Uganda Primates
& Wildlife Expedition
7 Days . Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi . Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Big Game
Quick Price Estimate
7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Expedition
* Seasonal pricing applies. Excludes international flights & visas.
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Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Big Game in One Expedition
A 7-day journey across Uganda's finest wildlife destinations — from the zebra-dotted savanna of Lake Mburo to the chimpanzee-filled forests of Kibale, the big game and Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a final trek to meet mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A complete primate and wildlife circuit for travellers who want it all in a single trip.
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in BwindiA guided trek through ancient rainforest to spend a full hour with a habituated gorilla family
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale ForestTrack wild chimpanzees through Uganda's premier primate forest, home to 13 primate species
- Kazinga Channel Boat CruiseDrift past hippos, buffalo and elephants along one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife
- Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth & Lake MburoSearch for lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra and antelope across two contrasting savanna parks
- Bigodi Wetland & Cultural WalkA community-run guided walk through papyrus wetlands rich in birdlife and monkeys
- Comfortable Lodges Across Four ParksHandpicked lodges in Lake Mburo, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi throughout the journey
Four Parks, One Unforgettable Circuit
Your journey begins in Entebbe and travels overland through southwestern Uganda's savanna and forest parks, ending at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for your gorilla trek before returning to Entebbe.
- Entebbe & Lake Mburo, UgandaArrival, Briefing & Savanna Game DriveDays 1-2
- Kibale Forest, UgandaChimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland WalkDays 3-4
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, UgandaGame Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat CruiseDay 5
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UgandaMountain Gorilla TrekkingDay 6
- Entebbe, UgandaReturn Transfer & DepartureDay 7
Your 7-Day Journey
From savanna game drives to chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, every day is paced to take you deeper into Uganda's forests and national parks.
Arrival and Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Meet your guide in Entebbe and set off on the scenic drive south-west into Uganda's cattle country, arriving at Lake Mburo National Park by early afternoon. Settle into your lodge, then head out for an evening game drive in search of zebra, eland, impala and buffalo before dinner.
Morning Boat Safari, then Transfer to Kibale
Rise early for a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, drifting past hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles along the shoreline. After breakfast, continue the drive north to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in time to settle into your lodge and prepare for the next day's chimpanzee trek.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
An early briefing at the park headquarters before heading into the forest to track one of Kibale's habituated chimpanzee communities. Kibale is home to 13 primate species, so expect encounters with red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys and l'Hoest's monkeys along the way, alongside a full hour with the chimpanzees themselves.
Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
A gentle morning guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run reserve known for its birdlife and monkeys, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, drive south through the Rift Valley escarpment to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at your lodge with views over the park's open plains.
Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
An early morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in search of lion, elephant, buffalo and Uganda kob, followed by a relaxed afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel — one of Africa's densest concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and water birds, with elephants often seen drinking at the water's edge.
Transfer to Bwindi and Mountain Gorilla Trekking
An early drive south through Ishasha and the Kigezi highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving in time for a briefing with your ranger team before setting off to track a habituated gorilla family. Trek duration varies from two to six hours, rewarded with a magical hour observing the gorillas at close range.
Final Morning and Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with views over the forest before the long scenic drive back to Entebbe (or an optional domestic flight to save time). Depending on flight timing, stop along the way at a viewpoint or local craft market before connecting to your international flight home.
Handpicked Luxury Stays
Premium en-suite tented camps and lodges positioned along the migration route.
Lake Mburo Lodge
A relaxed savanna lodge overlooking Lake Mburo's rolling grasslands, with en-suite rooms and a pool for cooling off after game drives.
Lake Mburo · Days 1–2
Kibale Forest Lodge
Forest-fringed cottages just minutes from the chimpanzee trekking trailhead, with home-cooked meals and a garden alive with birdlife.
Kibale Forest · Days 2–4
Queen Elizabeth Lodge
A comfortable lodge perched above the park's plains, with elephants and buffalo often visible from the veranda, close to the Kazinga Channel jetty.
Queen Elizabeth · Days 4–6
Bwindi Lodge
Cosy cottages and en-suite rooms set on the forest edge, with fireplace lounges, home-cooked meals, and sweeping views over the Bwindi hills.
Bwindi Forest · Days 6–7Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Return road transfers Entebbe–Lake Mburo–Kibale–Queen Elizabeth–Bwindi–Entebbe
- 6 nights' accommodation across four national parks
- Full board throughout the itinerary
- 4x4 safari vehicle with experienced driver-guide, arranged per your tier and quotation
- Applicable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits (customer-paid at authority rates, confirmed at quotation)
- Applicable park entrance and ranger guide fees as specified in your quotation
- Lake Mburo boat safari and Kazinga Channel boat cruise as specified in your quotation
- Bigodi Wetland guided walk as specified in your quotation
- A porter on trek days as arranged
- Bottled water on treks and during transfers
- All park and airstrip transfers
- 24/7 safari concierge service
Excluded
- International flights to/from Entebbe
- Uganda tourist visa (e-visa available)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
- Gorilla or chimpanzee habituation experiences and additional trekking permits
- Premium bar tabs and specialty dining at lodges
- Gratuities for guides, porters and lodge staff
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Personal items and medications
- Anything not specified under Included
Have questions about what's included? Our specialists are happy to clarify.
Speak to a SpecialistChoose Your Experience Level
Select the accommodation tier that matches your style. All tiers include the same guiding and routing.
- 6 nights at comfortable lodges across four parks
- En-suite rooms with hot showers
- Full board throughout the trip
- Applicable gorilla and chimpanzee permits (customer-paid at authority rates) plus transfers as specified in your quotation
- Shared safari guide and vehicle
- Premium lodges with views in each park
- Full board and a welcome amenity (house drinks subject to property policy)
- Applicable park fees as specified in your quotation; permits customer-paid at authority rates
- Game vehicle with an experienced guide (tier-specific arrangement, confirmed at quotation)
- Boat cruises and Bigodi wetland walk as specified in your quotation
- Return road transfers and porter service as specified in your quotation
- Private villas and suites with pools in each park
- Full-board dining as specified in your quotation (premium drinks subject to property policy)
- Applicable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits (customer-paid at authority rates) and priority scheduling
- Dedicated private guide and vehicle throughout (tier-specific arrangement, confirmed at quotation)
- Private boat cruises and in-villa dining (optional premium services, separately quoted)
- Optional scenic flights and transfers as specified in your quotation
What Our Guests Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for the chimpanzee and gorilla treks, which can last from two to six hours over uneven forest terrain. Game drives and boat cruises require no fitness at all. Porters are available on trek days, and our guides set a pace suited to the group.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with traveler-category rates (currently $700/$800 for gorilla and $250 for chimpanzee, varying by category). Your applicable permits are customer-paid at the authority rates and confirmed at quotation. Habituation experiences or additional permits can be added as separately quoted optional extras.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are wildlife encounters guided by expert trackers who head into the forest ahead of the group to locate them. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, and trek duration varies depending on how far the group has moved overnight.
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, long trousers and sleeves for forest treks, a rain jacket, a daypack, insect repellent and sunscreen. Bwindi and Kibale sit at altitude, so mornings can be cool -- a warm layer is recommended.
Yes, the Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be at least 15 years old for gorilla trekking and 12 years old for chimpanzee trekking. There is no upper age limit, provided you're in reasonable health and able to manage the walk with the help of a porter if needed.
Absolutely. We can extend this itinerary with a golden monkey trek in Mgahinga, a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar, or a Kenyan safari extension, or shorten it if you'd prefer to focus on fewer parks. Speak to our specialists about tailoring your trip.
Don't see your question? We're happy to help.
Ask Us AnythingBegin Your Uganda Primates & Wildlife Expedition
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are limited and sell out months in advance during peak season. Contact our specialists today to check availability and begin planning your unforgettable journey across Uganda.