Classic 7 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari

 5/5

7 Days 6 Nights

Price $3,250/pax

Overview

Experience Uganda’s best in one week: trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas, explore Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic savannah game drives and a relaxing Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and add an optional chimpanzee trek for a complete primate-focused adventure. This 7-day itinerary balances active forest trekking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and comfortable lodge stays to deliver high-impact sightings and rich cultural moments.

Highlights

Gorilla permit and guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise with close views of hippos, buffalo, and abundant waterbirds.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park targeting the Big 4: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard.
Chimpanzee trekking and forest walks (Kibale or Kyambura Gorge option).
Scenic transfers through western Uganda’s rolling hills and tea plantations.
Cultural encounter with a local community to learn traditional lifestyles and conservation efforts.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Bwindi Region

Morning arrival into Entebbe or Kigali. Meet your guide and drive southwest through scenic countryside toward the Bwindi region.
Afternoon arrival at your lodge, orientation briefing, equipment check, and early dinner.
Overnight at a lodge near Bwindi with dinner included.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Pre-dawn briefing with park rangers and gorilla group allocation. Guided trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to locate a mountain gorilla family.
Spend one intimate hour observing the gorillas under ranger supervision, then return to the lodge for lunch.
Late afternoon optional short community visit or nature walk.
Overnight at lodge; celebratory dinner.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (via scenic route)

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive through picturesque highlands toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Afternoon game viewing en route and arrival at lodge inside or on the park perimeter.
Optional evening wildlife viewing near the lodge.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth area.

Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive in the savannah and woodland sectors to search for lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards.
Afternoon guided boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view large concentrations of hippos, waterbirds and shoreline game.
Sunset return to the lodge and dinner.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth area.

Day 5: Optional Chimp Trek or Transfer to Chimp Region

Option A: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge depending on chosen route; guided forest walk to see habituated chimp communities.
Option B: Leisure morning in Queen Elizabeth with optional birding, community visit, or visit to the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions.
Evening transfer to overnight lodge near the chimp area or back toward Kampala/Kigali corridor.

Day 6: Nature Walks, Cultural Visit, and Leisure

Guided morning nature walk or community interaction to learn about traditional crafts and conservation initiatives.
Afternoon at leisure to relax or participate in optional activities such as canoeing or a guided crater lake walk.
Overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Return to Entebbe/Kigali and Departure

Morning transfer back to Entebbe or onward to Kigali depending on your flight schedule.
Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport for departure.

Package Pricing

Inclusions

All ground transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced driver-guide.
Accommodation for 6 nights on bed and breakfast or as specified in your selected package.
Meals as indicated: daily breakfasts plus dinners where noted.
Gorilla trekking permit for one person per scheduled trek.
Park entry fees for parks visited on the itinerary.
Guided gorilla trek and ranger fees during the Bwindi visit.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise with boat fees and guide.
Local English-speaking driver/guide and fuel.
Bottled water in vehicle during drives.
Emergency evacuation cover within Uganda.

Exclusions

International flights to/from Uganda or Rwanda.
Visa fees, travel insurance, medical costs, and personal expenses.
Gorilla and chimp permits if you request last-minute changes beyond confirmed allocations.
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
Tips for guides, rangers, lodge staff, and porters.
Optional activities not listed as included (e.g., additional cultural performances, scenic flights).
COVID-19 tests or other forced-entry health requirements if applicable at time of travel.

Fees and Pricing (per person)

Standard Package (mid-range lodges): USD 2,250 per person.
Comfort Package (better lodges; small-group vehicle): USD 2,750 per person.
Luxury Package (premium lodges, private transfers): USD 3,850 per person.

Fee components: gorilla permit (major share of cost), park entry fees, accommodation, vehicle use, guide service, boat cruise, and logistics. For accurate permit availability and exact current permit pricing please request confirmation at booking time.

Booking Options and Add-ons

Add a Kigali city and genocide memorial tour on arrival or departure.
Upgrade to private vehicle and private guide for full flexibility.
Include flight or charter between Entebbe/Kigali and western airstrips to shorten road transfers.
Extend with a Lake Bunyonyi canoe and relaxation day or a Rwenzori foothills extension for trekking.

Practical Notes

Trekking is physically demanding; pack waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, long-sleeve layers, insect repellent, and a small daypack.
Permit availability for gorilla trekking is limited and seasonal; secure permits early to guarantee travel dates.
Respect park rules: do not approach gorillas closer than the ranger-advised distance and follow ranger instructions at all times.

Book early to lock in gorilla permits and preferred lodge categories for the best experience and highest chance of prime sightings.