Introduction
This 7-day safari combines Uganda’s most thrilling wildlife encounters with primate adventures. It offers game drives in savannah parks, a boat cruise along the Nile, chimpanzee tracking, and the ultimate highlight—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is perfect for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s rich biodiversity within a week.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide. After a briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on arrival time, you may opt for a short city tour or relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kampala.
Day 2: Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, you set off for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The journey takes you through Luwero and Masindi, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided nature walk to track rhinos. Lunch is served en route before continuing to Murchison Falls.
On arrival, you will visit the top of the falls, where the mighty River Nile forces through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous roar and mist. Dinner and overnight at your lodge inside or near the park.
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
You begin the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs, and a variety of antelopes.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. This trip rewards you with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species like kingfishers and bee-eaters. You may also spot elephants and buffaloes drinking along the riverbanks. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you set off for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. The drive takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills of western Uganda. Lunch is served en route.
Arrive at your lodge near Kibale in the evening, check in, and relax in preparation for chimpanzee trekking the next day.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
After an early breakfast, you proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Guided by rangers, you will follow trails in search of these lively primates. Once found, you spend one hour observing their behavior, from grooming to feeding and playing.
In the afternoon, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed project that offers great birdwatching opportunities and a chance to interact with the locals. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Kibale – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The journey takes you through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda, with lunch en route. Arrive in Bwindi by evening, check into your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the ultimate highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Departure
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. With your ranger guides, you venture into the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek may take between 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement.
Once you find them, you are allowed an hour in their presence, watching their interactions and capturing photos. This close encounter is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Africa.
After trekking, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, with lunch en route, marking the end of your 7 Days Wildlife & Primates Safari.