Overview
This 7-day Uganda Wildlife, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Safari takes you through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and landscapes, combining Big Five encounters, primate tracking, and breathtaking scenery.
The journey begins with rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, followed by classic game drives and a Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall. You will continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and a wildlife-rich cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
The safari concludes with the ultimate African wildlife experience, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, before relaxing at the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, and finally transferring to Entebbe International Airport.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Uganda safari that combines wildlife, primates, scenery, and comfort.
Safari Highlights
- Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat cruise on the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise (one of Africa’s best)
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After an early breakfast, your professional safari guide will pick you up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for a briefing before departing northwards to Murchison Falls National Park.
En route, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking experience on foot, completing your chance to see all members of the African Big Five. Lunch will be enjoyed at the sanctuary before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and head out for a short evening game drive, with chances of spotting lions, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive on the northern bank of the park, searching for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, lions, and a variety of bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour boat cruise on the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you’ll see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through scenic countryside dotted with villages, tea plantations, rolling hills, and farmlands.
Enjoy lunch en route and arrive at your lodge in the evening. If time permits, an optional
evening game drive can be arranged.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, proceed to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. After a briefing by park rangers, you’ll hike through the forested gorge in search of chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense concentration of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, including the rare shoebill.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Today you drive south through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive across the open savannah, spotting topis, elephants, and—if lucky—lions resting in fig trees.
After lunch in Ishasha, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, experiencing a dramatic change in scenery from savannah plains to misty, forested mountains.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting the mountain gorilla trekking experience—the highlight of your Uganda safari. Trekking can take between 3–6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment. Packed lunch will be enjoyed in the forest.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes. Optional activities include canoeing or relaxing by the lakeshore.
Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe Airport via the Equator
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe International Airport, with a stop at the Equator Line for photos and souvenir shopping. Lunch will be taken en route before proceeding to the airport for your departure.
Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Tour
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
- Rhino trekking permit (Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kyambura Gorge)
- Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Boat cruises on the Nile River and Kazinga Channel
- Accommodation as listed (mid-range; upgrades available)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, laundry)
