5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee, Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Tour details

Duration: 5 days

Travel style: Safari, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, wildlife, culture

Introduction

A five-day journey through Uganda's landscapes, where wildlife encounters, scenery and cultural experiences combine. From tracking wild chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge and cruising the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel to trekking endangered mountain gorillas in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this itinerary covers some of Uganda's most iconic natural treasures. It ends with a relaxing escape to the shores of Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe.

On this journey, you will explore the following highlights:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Chimpanzee Tracking

Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla Tracking - The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter

Cultural Encounters – Meet Uganda’s Communities

Lake Bunyonyi

Day to day programme

Day 1: El Cambio Volunteer House to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Chimpanzee Tracking & Sunset Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Your safari begins with an early breakfast at the El Cambio Volunteer House, followed by a briefing from your safari guide before you depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, passing rolling hills, banana plantations, tea estates, traditional homesteads and rural communities, an authentic glimpse into life in the Pearl of Africa.

On arrival, go straight to Kyambura Gorge, known as the "Valley of Apes", for your afternoon chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides, descend into the lush tropical forest in search of the park's habituated chimpanzee community. Along the way you may also see black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons and rich birdlife.

After tracking, enjoy lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel for a sunset boat cruise. This natural channel, linking Lake Edward and Lake George, hosts one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife. As the sun sets, cruise along the shoreline watching large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and many bird species.

After the cruise, transfer to Acacia Mweya Wilderness Lodge to check in, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Acacia Mweya Wilderness Lodge.

Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake to the sounds of nature and enjoy an early breakfast before a morning game drive across the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Led by your guide, explore different wildlife-rich sectors of the park in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, giant forest hogs and, with a little luck, the elusive leopard. Open grasslands, crater lakes, acacia woodlands, wetlands and forests support an incredible variety of wildlife.

Pause for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot before an afternoon game drive, with more chances to find wildlife and views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary "Mountains of the Moon".

Return to Acacia Mweya Wilderness Lodge in the late afternoon to unwind before dinner and another peaceful night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Acacia Mweya Wilderness Lodge.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Travel through rolling hills, terraced farmland, tea plantations and traditional villages as your guide shares insights into the region's culture, history and biodiversity. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving in Buhoma, the northern sector of Bwindi.

Later in the afternoon, take part in a guided community experience that includes a visit to the Batwa community. Learn about the history, traditions, music, dance and ancient forest survival skills of the Batwa, the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest.

After the cultural experience, check in at Havens Lodge Buhoma, relax and prepare for the highlight of your safari the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Havens Lodge Buhoma.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a detailed briefing by park rangers before beginning one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

With experienced ranger guides, trek through the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity. The trek can take from a few hours to most of the day, depending on where the assigned gorilla family is.

The reward is a one-hour encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family in its natural environment. Watch these gentle giants feed, groom, play and interact, an emotional and deeply moving experience. After the trek, receive your official Gorilla Trekking Certificate and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's most scenic highland lakes, surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. Check in at Bird Nest Hotel Bunyonyi and spend the evening enjoying the views before dinner and an overnight stay overlooking the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Bird Nest Hotel Bunyonyi.

Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe

Wake to the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with panoramic views of the hills. Spend the morning at your own pace: relax by the pool, swim in the lake, enjoy the gardens, or simply unwind.

Later, take a scenic boat excursion across the lake, visiting some of its islands and learning about their history and local folklore. Enjoy an early lunch before the journey to Entebbe.

Travel through the countryside, arriving in Entebbe in the evening to check in at Precious Hotel Entebbe, conveniently near the airport. This marks the end of your Ugandan safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Accommodation: Precious Hotel Entebbe.

Safari highlights

A scenic drive through the landscapes of western Uganda. Guided chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. A sunset Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Extensive game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A Batwa cultural and community experience in Bwindi. Mountain gorilla trekking. Relaxation and a boat excursion with island visits at Lake Bunyonyi.

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Accommodations

During the trip, you will stay at:

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Acacia Mweya Wilderness Lodge, two nights.

Bwindi (Buhoma): Havens Lodge Buhoma.

Lake Bunyonyi: Bird Nest Hotel Bunyonyi.

Entebbe: Precious Hotel Entebbe, near the airport.

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