8-Day Gorillas & Chimps Safari with Wildlife in Uganda

Arrival - Shoebill Tracking & Transfer to Lake Mburo – Night Game Drive

Day 1Arrival - Shoebill Tracking & Transfer to Lake Mburo – Night Game Drive Arrival - Shoebill Tracking & Transfer to Lake Mburo – Night Game Drive Start your adventure with a morning shoebill tracking experience in Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s best birding spots. Spot this prehistoric-looking bird in its natural wetland habitat by canoe. Then drive to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in time for an exciting night game drive to spot nocturnal species like leopards, bush babies, and genets. Main Destination: Mabamba Swamp Best Time To Go August to September and December to February (Best for spotting shoebill) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP +4 Photos +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Walking Safari – Game Drive - Transfer to Kisoro

Day 2Walking Safari – Game Drive - Transfer to Kisoro Walking Safari – Game Drive - Transfer to Kisoro Begin the day with a guided walking safari through Lake Mburo’s savannah, a rare chance to approach wildlife like zebras, impalas, and giraffes on foot. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive southwest toward Kisoro, a picturesque town nestled between volcanoes near the Mgahinga and Bwindi parks. Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park Best Time To Visit January to February and June to August (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to August and January to February (Little rainfall) Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP GiraffeCommon BuffaloCommon ZebraCommon HippoCommon LeopardOccasional HyenaOccasional Show more ElephantNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone CheetahNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Kisoro Tourist Hotel Budget guest house located in Kisoro (Town) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga – Transfer to Rushaga

Day 3Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga – Transfer to Rushaga Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga – Transfer to Rushaga This morning, head into the bamboo forests of Mgahinga National Park for a thrilling golden monkey tracking experience. These playful and rare primates are found only in the Virunga Mountains. After the trek, transfer to Rushaga(Bwindi southern sector), known for its rich gorilla population and cultural heritage. Main Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to January (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather Jun to Aug and Dec to Jan (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeNone BuffaloOccasional ElephantRare LeopardRare White RhinoNone Show more GiraffeNone Black RhinoNone LionNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge Budget lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience

Day 4Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience Wake up early for the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a pre-trek briefing, follow expert rangers into the misty jungle to meet a gorilla family and spend an awe-inspiring hour with them. In the afternoon, visit the local Batwa community forest-dwelling indigenous people who share their songs, stories, and traditional way of life during a guided cultural tour. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone CheetahNone BuffaloNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge Budget lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Ishasha-Evening Game Drive in Search of Tree-Climbing Lions

Day 5Transfer to Ishasha-Evening Game Drive in Search of Tree-Climbing Lions Transfer to Ishasha-Evening Game Drive in Search of Tree-Climbing Lions After breakfast, drive north to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, watching for lions lounging in fig trees, herds of Uganda kob, elephants, and topis, buffaloes, a number of bird species like the vultures, bee eaters, king fishers, eagles and much more. You will later have a relaxed evening at your pleasing lodge just at the edges of the park. Main Destination: Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant LeopardOccasional Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Topi Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP) +23 Photos +22 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Transfer to Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 6Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Transfer to Elephant Hab Lodge Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Transfer to Elephant Hab Lodge Begin your day with another thrilling game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, maximizing your chances of encountering the region’s famous tree-climbing lions. Keep an eye out for large herds of buffaloes, elephants moving gracefully through the savannah, and an impressive variety of bird species, including raptors, storks, and bee-eaters. After a hearty lunch, continue to Mweya for an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This iconic waterway teems with wildlife-witness enormous pods of hippos wallowing near the banks, crocodiles basking in the sun, elephants cooling off at the water’s edge, and vibrant birdlife, from kingfishers to African fish eagles. It’s a perfect opportunity for up-close photography and peaceful immersion in Uganda’s natural beauty. Main Destination: Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP) Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Queen Elizabeth NP +12 Photos +11 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Evening Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains

Day 7Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Evening Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Evening Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Today, descend into the breathtaking Kyambura Gorge—often referred to as the “Valley of Apes”—for an exhilarating trek in search of wild chimpanzees. As you navigate this lush, sunken forest surrounded by towering canyon walls, listen for the telltale hoots of chimps echoing through the trees. Along the way, you may also encounter other forest dwellers such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of tropical bird species. Later in the afternoon, set out for a classic game drive across the Kasenyi plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s best wildlife viewing areas. Against the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, keep watch for lions lounging under acacia trees, stealthy leopards, grazing elephants, herds of Uganda kob, buffaloes, and more. The golden evening light provides stunning photo opportunities and an unforgettable close to the day’s adventures. Main Destination: Kyambura Gorge (Chimps) Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Queen Elizabeth NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Scenic Drive to Entebbe - Tea Estate Views – Departure

Day 8Scenic Drive to Entebbe - Tea Estate Views – Departure Scenic Drive to Entebbe - Tea Estate Views – Departure After a relaxed breakfast, begin your scenic journey back to Entebbe, reflecting on the unforgettable encounters of your Ugandan adventure. The drive winds through rolling tea plantations, lush hills, and vibrant rural villages offering glimpses into everyday life in the Ugandan countryside. Along the way, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant and pause for scenic photo stops to capture the beauty of the landscape. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll arrive in Entebbe in time for your international departure or check in for an optional overnight stay at a comfortable hotel near the airport. Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the op