7-Day Uganda Safari: Chimpanzees, Tree-Climbing Lions & Mountain Gorillas
Tour Overview
Discover the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of Uganda on a seven-day safari that brings you close to some of Africa’s most fascinating animals.
From tracking wild chimpanzees in the lush rainforest of Kibale to searching for lions across the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this journey offers a wonderful variety of wildlife experiences.
The highlight awaits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will trek through the mist-covered jungle in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, explore beautiful countryside and unwind beside the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
With a private safari guide, carefully planned stops and comfortable lodges, this adventure offers an unforgettable introduction to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Route: Entebbe → Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Entebbe
Starting-price basis: 3+ travellers · January–December
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Afromasai safari guide will warmly welcome you to Uganda.
After meeting your guide, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Entebbe. Settle in and take some time to recover from your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the town, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or take a relaxing walk through the botanical gardens along the shores of Lake Victoria.
If you arrive later in the day, simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your hotel and prepare for the adventure ahead.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and a restful night in Entebbe.
Accommodation & meals: The Boma Entebbe or 2Friends Beach Hotel. Dinner.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest – Through Uganda’s Beautiful Countryside
After breakfast, begin your journey west towards Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most important habitats for wild primates.
The drive takes you through Uganda’s vibrant countryside, passing small towns, green farmland, banana plantations and tea estates. As you approach Fort Portal, the scenery becomes increasingly beautiful, with rolling hills and views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Stop in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing towards Kibale Forest.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area known for its rich birdlife and diverse primate population.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk along the wetland trails in search of monkeys, including red colobus and black-and-white colobus, as well as colourful birds such as the Great Blue Turaco.
You will also learn how the local community contributes to conservation while maintaining its traditional way of life.
Later, continue to your lodge near Kibale Forest. Enjoy dinner and the peaceful sounds of the surrounding rainforest.
Accommodation & meals: Turaco Treetops or Kibale Forest Camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, enter the rainforest for one of Uganda’s most exciting wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking.
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park for a briefing by the park rangers before beginning your guided trek.
As you walk beneath the forest canopy, listen for the calls of chimpanzees and watch for movement among the trees. Your guide will help you understand the forest and locate the chimpanzee community.
Once the chimpanzees are found, spend time observing their behaviour as they groom, play, feed and move through the branches. Seeing these intelligent primates in their natural environment is a fascinating experience.
Kibale is also home to several other primate species, so keep an eye out for red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains before reaching the open savannah.
Arrive at your lodge and settle in for the evening. Enjoy dinner and relax as the sounds of the African wilderness begin to fill the night.
Accommodation & meals: Kasenyi Safari Camp or The Bush Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Lion Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Spend the day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park through two memorable wildlife experiences.
After breakfast, set out for a lion-tracking experience, where you may join trained researchers or conservation teams in monitoring lions using radio-tracking equipment.
This special activity offers insight into lion behaviour and the conservation work taking place to protect these magnificent predators.
After the experience, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari along this natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
The channel attracts large numbers of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Uganda to observe animals from the water.
Watch hippos resting in the shallows, crocodiles basking along the banks and elephants gathering to drink. Buffaloes often graze close to the water, while African fish eagles and other birds can be seen along the shoreline.
The boat safari offers wonderful photographic opportunities and a relaxing way to enjoy the park.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation & meals: Kasenyi Safari Camp or The Bush Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Ishasha Game Drive – Tree-Climbing Lions & Journey to Bwindi
After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a remote area famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a game drive across the open plains, keeping an eye on the large fig trees where lions are sometimes seen resting on the branches.
Ishasha is also home to elephants, buffaloes, topis, spotted hyenas and other wildlife.
After your morning game drive, enjoy lunch before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey takes you through beautiful countryside, with the landscape gradually changing from open savannah to terraced hillsides and dense forest.
Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi and settle in for a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Enjoy dinner and rest well ahead of tomorrow’s mountain gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation & meals: Buhoma Lodge or Silverback Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today brings the highlight of your Ugandan safari: meeting endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
You will then begin your guided trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, moving through dense vegetation and forest trails as experienced trackers help locate a habituated gorilla family.
The trek can take a few hours or longer, depending on where the gorillas are found, but the experience is well worth the effort.
When you finally encounter the family, spend up to one unforgettable hour observing them.
Watch young gorillas playing, mothers caring for their infants and the powerful silverback keeping a watchful eye over the group. Seeing these gentle giants in the wild is a deeply moving experience and a memory that stays with you long after the journey ends.
After the trek, return to the lodge area for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful destinations.
Surrounded by steep, terraced hills and dotted with small islands, the lake offers a relaxing change of scenery after your forest adventure.
Arrive at your lakeside lodge, enjoy the views and spend the evening unwinding beside the water.
Accommodation & meals: A comfortable lodge on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe – A Scenic Journey Home
Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, where the morning mist often drifts across the water and the surrounding hills.
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and take in the views before beginning your journey back to Entebbe.
Travel through Uganda’s countryside, passing villages, farmland and lively towns along the way.
Stop in Mbarara for lunch before continuing towards Kayabwe, where you can visit the Uganda Equator landmark and take photographs at the point where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet.
You may also have time to browse local craft shops for handmade souvenirs.
Continue to Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
Your guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight or at your hotel if you are staying overnight.
As your safari comes to an end, take with you the memories of chimpanzees in the rainforest, lions across the savannah and the extraordinary experience of standing in the presence of mountain gorillas.
Accommodation & meals: Accommodation not included. Breakfast and lunch.
Important: The drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe is long. We recommend booking an international flight departing late in the evening or spending an additional night in Entebbe for a more comfortable journey.
Tour Inclusions
- All park entrance fees for non-residents
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi
- Lion-tracking experience, subject to availability and confirmation
- Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
- All activities specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Accommodation before or after the safari
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
- Any services not specifically listed under inclusions
Safari Prices
All rates are in USD per person sharing. Group columns show the number of travellers.
| Travel dates | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January – December | 5,811 | 4,161 | 3,588 | 3,588 | 3,588 | 3,588 | 3,588 |
Prices are subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
Travel with Afromasai Eastern Safaris
At Afromasai Eastern Safaris, we believe the best journeys are those that allow you to experience a destination at your own pace, with people who know the land and understand what makes it special.
From your arrival in Entebbe to your final journey home, our team will help coordinate the details so you can focus on the wildlife, the landscapes and the moments that make Uganda unforgettable.
Ready to meet Uganda’s chimpanzees and mountain gorillas? Contact Afromasai Eastern Safaris to enquire about availability, accommodation options and a private safari tailored to your travel dates.
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
- Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation to book
