7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari – Overview

The 7 Days Uganda safari is one of the interesting safari tours that one can have in Uganda. Customized to the travelers’ interests, the encounter takes you through the memorable white Rhino tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary, game viewing, Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the world’s powerful water falls – the Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park, chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world, Eco-encounters in Bigodi wetland, the most treasured safari activity in Africa – mountain gorilla trekking in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi dibbed the Impenetrable, recreational boat encounters on Lake Bunyonyi known as the lake of a thousand islands and the amazing photo shoots and amazing water experiments at the Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe.

7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari – Highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP & visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route

Day 2: Do game drive, afternoon Nile launch cruise & hike to the top of the falls.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale NP.

Day 4: Do Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland walk

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Drive along the amazing scenic landscapes of the Mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris with snowcapped peaks & the rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Do gorilla trekking & transfer to L. Bunyonyi, do evening boat cruise & relaxation

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala, traditional lunch at Igongo cultural center, stop at Uganda Equator crossing – Kayabwe, drive through Kampala & check in at Entebbe Airport for departure.

7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP & Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En route

Transfer after breakfast to Murchison Falls National Park in the north west of Uganda 311km about 5 hours’ drive excluding stops en route.

You will pass through the flat savannah landscapes of Nakasongora before branching off a little at Nakitoma 115km from Kampala for 7 km drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track white rhinos that only thrive at this place in the whole of Uganda.

You will have lunch at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and depart in the afternoon for Murchison Falls National Park for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).

Day 2: Do Game Drive, Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise & Hike to The Top of The Falls.

Wake up very early for a cup of coffee and then embark to the Park for thrilling game drive. The possible sights of various wildlife including; elephants, buffalo, Jackson hartebeest, Kobs, lion, leopard, giraffe among other wildlife will leave you with a taste of African Savannah wilderness.

The activity takes 3 – 4 hours after which you will return to the Paraa ferry crossing at 11:00am to go back to your lodge for relaxation and memory sharing.

After your stimulating lunch, gather at the Paraa for an after boat cruise on the Nile at 02:00pm. This boat trip has got captains and guides who have cruised on this waters for years and will be glad to share with every piece of information that you would wish to gather on this trip including any bird species and wildlife both aquatic and land that might present its self.

The shoebill stork can be luckily seen on this boat while the great sights of Nile crocodiles – the second largest reptile in the world and the Hippos would make up your trip up to the base of the falls.

Upon reaching the bottom of the falls which is also the world’s powerful waterfall, you will embark on the hike to the top of it, traversing the narrow challenging landscape besides the roaring sounds of the Nile as it crushes its head on the impermeable rocks that have narrowed its path to less than 8m.

Upon reaching the top exploring it in detail, you will transfer with the vehicle (the guide will be there waiting for you) to cross the ferry if you stay in the north and get to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale NP.

After breakfast traverse the Albertine Escarpment and the lush countryside, traditional farms and home steads arriving in Fort Portal in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Chimpanzee guesthouse (Midrange / Standard), Rwenzori View Guest house (Budget/Basic).

Day 4: Do Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, gather at Kanyanchu tourism center for briefing at 08:00am from the park rangers about the Chimp trekking conduct. Set off to this forest of Kibale after the short briefing in quest of Chimpanzees.

The 2 – 5 hour trek will expose you amazing tree species and wildlife including other 12 species of primates like Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red tailed monkeys and olive baboons.

The sights of Birds cannot be avoided while their songs will offer you natural entertainment through the jungle.

You will marvel at the Chimpanzees as the roll themselves on tree branches, munch fruits and make their pant – hooting calls.

After utilizing your one hour, you will have a picnic lunch and return to the starting point for short relaxation and preparation for another activity.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi wetland to encounter the swamp animals like Sitatunga and birds like Ruwenzori Turaco and an encounter with local people including the traditional healer.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Midrange / Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget/Basic).

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After breakfast, embark on the whole day drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 429km to Rushaga. The drive will take you through the amazing scenic landscapes of Rwenzori Mountains dubbed the mountains of the moon by the legendary Greek Geographer Ptolemy on 150AD.

The Rwenzori which is the tallest mountain range in Africa has got snowcapped peaks and remarkable flora.

The drive will also expose you to the rolling Savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park stretching across the Albertine rift valley flats supporting great counts of wild game some of which might be seen along the road as you drive through the park.

You will have lunch en route and continue to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury) / Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range/Standard) or Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 6: Do Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to L. Bunyonyi, do Evening Boat Cruise & Relaxation

It is this long waited date when you will come across the critically endangered mountain gorillas that only exist in Bwindi and Virunga Volcanoes.

You will wake up early for a heavy breakfast before gathering at the Park headquarters Ruhija for briefing at 08:00 about the conduct of gorilla trekking.

You will head to the forest after briefing in search of these apes and though the trek is a bit challenging, it is one of those activities that you will never forget to have done in Uganda.

The 2 – 8 hours activity involves hiking up the hills, descending down the valleys, walking through swamps and maneuvering the way through thickets which have formed the background of this Impenetrable forest before coming in direct contact with gorillas.

The one full hour is at your disposal to maximize your experience with gorillas as you them forage, play, socialize and also gaze at you in a sign of welcoming and saying good bye.

The opportunity to take as many photos as you can is availed to you while asking questions to your guide about these apes is up to your discretion.

The experience is rewarding and worth undertaking. Your picnic lunch will take you through the activity after which you will descend to the starting point and embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi 48km passing through the scenic landscapes of Kigezi highlands.

Upon arrival, do a recreational evening boat cruise exploring the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand hills because of its 29 islands amidst the scenic Kigezi highlands dubbed the Switzerland of Africa. Retire for overnight.

Accommodation: Birdnest@Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket/Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Mid range/Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget/Basic).

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala, Traditional Lunch at Igongo Cultural Center, Stop At Uganda Equator Crossing

After your breakfast, embark on the journey back to Kampala 437km about 7 hours’ drive excluding stops en route.

The drive will expose you to country side scenery and economic activities that have sustained the lives of the local communities for centuries past among which include extensive Banana plantation and cattle keeping.

You will make a stop for lunch at Igongo cultural center 12km past Mbarara. After this encounter, you will continue on the drive to Kampala.

Another stop will be made at the Equator crossing Kayabwe 77km to Kampala for photo shoots and water experiments that justify the geographical divide between the northern and southern hemispheres if time permits. You will arrive in Kampala in the evening and connect to Entebbe Airport for check in & departure.

End of The 7 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

Getting There