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

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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

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
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