6-Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

Your safari begins in Kampala, Uganda's lively capital, where the streets buzz with bodabodas weaving through traffic, colorful markets overflowing with fresh produce, and the warm smiles of locals welcoming you to the city. After a briefing with your guide, you'll have the chance to explore highlights such as the Uganda National Museum, which showcases the country's cultural heritage, or Nakasero Market, a hub of spices, fruits, and everyday life. This vibrant atmosphere offers a perfect introduction before you journey into the peaceful countryside, where rolling hills, roadside villages, and lush greenery set the stage for your adventure.

After an early breakfast, you'll begin your scenic road journey from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes approximately 8-10 hours, passing through the picturesque landscapes of Uganda's countryside. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful views of rolling hills and lush greenery. A packed lunch will be provided en route, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the journey at your leisure. You will arrive in Bwindi by the late afternoon, check into your accommodation at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and have the evening to relax. Dinner will be served at your lodge, and you'll have time to unwind before the gorilla trekking adventure tomorrow.

On Day 3, you'll begin your day early with breakfast before heading to the Gorilla Trekking briefing point. This experience is the highlight of the trip, as you'll be led by a professional guide through the dense rainforest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek through Bwindi's misty forest can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but once you encounter them, you will spend an hour observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. It's a profound and unforgettable experience. Afterward, you'll enjoy a packed lunch or a meal at the lodge before starting your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This transfer takes around 3-4 hours, passing through the Ishasha sector, where you may catch a glimpse of the famous tree-climbing lions. Upon arrival, you'll check into Marafiki Safari Lodge, where dinner will be provided. Important Note for Gorilla Trekking: Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate waterproof hiking boots, and a light raincoat. This protects you from stinging nettles; we recommend long pants and long-sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help with grabbing onto the vegetation. While most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that comes in very handy, especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack and bottled water, as well as protection for your camera.

Day 4 begins early with a delicious breakfast at Marafiki Safari Lodge, after which you'll head out for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and various species of antelopes. You'll spend several hours exploring the park, looking for these magnificent creatures and learning about the unique ecosystem of the area. After the morning safari, you'll return to your lodge for lunch or enjoy a packed picnic. In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat cruise is a great opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birdlife. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the park from a different perspective. After the cruise, return to Marafiki Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you'll set off for Kalinzu Forest for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kalinzu is home to over 300 chimpanzees, and you'll be led by an expert guide to track and observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. The trek through the forest typically lasts 2-4 hours, depending on where the chimps are located. As you move through the forest, you may also encounter other primates, such as baboons and various monkeys. After trekking, you'll return to Marafiki Safari Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll take part in a community tour, where you'll interact with local villagers and learn about their culture, customs, and daily life. This part of the tour provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Ugandan culture firsthand. After a full day, you'll head back to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

On the final full day of your safari, after breakfast, you'll begin your drive back to Kampala. On the way, you'll stop at the iconic Uganda Equator for a photo opportunity and to learn about the significance of this geographical landmark, which marks the point where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. You'll have a chance to shop for souvenirs or simply take in the beauty of this unique spot. A packed lunch will be provided enroute, and you'll continue your drive back to Kampala. You will arrive in the late afternoon, and depending on your schedule, you may have some time to explore the city or visit Lake Victoria before heading to your accommodation. If you are flying out the next day, you'll be transferred directly to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your amazing Ugandan adventure.