Gorilla Trekking IN UGANDA & RWANDA

                                       7-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Experience the Best of Uganda: Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safaris & Chimpanzee Tracking

Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa," offers an incredible week-long safari experience combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic wildlife safaris. This 7-day itinerary takes you through Uganda's most iconic national parks, from the primate-rich Kibale Forest to the wildlife-abundant Queen Elizabeth National Park and the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Perfect for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts, this Uganda safari tour delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your Uganda safari adventure with a scenic 5-6 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park. Journey through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing traditional villages and lush tea plantations. As you approach Fort Portal, enjoy stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon."

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Experience chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, the "Primate Capital of the World." Home to 13 primate species, Kibale offers excellent opportunities to observe habituated chimpanzee families in their natural habitat. Spend an hour watching these intelligent primates play, groom, and feed.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided nature walk. This community-run conservation project is perfect for bird watching, with chances to spot the Great Blue Turaco, Red Colobus monkeys, and other wildlife.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular wildlife reserve. After lunch, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32km waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.

The Kazinga Channel boat safari is one of Africa's best wildlife experiences, offering close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and elephants. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting numerous water bird species along the shores.

Day 4: Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Forest

Start with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, elephants, and buffaloes in their natural savanna habitat.

Journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Watch for these magnificent cats lounging in large fig trees before arriving in the misty mountain region of Bwindi.

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Experience the highlight of your Uganda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing at park headquarters, trek through the dense forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take 2-6 hours depending on gorilla locations.

Spend one unforgettable hour observing the silverback and his family in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas is truly profound. Optional afternoon visit to the Batwa community to learn about traditional forest life and culture.

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

Drive through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, known as the "Switzerland of Africa," to reach Lake Bunyonyi. This beautiful lake, dotted with 29 islands, is one of Africa's deepest and most picturesque.

Enjoy leisure activities including swimming in bilharzia-free waters, canoeing in traditional dugout canoes, island hopping, or visiting Punishment Island. Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking.

Day 7: Return to Kampala via Uganda Equator

Complete your Uganda safari with a scenic 7-8 hour drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop in Mbarara for lunch and visit the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for memorable photos and the famous water experiment demonstration. Shop for souvenirs before your evening arrival in Entebbe.

• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Mountain gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• All national park entrance fees
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Accommodation and meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari

• International flights and Uganda visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
• Optional activities

Gorilla Trekking Essentials: Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, rain jacket, gardening gloves, and insect repellent. The terrain can be steep and muddy.

Health Requirements: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Moderate fitness level required for gorilla trekking.

Best Time to Visit: Uganda safaris operate year-round. Dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer easier trekking conditions, though gorillas can be seen any time of year.

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars widely accepted for tourism services. Ensure bills are printed 2009 or later and in good condition.

Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy a short city tour (optional) visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then drive through scenic hills to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to park HQ for a briefing, then begin your trek into the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains to meet a habituated gorilla family.

Spend an awe-inspiring hour with the gorillas before trekking back and relaxing at your lodge. Optional cultural visit in the afternoon.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes

Gorilla permit included
 

Enjoy a relaxed morning and drive back to Kigali for your outbound flight.
Optional: Visit a local market or museum before transfer.

Included: Private vehicle, driver-guide, accommodation, meals, park fees, gorilla permit
Excluded: Flights, visa, tips, insurance