7 Day Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari – Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi

Overview

This immersive 7-day safari takes you deep into Uganda’s most iconic protected areas to experience exceptional primate encounters at Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Track chimpanzees in the lush rainforests of Kibale National Park, meet the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and complete your journey with classic game drives and a boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary offers the perfect balance of primates, wildlife, scenery, and culture.

What's included

• Airport transfers and ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
• Park entry fees
• Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking permits
• All accommodation as specified in the itinerary with meals and scheduled activities and excursions
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari

Best for

• First-time safari guests
• Wildlife photography
• Couples and small groups

Top highlights

• Scenic Landscapes
• Primate Encounters
• Equator Stop

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, your professional driver-guide will brief you on the safari before departing for Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda. Enjoy a scenic drive through tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural communities, with a lunch stop and photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at the rainforest park in the evening for dinner and a relaxing stay at the lodge near Kibale National Park.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, head to the Kibale National Park briefing point for an introduction by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Enter the forest to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat — Kibale protects the highest density of chimpanzees in Uganda and Africa.

In addition to chimps, the forest is home to several other primate species, making the trek rich in sightings and sounds. Return to the lodge for lunch, then visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project famous for primates and over 300 bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kasenyi Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserve. Enjoy views of crater lakes and local villages before stopping for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Later, proceed to the lodge for dinner and a restful evening within the park area.

Accommodation: Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Begin with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife activity is at its peak. The park’s diverse habitats — savannah, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes — support an abundance of species.

After breakfast and lunch at the lodge, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the best locations in Africa to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, and continue south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Arrive near the forest in the evening for dinner and a comfortable stay close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park briefing point. Ranger guides will explain gorilla trekking guidelines before leading you into the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can last from a few hours to most of the day depending on gorilla movements, but the reward is unforgettable; a rare hour spent observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After receiving your trekking certificate, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin your return journey to Entebbe. Enjoy scenic views along the way and stop at the Equator for photos, souvenirs, and lunch before continuing to Entebbe or the airport.

Airport transfers and additional accommodation can be arranged on request.