Seven days is enough time to properly take in Uganda’s full primate and wildlife story, chimpanzee in Kibale, big game and water-based wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the safari’s undisputed centrepiece, a full day’s gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After a first night settling into Kampala, the journey west begins with Kibale’s chimpanzee trek, alongside a strong supporting cast of black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey, plus exceptional birding. Queen Elizabeth National Park follows, a Kasenyi Track game drive well-positioned for lion sightings thanks to the park’s abundant Uganda kob population, and an afternoon launch trip along the Kazinga Channel, hippo and buffalo close enough to touch, water birds lining the shores throughout. The journey then climbs through the scenic Kigezi highlands to Bwindi itself, where a full day’s trek through dense rainforest brings you face to face with a habituated mountain gorilla family, before the return journey to Entebbe.
A comprehensive, privately guided Uganda safari for travellers who want both of the country’s signature primate encounters and a proper savannah and wetland chapter in between.
This itinerary suits travellers who want the complete Uganda primate and wildlife experience in a single, well-paced trip, chimpanzee trekking, classic savannah game viewing, a boat cruise, and gorilla trekking, rather than piecing separate trips together. It’s especially well suited to dedicated wildlife travellers and photographers with a full week to commit to Uganda, and to first-time visitors who want to see the country’s complete highlight reel in one journey.
This itinerary benefits from a genuinely aligned low season: April, May and November bring discounts on both the Kibale chimpanzee and Bwindi gorilla permits, a combined saving of up to $250 per person compared to standard season pricing. Both treks operate in every season, so travellers focused on value should strongly consider these three months, while those prioritising the driest trail and road conditions may prefer June to September or December to February instead.
On arrival, your guide gives you a warm welcome and drives you to your hotel in Kampala. With an evening to enjoy the city, and depending on your arrival time, an optional short city tour is available. Otherwise, rest up and prepare for the journey ahead.
After breakfast at the lodge, your guide gives you a full safari briefing before the drive to Kibale National Park begins, with numerous stops along the way for photographs and to take in the scenery. Lunch is taken en route, before you arrive at the park for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast, you’ll head to a briefing on the chimpanzee tracking activity. Chimpanzees are among humankind’s closest relatives, and also one of the most threatened primate species alive. Beyond the chimpanzees themselves, Kibale hosts black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, bush baby and potto, alongside exceptional birdlife, yellow-spotted nicator, rufous-chested tinkerbird, little greenbul, green-breasted pitta, crowned eagle and black bee-eater among them, and even the occasional elephant sighting on the walk. Afterwards, you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and settle in on arrival.
An early game drive across the Kasenyi Track in the park’s northern section offers strong odds for lion, elephant and solitary buffalo, the area’s substantial Uganda kob population making for excellent predator activity, and superb close-range wildlife viewing generally. You’ll return to the lodge for breakfast, before heading out for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This is wildlife viewing at genuinely close quarters, hippo huffing and spraying mere feet from the boat, buffalo lingering in the shallows, and the channel’s shores hosting pink-backed pelican, pied and malachite kingfisher, saddle-billed stork and a good deal more besides.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a genuinely interesting journey that takes in the scenic highlands of the Kigezi region along the way. You’ll arrive in the evening and check into your lodge for dinner and your overnight stay
An early breakfast is followed by a briefing at park headquarters on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, before rangers accompany you into the thick rainforest to begin the search for the gentle giants. Raincoats and boots are strongly advised; Bwindi’s weather is genuinely unpredictable, and porters are available for a small extra cost to help carry luggage along the way. Trekking time varies considerably depending on where a given gorilla family happens to be that day, but contact is typically made within two to seven hours, with rangers guiding you throughout. A reasonable level of physical fitness is advisable before setting out. After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a late lunch, or a packed lunch if you’d prefer to eat along the way.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Entebbe, arriving in the evening. Your guide will drop you either at the airport or your hotel, depending on your departure time, bringing this seven-day Uganda safari to a close.
Pricing
Rates vary by season, with low season (April, May, November, when both the chimpanzee and gorilla permits are discounted) from $2,100 per person, and peak season (all other months, standard permit pricing) from approximately $2,650 to $2,900 per person. Final rates confirmed at time of booking.
Why travel with us
We keep group sizes intentionally small so every guest gets the attention, flexibility, and authenticity a safari deserves.
Our guides are born from the landscapes they lead. Decades of knowledge, sharp eyes, and a genuine passion for East African wildlife.
From comprehensive pre-trip briefings to 24-hour in-country support, your safety and comfort are always our first consideration.
Every safari we operate contributes to wildlife conservation and local community projects across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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