7 Day Gorilla and Chimp Safari
Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Ishasha · Bwindi Impenetrable
From $3,685 pp in a group of 4
8 days · Uganda
8 Day Birding Safari in Uganda
Combine Entebbe and Mabamba birding with Kibale chimps, Queen Elizabeth savanna, Bwindi gorillas, scenic Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo wildlife on an eight-day naturalist-focused loop. Dawn birding, forest treks, and savanna afternoons are spaced so optics, walking, and drive hours stay comfortable.
from$3,982pp in a group of 4
$5,335 pp for a solo traveller. See every group size
- 8days
- 1country
- 4travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
From Lake Victoria wetlands through Albertine Rift forests and savannas to southwestern gorilla highlands and Lake Bunyonyi islands, ending in compact Lake Mburo acacia country north of the Tanzania border.
Before you go
Birders and trekkers need stamina for forest slopes and early starts; binoculars are essential on wetland and savanna days. Gorilla and chimp rules require minimum age and health declarations; permits are included when secured for your dates.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Entebbe International Airport
- Length
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Group size
- Up to 4 travellers
- Book ahead
- Please ask at least 7 days ahead
Day by day
The itinerary
Each day shows where you spend it, with today's sunrise and sunset there.
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Day 1: Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Entebbe
Meet your driver-guide at Entebbe and bird Entebbe Botanical Gardens for sunbirds, weavers, and lake-edge species before overnight near Entebbe ahead of the western transfer.
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Day 2: Mabamba and Kibale
Kibale Forest
Morning Mabamba Wetland for shoebill and marsh birds, then road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with lunch en route and primate-rich forest overnight.
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Day 3: Chimps and Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth
Chimp tracking in Kibale with one hour with chimps after briefing, lunch, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for evening arrival and overnight at lodge.
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Day 4: Queen drives and Kazinga
Queen Elizabeth
Morning savanna game drive for plains wildlife and birds, lunch at lodge, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat trip among hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.
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Day 5: Ishasha to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable
Transfer via Ishasha for tree-climbing lion search, then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rainforest lodge for gorilla trek preparation.
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Day 6: Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi with up to one hour with a habituated group, then checkout and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for island views and overnight.
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Day 7: Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo
Relaxed breakfast overlooking Bunyonyi islands, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, then afternoon boat ride or bush walk to salt lick for antelope, zebras, and birds.
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Day 8: Mburo and Entebbe
Entebbe
Morning game drive in Lake Mburo, lunch, equator photo stop at Kayebwe, and drive to Entebbe International Airport for departure.
A shoebill standing in a papyrus swamp.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $4,818 each, $9,636 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,335 | $5,335 |
| 2 | $4,818 10% off | $9,636 |
| 3 | $4,378 18% off | $13,134 |
| 4 | $3,982 25% off | $15,928 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip.
The detail
What is included
Included
- All internal airport transfers on the tour
- All meals
- Fully guided safari in a 4x4 vehicle
- All accommodations listed in the itinerary
- All permits and park entry fees including chimps and gorillas
- Guided birding walks and boat trips as listed
Not included
- Laundry services
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Transport to and from the meeting point if you do not use the included airport pickup
Nights and arrival
Where you stay and how you get there
Where you stay
Nights start in Entebbe and Kibale forest edge lodges after Mabamba shoebill searches and chimp trekking days, with meals at camp or lodge after long birding and primate sessions. Forest lodges put you close to Kibale headquarters for early chimp briefings.
Getting there
Arrive Entebbe before midday when possible for day-one botanical garden birding. The safari ends day eight at Entebbe International Airport with an equator stop en route from Lake Mburo.
Good questions
Questions about this safari
Is this tour designed for birders?
Day one and two emphasise Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Mabamba swamp species including shoebill, with birding opportunities continued on savanna and forest days throughout the eight-day loop. Binoculars are essential kit on most days.
How long is gorilla trekking?
Bwindi treks on day six can take from a couple of hours to most of the day depending on gorilla movements in steep rainforest terrain. One hour is allowed with the group once located.
Is Lake Bunyonyi included?
After gorilla trekking you transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for scenic overnight and relaxed morning views over the terraced hills and islands before continuing to Lake Mburo. If weather or road conditions shift, activities may run in a different order while keeping the same inclusions.
Where do we meet?
Airport meet-and-greet at Entebbe starts the tour when you arrive before midday on day one when possible for garden birding. The tour ends at Entebbe International Airport on day eight.
What should I pack?
Bring binoculars, field guide, rain jacket, and boots for forest treks plus neutral safari clothing for drives. Sun protection helps on boat and savanna days.
What lodges are used?
Lodge names vary by availability across Entebbe, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Bunyonyi, and Mburo nights but stay tourist standard with meals on activity days. Substitutes match permit schedules if a named lodge is unavailable.
Do I need a visa for this safari?
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, Rwanda, or Zambia depending on your route. Check current requirements for your passport nationality before you travel.
Are park and trekking permits included?
Your safari includes the park entries and trekking permits listed in the tour inclusions for the days on your itinerary. If weather or road conditions shift, activities may run in a different order while keeping the same inclusions.
How fit do I need to be?
Forest treks and game drives can involve uneven ground, early starts, and several hours on foot or in a vehicle. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear help you enjoy each day.
Where do we meet on day one?
Your guide meets you at the airport or agreed hotel on arrival day one, as described in the getting there section for this route. Share arrival flight details when you contact us so the guide can meet you after immigration.
Read before you book
Guides for this safari
- How a gorilla trek works Fitness, trek times, what to bring, and why a sighting is never guaranteed.
- Every gorilla trekking safari compared Lengths, styles and prices side by side.
- Chimpanzee trekking safaris Every trip that tracks chimpanzees.
- Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale and Budongo How the longer habituation experience differs from an ordinary trek.
- Birding safaris in Uganda From the Mabamba shoebill swamp to Lake Mburo.
- What a Uganda safari costs Every Uganda trip priced, and what the price covers.
More answers are on our safari questions page and in what guests say. We also arrange flights, hotels and insurance.
How payment works: the balance is due one month before your safari, a reservation made within 45 days of arrival is paid in full when it is confirmed, and a card payment carries a 3.9% service charge. The full wording is in our terms and conditions.
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