6 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 6 Days for Uganda Primate Safari is one of Uganda’s top-rated adventures, combining the country’s three biggest wildlife experiences in one incredible journey. This safari takes you to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a relaxing boat cruise, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking.

Beyond primates and wildlife, the tour includes cultural encounters, birding opportunities, breathtaking landscapes, and a scenic journey through Uganda’s countryside. The safari begins and ends in Kampala, but can be adjusted for travelers arriving from Kigali, Rwanda.

  • 6 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda

 

Safari Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest

  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

  • Cultural exploration (Batwa community visit)

  • Transportation in a private, customized safari vehicle

 

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Transfer from Kampala → Kibale Forest National Park

  • Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking → Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Day 3: Morning game drive → Afternoon boat cruise

  • Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha tree-climbing lions

  • Day 5: Gorilla trekking → Batwa Cultural Tour

  • Day 6: Transfer back to Kampala

 

 

Detailed Itinerary

 

Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up for the drive west to Kibale Forest National Park, home to Africa’s largest population of chimpanzees. The scenic 5–6 hour journey passes rolling hills, farmlands, and cultural landmarks.
You’ll stop at the historic Nakayima Tree in Mubende and later continue to Fort Portal for lunch followed by a short exploration of the stunning Crater Lakes.
Arrive in Kibale for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Chimps Nest

  • Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge

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

 

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast and proceed to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for briefing. Begin your thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure, which lasts 1–3 hours depending on where the chimps are located.
Spend one unforgettable hour watching them feed, groom, and play in the forest.
Return for lunch before transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Bush Lodge

  • Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: 3–4 hours

 

Day 3: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with a sunrise game drive through the Kasenyi plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park. Look out for lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species.
Return for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a breathtaking boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Bush Lodge

  • Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Home of Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, drive south through the Ishasha sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a short wildlife search as you continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Stop for lunch in Kihihi and arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

  • Midrange: Engagi Lodge

  • Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking.
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing, then begin your trek into the dense rainforest. The trek can last 1–5 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.
Once you find them, enjoy one magical hour with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Return to the lodge for lunch. Later, visit the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers, for a cultural experience of music, stories, and ancient traditions.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

  • Midrange: Engagi Lodge

  • Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Return to Kampala

After breakfast, drive back to Kampala with a stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and another stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenirs.
Arrive in Kampala in the evening, where your guide will drop you at your hotel or the airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 6 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Safari

 

Inclusions in the Uganda Primate Safari

  • Gorilla trekking permit

  • Chimpanzee trekking permit

  • Game drives

  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise

  • Park entrance fees

  • Batwa cultural visit

  • Visit to Nakayima Tree

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • Transport in a private 4WD safari vehicle

  • Bottled drinking water

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Government taxes

  • 5 nights’ accommodation

  • Uganda Equator stop

 

Exclusions in the Uganda Primate Safari

  • International & domestic flights

  • Visa fees

  • Accommodation in Kampala (first & last night)

  • Personal expenses: tips, drinks, laundry, shopping, etc.