This 7 Days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Adventure takes you through thick jungles and wide savannahs. You will meet playful chimpanzees in Kibale and famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Expert guides lead every step of the way to ensure your safety. Between treks, you will see lions, elephants, and hippos on exciting safaris. This trip combines wild adventure with comfortable stays. It is the perfect way to discover why people call Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
Your guide meets you at your Kampala hotel at 8:00 am. You will begin the scenic drive toward the lush Kibale National Park. First, the group stops at the Equator in Mpigi District. Here, you learn how the magnetic fields change at 0 degrees latitude. This spot offers great photos and a chance to stand in two hemispheres.
Afterward, the journey continues toward the busy town of Mbarara. You will enjoy a hot lunch at the Silverback Hotel. The road then winds through beautiful green tea plantations and rolling hills. You will reach Kibale National Park by late afternoon. Your driver helps you check into your room to refresh. A warm dinner awaits you before a quiet night of rest.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Budget) or Turaco Treetops (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Eat a hearty breakfast to prepare for a thrilling forest adventure. You will head to the park headquarters for a short briefing. A park ranger explains the rules for visiting the wild chimpanzees. Soon, you enter the thick forest to track these loud primates. The hike usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
Once you find them, you spend 60 minutes watching their lives. You will see them groom each other and swing from high branches. Young chimps often play while the adults search for fruit. This close encounter feels truly magical and rare. Walk back to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Later, you can choose to explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This swamp is home to many colorful birds and smaller monkeys.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Budget) or Turaco Treetops (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast while listening to the sounds of the jungle. You will then start a 5-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This route shows off the stunning beauty of the Ugandan countryside. You might see local farmers working on the steep hillsides.
Upon arrival, the staff welcomes you to your new lodge. You will eat lunch and settle into your room. Use the afternoon to relax by the pool or enjoy the views. This park sits right against the towering Rwenzori Mountains. Tomorrow brings a chance to see lions and large herds of elephants. For now, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget) or Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The morning begins with a 3-hour drive across the open plains. Your professional guide helps you spot lions hiding in the tall grass. Look for massive buffaloes and elephants near the water holes. Many different birds fly across the sky during the early hours. After the safari, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
The afternoon features a famous boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 2-hour trip takes you very close to many hippos. You will also see thirsty elephants coming down to drink. Crocodiles often sunbathe on the muddy banks of the water. This boat ride provides some of the best wildlife photos. Return to the lodge for a quiet dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget) or Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early for breakfast before a long travel day. You will drive about 8 hours toward the south. The road leads you to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This ancient jungle is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. You will see incredible mountain views along the winding roads.
Check into your forest lodge and eat a late lunch. If you feel energetic, join a local community walk. This walk introduces you to the Batwa people. They share stories about their traditional life in the deep forest. Learn about their history and culture before the sun goes down. End the day with a meal and early sleep.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is the most exciting day of your entire African trip. Carry a packed lunch and meet your rangers at dawn. They lead you into the dark, thick trees of Bwindi. The trek can be short or take many hours. You must climb hills and cross streams to find the gorillas.
Finding the gorilla family makes all the hard work worth it. You will stand just meters away from the gentle silverback. Watch the mothers care for tiny babies in the bushes. The forest feels silent as you observe these magnificent creatures. After 1 hour, you hike back out of the jungle. Spend your final evening sharing stories of the encounter.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start your final day with a peaceful breakfast at the lodge. You then begin the 8 to 9-hour drive back north. Use this time to see the last of the green hills. The van passes through many small villages and busy markets. You will stop for a nice lunch along the way.
Your guide shares final facts about the regions you pass through. You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe by early evening. The driver drops you at your hotel or the airport. This marks the end of your 7-day primate adventure. You leave Uganda with amazing memories and beautiful photos.
Accommodation: None (unless you request an extra night)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch