8 Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

Price

From 2560 USD

Duration

8 Days

Language

English

Tour Summary

Get ready for 8 days of primate encounters, savanna game drives, and unforgettable landscapes. This Wild Ape safari starts in Entebbe/Kampala and winds through Lake Mburo National Park for wildlife spotting, the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and finally Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walks.

Whether you’re on a tight budget, traveling mid-range, or seeking luxury, Wild Ape can tailor this journey to your pace and style.

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala → Lake Mburo National Park

Your WildApe driver-guide picks you up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport. The scenic 4–5 hour drive includes a fun stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photos and some line-balancing magic.

Once at the lodge, enjoy a hot lunch and relax. Later, head out for an afternoon game drive and boat cruise to spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and warthogs in their natural habitats. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Mpogo Lodge / Rwakobo Rock Lodge
  • Mid-range: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge / Mihingo Lodge
  • Luxury: Kigambira Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 4–5 hours

Day 2: Morning Nature Walk & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, embark on a guided nature walk with an armed ranger. Get close to zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife in their morning routines. After the walk, continue your drive to Bwindi with a lunch stop in Mbarara.

Enjoy the scenic landscapes of plantations, hills, and the Virunga massif en route. Arrive at your lodge, refresh, have dinner, and unwind.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Mid-range: 4 Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
  • Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After breakfast, meet at the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. The trek can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.

Once you meet them, enjoy one magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants. Receive your gorilla trekking certificate at the end, then return to the lodge to relax.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth NP & Afternoon Game Drive

Bid farewell to Bwindi and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park — the Medley of Wonders. Check in, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive where elephants, buffaloes, lions, and other wildlife roam. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

  • Basic: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
  • Mid-range: Elephant Hab Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 4–5 hours

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains to catch what you might have missed previously. Return to the lodge for lunch, then head to the Kazinga Channel for a relaxed afternoon boat cruise. Spot hippos, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and an array of bird species in this water wonderland.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP → Kibale National Park

After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth behind for Kibale National Park. Stop along the way for photography and scenic breaks. Check in to your lodge in the afternoon, refresh, and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation Options

  • Basic: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
  • Mid-range: Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge / Bweza Kibale Lodge
  • Luxury: Primate Lodge / Tabebuia Resort & Spa

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Rangers will guide you through the forest to spot these playful primates, and you’ll enjoy one hour with them. Return to the lodge for lunch, then spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Bigodi Wetlands for more primates, birds, and serene swamp landscapes. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Kibale → Entebbe (Departure)

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Travel back to Entebbe/Kampala with a lunch stop en-route. Your Wild Ape driver will drop you at your hotel or the airport, ending your unforgettable safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Day 1 Pick-up from Entebbe/Kampala and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for afternoon game drive and boat cruise

Day 2: Morning Nature walk and en route game drive and drive to Bwindi impenetrable national Park

Day 3: Gorilla trekking experience

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth for afternoon game drive

Day 5: Morning game drive and Afternoon cruise on the Kazinga channel

Day 6: Lion tracking and transfer to Kibale

Day 7: chimpanzee trekking

Day 8: Transfer back to Entebbe

Number of Persons Price per Person
1 3700
2 2990
3 2780
4 2670
5 2600
6 2560
Cost Includes
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Gorilla permit (USD 800)
  • Chimpanzee permit (USD 250)
  • Game drives, nature walks & boat cruises
  • 4×4 safari vehicle + fuel
  • English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation & meals as listed
  • Park entrance fees

Drinking water in the vehicle

Cost Excludes
  • Pre/post-tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
  • International flights
  • Uganda Visa (USD 50 – apply online)
  • Personal items: drinks, laundry, tips

Permits

  • Gorilla Permit:
    • Non-residents: USD 800
    • Foreign residents: USD 700
    • Rest of Africa: USD 500
    • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
  • Chimpanzee Permit:
    • Foreign non-residents: USD 250
    • Foreign residents: USD 200

Permits include park entry, ranger services, and your primate encounters.

Transport

Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with AC and enough legroom. Flights are optional, but road travel gives you full scenic access.

Gorilla Trekking Regions

Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo. Lodges are selected according to permit location.

Activities Covered

  • Gorilla trekking (Bwindi)
  • Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Wetland walk (Kibale)
  • Game drives & Kazinga Channel boat cruise (Queen Elizabeth)
  • Nature walk, game drive & boat cruise (Lake Mburo)

Additional Costs

Visas (USD 50), tips, drinks, laundry, and personal items.

Best Time to Go

Dry seasons: June–Sept & Dec–Feb.
Permits should be booked 2–6 months in advance. Rainy season trekking is possible, with slightly muddy trails and fewer crowds. Gorilla sightings remain at 99%.

What to Pack

  • Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts (neutral colors)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves
  • Hat, insect repellent, sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera + extra batteries

Passport & documents

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