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7 daysCombined SafariModerate
7-Day Primates & Wildlife
Two great primate encounters — chimpanzees in Kibale and mountain gorillas in Bwindi — plus Queen Elizabeth's big game.
Visiting Kibale Forest NP · Queen Elizabeth NP · Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Overview
Kibale has the highest chimp density in East Africa, and seeing a community of 80+ chimps moving through the canopy is the perfect contrast to the slow, almost domestic feel of a gorilla family. We sandwich Queen Elizabeth between the two forests so you alternate between dense canopy and open savannah every couple of days — keeps the trip from blurring together.
Where you’ll go
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kampala → Kibale Forest
Drive west through Mubende to Fort Portal. Afternoon at leisure with views over the Rwenzori foothills.
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Kibale-area lodge
- 2
Chimp tracking + crater lakes drive
Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (3–5 hours, one hour with the chimps). Afternoon scenic drive south through the Ndali-Kasenda crater field to Queen Elizabeth.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Mweya Peninsula or Kasenyi
- 3
Queen Elizabeth full day
Morning game drive in Kasenyi (lions, elephants). Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 2
- 4
QENP → Bwindi via Ishasha
Game drive in Ishasha en route south to Bwindi. Evening briefing for the gorilla trek.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Lodge near Bwindi
- 5
Gorilla trek + community
Full-day gorilla trek. Afternoon Batwa community walk.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 4
- 6
Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi
Short drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's deepest lakes. Afternoon canoe or swim — pure decompression after the trek.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Bunyonyi lakeside lodge
- 7
Bunyonyi → Kampala or Kigali
Morning at the lake, then transfer to Kampala (8 hours) or Kigali (3 hours).
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Like the shape of this trip?
We can run it as-is or tailor it. Tell us your dates and we'll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
What’s included
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits ($800 + $250)
- All park entry fees
- Kazinga boat cruise
- Private 4x4 with fuel and driver-guide
- All accommodation
- All meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance (required)
- Porters
- Tips
- Bar drinks
Best time to visit
- Jun–Sep
- Dec–Feb
- Mar–May (lush, quieter)
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate. Two tracking days (chimps, gorillas) are the demanding sections — chimps are usually 3–4 hours, gorillas 4–8. Most reasonably fit travellers handle this comfortably.
Want to swap a lodge or extend a day?
Almost every trip we run is adjusted in some way. Tell us what you’re thinking — no commitment yet.
How booking works
- 1
Free quote, no deposit
Send us your dates and group size. We come back within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a quote.
- 2
We hold your permit
Once you’re ready, we secure your UWA gorilla permit in your name before collecting a deposit. No optimistic dates.
- 3
30% deposit, 70% on arrival
A 30% deposit confirms the trip. The balance is due 30 days before departure (or on arrival for last-minute bookings).
- 4
Free changes up to 30 days out
Cancel or reschedule for free up to 30 days before departure. Inside that window, permit fees are non-refundable but we’ll work with you on the rest.
What guests say
“We’d been planning this trip for two years and Charles’s team made it feel like a long weekend with old friends. The gorilla hour was unreal — and the lodge porch on day three was worth its own ticket.”
Marcus & Lena
Berlin, Germany
5-Day Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth
“Solo female traveller from London. Felt safe the entire trip, my driver-guide was unflappable, and they paired me with the most patient porter when I tweaked my ankle. They held my permit before I’d even paid.”
Aisha O.
London, UK
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Express
Frequently asked
See all FAQs →How fit do I need to be to trek gorillas?
Reasonably fit. The trek is 2–8 hours through hilly, often muddy forest at 1,500–2,500m altitude. We pair you with a gorilla family that suits your fitness — easier families live closer to the trailhead, harder ones deeper in. Hiring a porter ($20) is highly recommended.
How long does a trek take?
Anywhere from 1 to 7 hours of walking, plus exactly one hour with the gorilla family once they’re found. Most travellers are back at the lodge by mid-afternoon. The trackers radio your guide as soon as they’ve located the family.
What if it rains?
You trek anyway — it’s a rainforest, the rain is the point. Light showers are normal. We supply gardening gloves, and a good rain jacket and hiking boots are on the pack list. Gorillas don’t care about the weather.
What is the best time to go?
Drier months are June–September and December–February. Trails are firmer, but permits sell out 4–6 months ahead. The green season (March–May, October–November) is lush, quieter, and lodges are softer on price — sightings are equally common.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be 15 or older. There’s no upper limit — we regularly trek with travellers in their 70s.
What should I pack?
Sturdy waterproof boots (broken in), long trousers, a rain jacket, a daypack, gardening gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, and 2L of water. We send a complete pack list when you book — and you can rent gloves and gaiters at the trailhead if you forget.
Are there health requirements?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must show the certificate at the park gate. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. You cannot trek if you’re visibly unwell — bring a backup day if you’re flying in tight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Permits are non-refundable once issued by UWA — that’s our cost, not a markup. Lodges and transport components are refundable up to 60 days out, partially refundable up to 30 days. Trip insurance with cancellation cover is required.
UWA-licensed
Tour operator
AUTO member
Assoc. of Uganda Tour Operators
Permits in your name
Held before any deposit
Local Ugandan team
Guides, drivers, cooks
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The fine print
- Rates are per person in USD, based on twin/double sharing. Single supplements are quoted on request.
- Gorilla permits are subject to UWA availability — peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) books out 4–6 months ahead. We confirm availability before any deposit.
- Itineraries may be adjusted by the operator due to weather, road conditions, or wildlife movement. Any change is discussed with you first.
- Travel insurance is mandatory. We can recommend providers but do not sell policies.