Experience a seven-day journey combining Uganda’s wildlife, primates, culture, scenic landscapes and community experiences.

The trip begins in Entebbe, continues to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking and the Bigodi Wetland community experience, passes through Queen Elizabeth National Park, and heads to Bwindi for mountain gorilla trekking and a Batwa cultural experience.

The journey then continues to the beautiful Lake Mutanda before returning to Kampala and ending with dinner in Entebbe alongside the Let’s Go Gorilla Uganda team and a professional safari guide.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Let’s Go Gorilla Uganda and transferred to 2 Friends Beach Hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Uganda with views of Lake Victoria, time to unwind at the hotel, or a short walk along the lakeshore.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and a briefing about the upcoming safari, including the wildlife experiences, community visits and practical preparations for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel

Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, depart Entebbe for Kibale Forest National Park, travelling through Uganda’s countryside, rural trading centres, plantations and green landscapes.

Stopover: Take a break along the way for refreshments, photographs and a relaxed lunch. The journey offers opportunities to observe everyday Ugandan life and scenery.

Continue towards Fort Portal and the Kibale Forest region, known for its rich primate diversity and tropical rainforest. Arrive at Turaco Treetops in the afternoon, check in and enjoy the forest surroundings. Depending on arrival time and energy levels, relax at the lodge or take a short nature walk around the grounds.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest chimpanzee tracking briefing point. Meet the park guides for a briefing on forest safety, responsible wildlife viewing and the tracking experience.

Enter the forest in search of wild chimpanzees, listening for their calls and observing other primates, birds and forest life along the way. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend the permitted viewing time observing their behaviour in their natural habitat.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland community experience. Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary with a local guide. Enjoy a guided walk through the wetland’s rich vegetation, looking out for birds, monkeys and other wildlife.

Learn about local conservation efforts and the role of community tourism in supporting livelihoods. The experience offers an opportunity to interact with the local community and appreciate how tourism can contribute to conservation and community development. Return to Turaco Treetops for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Day 4: Kibale through Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi

After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel south through the Queen Elizabeth National Park region towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Travel through the park’s landscapes, with views of open savannah, crater-lake scenery and distant mountain ranges. Depending on the route, road conditions and timing, there may be opportunities for a short wildlife-viewing stop or a brief game-drive detour.

Look out for elephants, Uganda kob, buffaloes and other wildlife where visible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and a dedicated game drive would need to be planned separately to allow sufficient time.

Lunch stop: Enjoy lunch en route before continuing towards the highlands of southwestern Uganda. As the landscape changes from savannah to forested hills and terraced farmland, continue to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. Arrive at Four Gorillas Lodge, check in and relax.

Your professional guide will brief you on the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including what to pack, suitable footwear and the importance of following ranger instructions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge / Wagtail Forest Lodge

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point in the Rushaga sector. Meet Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers for a briefing before entering Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.

Trek through the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family, following your ranger and guide along the trails. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain.

Once the family is found, visitors are permitted one hour to observe the gorillas, photograph them and appreciate their behaviour in the wild. This is a special opportunity to experience one of Uganda’s most remarkable conservation success stories.

Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to rest.

Afternoon: Batwa cultural experience Visit the Batwa community for a guided cultural experience exploring their forest heritage, traditional knowledge, music, storytelling and relationship with the forest.

The visit provides insight into Batwa culture and the importance of respectful cultural tourism that supports local communities.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge / Wagtail Forest Lodge

Day 6: Bwindi to Lake Mutanda

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for Lake Mutanda, one of southwestern Uganda’s most scenic lakes, surrounded by green hills and the dramatic Virunga volcanoes.

The drive is relatively short compared with previous travel days, leaving time to enjoy the region’s landscapes and villages along the way. Arrive at Art Island and settle into your accommodation.

Enjoy lunch and take time to appreciate the lake views and the peaceful surroundings. Depending on the weather and arrangements, enjoy a guided canoe excursion, a gentle lakeside walk or time to explore the art installations and natural setting.

The lake’s islands and mountain backdrop provide wonderful opportunities for photography.

Spend the late afternoon relaxing by the water and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere after the more physically demanding forest activities.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Kisoro Art Island 

Day 7: Lake Mutanda to Entebbe and Farewell Dinner

After breakfast at Art Island, check out and begin the journey back to Entebbe via the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda. Enjoy views of rolling hills, local communities and rural landscapes along the way.

There will be suitable stopovers for refreshments, lunch and comfort breaks during the journey. Upon arrival in Entebbe, check in at 2 Friends Beach Hotel and take some time to freshen up and relax.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner hosted by the Let’s Go Gorilla Uganda team, accompanied by your professional safari guide.

This will be an opportunity to reflect on the journey, share memorable experiences from the gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, and celebrate the wildlife, culture and hospitality experienced throughout Uganda.

After dinner, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, ready for departure the following day.

Day 8: Departure from Entebbe

Enjoy breakfast at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, with time to relax before checking out. At the agreed time, the Let’s Go Gorilla Uganda driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, the team will ensure you leave the hotel with sufficient time for airport check-in and departure formalities.

As your Ugandan adventure comes to an end, we hope you leave with wonderful memories of the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Batwa culture, beautiful Lake Mutanda and the warm hospitality of the Pearl of Africa.

Safari inclusions

• Seven nights of accommodation at the properties listed above.
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary, with full board during the safari.
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel for the itinerary.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Airport pickup on arrival and transfers as arranged.
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest, subject to availability and confirmation.
• Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi, subject to availability and confirmation.
• Guided Bigodi Wetland community experience.
• Batwa cultural experience.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park transit and wildlife viewing as described in the itinerary.
• Lake Mutanda activities, subject to the final arrangements confirmed.
• En-route stopovers and planned sightseeing.
• Farewell dinner with the Let’s Go Gorilla Uganda team.
• Applicable Park entry fees for activities.

Safari exclusions

• International flights to and from Uganda.
• Uganda visa fees and travel insurance.
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, laundry and telephone charges.
• Alcoholic drinks, and other beverages unless specifically included.
• Tips and gratuities for the guide, rangers, lodge staff and community hosts.
• Optional activities not stated in the final itinerary.
• Additional hotel accommodation beyond the seven nights listed.
• Additional activities.
• Any increase in permit fees or other charges introduced after the quotation is issued, subject to the booking terms.

Important planning notes

• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits: These should be secured in advance. Gorilla trekking is planned for Rushaga, near Four Gorillas Lodge, while chimpanzee tracking is planned in Kibale National Park.
• January travel: Pack comfortable hiking boots, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent and warm layers for the cooler highland evenings.