, consider packing the following essential gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
- Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors).
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection against insects.
- A light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings and mornings.
- Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy shoes for treks.
- Accessories:
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A daypack to carry essentials during treks and outings.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Outdoor Gear:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- A good quality camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
- A power bank to keep your devices charged.
- Health and Safety:
- Insect repellent (preferably with DEET) to protect against mosquitoes.
- Sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
- Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
- Trekking Gear:
- Sturdy trekking poles (optional but helpful during gorilla treks).
- Gloves for handling any rough terrain.
- Cultural Considerations:
- A small gift or donation for local communities you visit, if desired.
Having the right gear will enhance your safari experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife of Uganda!