7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Wildlife & Primate Safari

Bwindi • Queen Elizabeth • Kibale • Murchison Falls • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Safari Overview

This 7 Days Uganda Gorillas, Wildlife & Primate Safari delivers the country’s most iconic wildlife and primate experiences in one seamless journey. You will track endangered mountain gorillas in the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, explore the mighty waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, and complete the Big Five experience with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The safari blends rainforest adventures, classic savannah game drives, scenic crater landscapes, and Nile boat cruises. It is ideal for travelers who want a compact yet comprehensive Uganda wildlife holiday.

7 Days Uganda Gorillas Wildlife & Primate Safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Entebbe / Kampala → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Entebbe or Kampala, heading southwest through Uganda’s scenic countryside. The drive reveals changing landscapes, from urban centers to rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads.
You stop at the Equator crossing for photographs and refreshments, followed by lunch en route. As you approach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the air becomes cooler and the terrain more mountainous. Arrival is in the late afternoon, surrounded by dense rainforest and birdlife. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge, listening to forest sounds as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Overnight: Bwindi (Budget or Mid-range lodge)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi → Ishasha Sector

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You then enter the ancient forest in small groups to track a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can last from one to several hours depending on gorilla movements. The reward is a powerful one-hour encounter, observing gorillas as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally. This moment is emotional, intimate, and unforgettable.
After lunch and a short rest, you drive north to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a remote wilderness famous for its tree-climbing lions. Arrival is in the evening.

Overnight: Ishasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Ishasha Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with a sunrise game drive through Ishasha’s open savannah. This area offers one of the best chances in Africa to see lions resting in fig trees, along with Uganda kob, buffalo, elephants, and topi.
After the game drive, continue to the central sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes Edward and George. The cruise provides close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and large buffalo herds, plus exceptional birdlife along the shores.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Queen Elizabeth → Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee Trekking)

After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive before traveling through the stunning Explosion Crater Lakes region. This volcanic landscape features deep blue lakes, lush vegetation, and panoramic viewpoints ideal for photography.
Arrive at Kibale National Park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, join expert trackers for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale hosts the highest density of chimpanzees in Africa. Once located, you spend one full hour observing their energetic behavior, vocal communication, and social interactions high in the forest canopy.

Overnight: Kibale area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Kibale → Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, begin the journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park. The drive passes through rural towns and open landscapes, offering insight into daily Ugandan life.
Upon arrival, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge only seven meters wide before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. The thunderous sound, mist, and sweeping views make this one of Africa’s most dramatic natural attractions.

Overnight: Murchison Falls NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile across the Nyamsika Plateau. Wildlife sightings often include Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hartebeest, and Uganda kob.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and the powerful waterfall from below, providing outstanding photo opportunities.

Overnight: Murchison Falls NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Entebbe / Kampala

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you join trained rangers for a guided walking safari to track white rhinos on foot. This experience allows close, safe observation of these endangered animals and completes Uganda’s Big Five circuit.
After the rhino trek, continue to Entebbe or Kampala with lunch en route, marking the end of your safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

END OF THE 7 DAYS UGANDA GORILLAS WILDLIFE & PRIMATE SAFARI

Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Game drives
  • Boat cruises
  • 4×4 safari vehicle
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Full-board accommodation
  • Meals en route
  • Airport transfers (Day 1 & Day 7)

Safari Exclusions

  • International or domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks and alcoholic beverages