7-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Embark on a remarkable 7-day safari with Experiya Tour Company that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes. This safari takes you to Kibale National Park to meet chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park for the Big Four and spectacular wildlife, and the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Along the way, you’ll explore scenic lakes, swamps, and lush forests, making this an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most iconic parks.

Highlights of the Safari

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Bigodi Swamp nature walk
• Game drive and lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
• Crater lakes tour with breathtaking views

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Experiya Tour Company driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will receive a short briefing before heading to Kibale National Park via the Masaka-Mbarara road. Stop at the Equator for photos and refreshments, then continue to Mbarara for lunch. Afterward, you’ll drive through scenic landscapes to Kibale, check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and settle in for your first night in the jungle.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Morning – Chimpanzee Trekking:
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking rules. You’ll be assigned a chimpanzee group and a park guide who knows the forest trails. Trekking starts around 8:00 AM and lasts between 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the chimpanzees’ location. Once found, spend one hour observing these fascinating primates, capturing photos, and learning about their social behavior and lifestyle.

Afternoon – Bigodi Swamp Walk:
After lunch, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided nature walk. Walk along boardwalks and forest pathways for about three hours while spotting over 50 bird species including the great blue turaco, hornbills, and kingfishers alongside monkeys such as the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and l’hoest’s monkeys. Look out for bushbucks and otters from the top canopy platforms. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Crater Lakes Tour and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with a scenic crater lakes tour, enjoying panoramic views of volcanic craters, tea plantations, the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake George, and Kibale National Park. Afterward, drive approximately three hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping for lunch en route. As you approach the park, enjoy your first glimpses of wildlife along the way. Check into your lodge, relax with dinner, and prepare for the next day’s activities.

Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Morning – Game Drive:
After an early breakfast, embark on a thrilling morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains or opt for lion tracking. These plains are home to abundant wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kob, and bushbucks. Return to your lodge for lunch.

Afternoon – Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel:
At 2:00 PM, take a two-hour boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and a variety of waterbirds such as cormorants, herons, and fish eagles. Return to your lodge for evening relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, witness the rare tree-climbing lions resting in fig and acacia trees. Enjoy lunch along the way before continuing to Bwindi. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi Canoeing

Morning – Gorilla Trekking:
Begin early with breakfast and a packed lunch. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. Trekking groups are formed based on age, fitness, and preferences. The trek can last 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Spend an hour with these majestic creatures, observing their behaviors, family interactions, and habits. Capture unforgettable memories with photos and videos. After trekking, receive your gorilla trekking certificate before heading back to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon – Lake Bunyonyi Canoeing:
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. Enjoy canoeing across the serene waters, explore some of the 29 islands, and admire terraced farmlands and local communities. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Departure to Kampala

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, check out, and begin your journey back to Kampala. Stop for lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre before continuing to the city. Your driver-guide will drop you off at a convenient location or Entebbe Airport for your departure flight.

End of Safari – Memories to Last a Lifetime!

What’s Included

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Bigodi Swamp nature walk
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
• Crater lakes tour
• English-speaking driver-guide
• Full board accommodation
• Park entrance fees
• Pick-up and drop-off in Uganda
• Vehicle and fuel
• Bottled water

What’s Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Uganda visas
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, tips, hiring porters)

This 7-day safari with Experiya Tour Company blends adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences seamlessly, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking an intimate encounter with Uganda’s primates and iconic landscapes.