7 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari – 2025/2026

The Ultimate Primate Safari Experience

Seven days focused on what Uganda does best: primate encounters. This safari is designed for travelers who want deep, meaningful connections with our closest evolutionary relatives—gorillas and chimpanzees—while also experiencing classic East African wildlife viewing. It's the perfect duration for a focused primate experience without feeling rushed.

Your journey takes you through three of Uganda's most spectacular national parks. In Kibale Forest, you'll track chimpanzees through dense canopy where they feed, play, and socialize in troops. Queen Elizabeth National Park adds classic safari experiences—game drives searching for lions and elephants, boat cruises past hippos and crocodiles, and the unique sight of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. The grand finale? An hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi's misty rainforest, watching silverbacks keep watch while youngsters tumble and play.

Why This Safari Works

This 7-day itinerary strikes an ideal balance between primate tracking and wildlife viewing, with comfortable pacing that lets you absorb each experience. You're not spending excessive time driving—the route flows naturally from Kibale through Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi. Each park offers distinctly different ecosystems and wildlife, preventing the "safari fatigue" that can come from too many similar experiences.

The safari can start from either Entebbe or Kigali, offering flexibility for international flights. Starting from Kigali actually shortens driving time to Bwindi, making the itinerary more comfortable. We include cultural experiences like the Batwa community visit, adding depth beyond wildlife viewing and supporting local communities directly.

Best Time to Go

The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer the best trekking conditions with drier trails and clearer weather. However, Uganda's primates are active year-round, and the wet seasons (March-May, October-November) bring lush forests, fewer tourists, and often lower prices. Gorilla and chimpanzee sightings remain excellent throughout the year.

Safari Highlights

  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

    Life-changing hour with mountain gorillas in UNESCO World Heritage rainforest

  • Chimpanzee Tracking

    Watch intelligent chimpanzees in Kibale's pristine forest canopy

  • Tree-Climbing Lions

    Rare behavior found only in Ishasha and Tanzania's Lake Manyara

  • Kazinga Channel Cruise

    Boat safari past massive hippo pods and diverse birdlife

  • Batwa Cultural Experience

    Learn ancient forest survival skills from indigenous Batwa people

  • Bigodi Wetland Walk

    Community-run sanctuary with 138 bird species and 8 primate species

Your 7-Day Itinerary

📋 Tentative Itinerary: This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your travel preferences, budget, and specific interests. We customize every safari to match your unique needs!

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • 6 nights accommodation (full board)
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with expert driver-guide
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit
  • All park entry fees
  • Game drives and boat cruises
  • Bigodi Wetland walk
  • Bottled drinking water

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Uganda/Rwanda visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Porter hire (optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions

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