7-Day Uganda Big Four Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Uganda

Rates From $4,790

About This Tour

Uganda offers a rare chance to see the world’s most powerful primates and classic savannah wildlife in one week. This journey travels from the lush Kibale Forest to the misty heights of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will track chimpanzees through ancient trees and stand meters away from mountain gorillas. The route also includes Queen Elizabeth National Park for a traditional Big Four safari experience.

The landscape changes constantly, moving from crater lakes and thick jungles to open plains. This trip is designed for travelers who want a deep connection with nature. It focuses on high-impact wildlife encounters and scenic boat cruises. Every day brings a new environment and a different species to discover.

Our Community Impact

We partner with lodges that employ staff from neighboring villages. A portion of your permit fees goes directly to local community projects around Bwindi and Kibale. This helps build schools and clinics, ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits the people living nearby. Your visit supports small-scale craft makers and local food producers along the route.

Our Sustainability Promise

This safari follows “Leave No Trace” principles during every trek. We work with eco-conscious lodges that use solar power and limit plastic waste. Our guides prioritize the well-being of the primates by maintaining strict distance rules. By choosing this package, you contribute to the long-term protection of Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Why This Safari Works

This safari follows “Leave No Trace” principles during every trek. We work with eco-conscious lodges that use solar power and limit plastic waste. Our guides prioritize the well-being of the primates by maintaining strict distance rules. By choosing this package, you contribute to the long-term protection of Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Bird Watching
  • Boat Safaris
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Group Travel
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Private Safari
  • Rare Wildlife Sightings
  • Walking Safari

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and transfer to Kibale
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
  • Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Cruise
  • Day 4: Morning Game Drive and transfer to Ishasha
  • Day 5: Tree-climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
  • Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience
  • Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe for Departure

Destinations

  • Kibale Forest National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi & Ishasha)
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Kazinga Channel

Where You Stay

  • Cassia Lodge – 1 night
  • Turaco Treetops Lodge – 2 nights
  • Ihamba Lakeside Lodge – 1 night
  • Silverback Lodge – 2 nights

Safari Highlights

  • Tracking wild chimpanzees in the world’s primate capital.
  • Standing face-to-face with a silverback gorilla in Bwindi.
  • Searching for rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
  • A sunset boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
  • Walking through the vibrant community-managed Bigodi Swamp.
  • Scenic views of the Rwenzori "Mountains of the Moon."
  • Viewing elephants and buffaloes in Queen Elizabeth Park.
  • Exceptional hospitality at eco-friendly forest lodges.

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Airport pick-up

  • City views from Cassia Lodge

Itinerary information

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a JohnBow representative greets you and provides a briefing. The drive to Kampala takes you to Cassia Lodge, perched on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria. Use this evening to relax and prepare for the road trip ahead.

  • Meals: Dinner
4-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Primate Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive through tea plantations

  • Evening forest sounds

Itinerary information

After breakfast, head west toward Fort Portal. The drive passes through lush tea estates and rural villages, offering a glimpse into daily Ugandan life. Arrive at Turaco Treetops in time for dinner near the edge of the dense Kibale Forest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

  • Guided chimpanzee tracking

  • Bigodi community walk

Itinerary information

Enter Kibale Forest early to locate habituated chimpanzees swinging through the canopy. After the trek, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see rare monkeys and colorful birds like the Great Blue Turaco. This day combines deep forest adventure with local community conservation efforts.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

  • Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Kazinga Channel boat safari

Itinerary information

Drive south to the savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel to see massive pods of hippos and crocodiles. Elephants often come to the water’s edge to drink as the sun begins to set.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning game drive

  • Transfer to Bwindi Forest

Itinerary information

The morning drive focuses on finding lions, leopards, and Uganda kobs. Later, travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for lions that rest in fig tree branches. Continue the journey into the highlands of Bwindi, checking into Silverback Lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking

  • Evening of reflection

Itinerary information

This is the trip’s most profound moment. Under the lead of expert rangers, hike into the thick forest to find a family of mountain gorillas. You will spend one hour observing their human-like behavior from just a few meters away before returning to the lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive to Entebbe

  • Craft shopping and departure

Itinerary information

After an early breakfast, begin the long but beautiful drive back to the capital. Stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to buy local handicrafts. The tour ends with a transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ Bwindi is a high-altitude rainforest; always pack a light rain jacket even in the dry season, as the weather changes instantly when you enter the gorilla's home. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Shoulder Season ( Jan – March, 1 Nov – 22 Dec, 2026)6,1155,1654,790

Important Rate Notes

  • Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are subject to availability and must be booked months in advance.
  • A minimum level of physical fitness is required for trekking in steep, forested terrain.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda.
  • Luggage should be kept in soft-sided bags for easier packing in safari vehicles.

What's Included

  • All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
  • All accommodation and meals as specified.
  • Flight tickets
  • Full Board Meal Plan basis
  • Park entrance fees
  • Game drives
  • Chimp permits for Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Nature Walk
  • Gorilla Permits for Gorilla Trekking & Batwa experience optional

Optional Addons

  • Extra night in Entebbe for a Shoebill Stork tour.
  • Hot air balloon safari over the savanna.
  • Lion tracking research experience in Queen Elizabeth Park.
  • Batwa cultural trail in Bwindi.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and entry visas.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature like laundry and alcoholic drinks.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

For safety and conservation, a 7-meter distance is maintained, but gorillas often move closer of their own accord.
We recommend drinking the bottled or filtered water provided by the lodges and your guide.
Porter services are available at the park gates to help carry bags or assist you on steeper sections.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

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Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
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Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
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Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
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Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
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Kate Mandere
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Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
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Emmy Chepkoech
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I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
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Gloria Kikete
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Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
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Lolo Chgn profile picture
Lolo Chgn
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Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
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Irene Nduku
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Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
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Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
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We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
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virginia mumo
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As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
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Stay06810033473
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Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
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Annette M profile picture
Annette M
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Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
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KSP
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Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
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Alain V profile picture
Alain V
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A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
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winnie a
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Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
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maryanne o
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Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
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M A
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Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
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gladys n
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Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
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Christine N profile picture
Christine N
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Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
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Sabina M
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It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.
info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
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