A week in Uganda offers the perfect balance between the intensity of gorilla trekking and the relaxation of savannah game drives. This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari combines the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will trek mountain gorillas in one of the most biodiverse forests on earth. You will search for tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. You will cruise the Kazinga Channel, where hundreds of hippos and elephants gather. This itinerary is designed for travellers who want the complete Ugandan experience: primates, predators, and spectacular scenery. The pacing is relaxed but productive, with two nights in Bwindi and three nights in Queen Elizabeth. Internal transfers are by road, with scenic drives through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari is ideal for first time visitors who want to see the highlights of Uganda in one week.
This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari begins and ends in Entebbe. You drive from Entebbe to Bwindi on day one, a scenic journey through the Ugandan countryside. On day two, you trek the mountain gorillas, spending one unforgettable hour with a habituated family. On day three, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping in the Ishasha sector to search for tree climbing lions. On day four, you enjoy a morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains and an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. On day five, you have another full day of game viewing, with options for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. On day six, you drive back to Entebbe. On day seven, you depart. This itinerary balances the physical demands of gorilla trekking with the relaxed rhythm of savannah game drives.
| Day | Destination | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe to Bwindi | Scenic drive, transfer to lodge | Bwindi Lodge |
| 2 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Gorilla trekking | Bwindi Lodge |
| 3 | Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth | Drive via Ishasha, tree climbing lion search | Queen Elizabeth Lodge |
| 4 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Morning game drive, afternoon boat safari | Queen Elizabeth Lodge |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game drive or chimpanzee tracking | Queen Elizabeth Lodge |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth to Entebbe | Scenic drive | Entebbe Hotel |
| 7 | Entebbe | Departure | – |
Your 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. A Nomara Safaris representative will greet you and introduce you to your guide. You depart Entebbe and drive southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey takes approximately eight hours, including a stop for lunch in Mbarara, the largest city in southwestern Uganda. The drive is scenic, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. You will cross the equator, where you can stop for a photo. Upon arrival in Bwindi, you check into your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest, enjoy the lodge facilities, and prepare for the gorilla trek. Your guide will brief you on the trekking rules and what to expect. Overnight at your Bwindi lodge.
Today is the highlight of your 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari. You wake early and have breakfast at the lodge. You drive to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. The briefing covers the rules: maintain a seven metre distance, no flash photography, no eating or drinking near the gorillas. You are assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level. Then you drive to the trailhead. The trek can last from thirty minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorillas slept. The terrain is steep and muddy. Porters are available for hire at the trailhead for approximately USD 15 to USD 20. Hire them. They carry your daypack and provide a steadying hand on slippery descents.
When you find the gorillas, you have exactly one hour. The hour dissolves into moments. A mother nursing an infant. A juvenile tumbling in a play fight. The silverback methodically stripping a thistle stem. After your hour, you trek back to the trailhead. You return to your lodge for a well deserved rest. You may have time for a spa treatment if your lodge offers one. Overnight at your Bwindi lodge.
After breakfast, you depart Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes approximately four to five hours. You travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree climbing lions. You take a game drive through Ishasha, searching for lions lounging in the branches of large fig trees. This behaviour is rare, and Ishasha is one of the best places in Africa to see it. The sector also supports large herds of buffalo, topi, and kob. After your game drive, you continue to the main part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You check into your lodge near the Kazinga Channel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can relax at the lodge and watch the sunset over the channel. Overnight at your Queen Elizabeth lodge.
Today you explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. You wake early for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. The Kasenyi Plains are the best area for lion viewing in the park. The open savannah supports large herds of Uganda kob, which attract lions. You may also see hyenas, leopards, and side striped jackals. After the game drive, you return to the lodge for breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, you take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The banks support one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, often numbering in the hundreds. You will see hippos grunting and splashing, crocodiles basking, elephants drinking, and a stunning array of waterbirds. The boat safari lasts approximately two hours. After the boat safari, you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
On day five of your 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, you have a choice of activities. You can take another morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions and other predators. Alternatively, you can book chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. The gorge is an underground forest formed by a collapsed river valley. It is home to a habituated community of chimpanzees. The trek lasts two to four hours. You descend into the gorge, walking along the riverbed through lush forest. When you find the chimpanzees, you have one hour with them. You watch them socialise, groom, feed, and play. The chimpanzee tracking permit costs approximately USD 250 per person. After your activity, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, you may take a short game drive or simply enjoy the views from the lodge. Overnight at your Queen Elizabeth lodge.
After breakfast, you depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive back to Entebbe. The journey takes approximately six to seven hours. You will stop for lunch along the way. The drive is scenic, passing through the rolling hills of western Uganda. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or shop for souvenirs. Overnight at your Entebbe hotel.
Your 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari concludes today. After breakfast, you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. If your flight is in the evening, you may have time for a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or a craft market. Nomara Safaris can arrange additional activities upon request. Your guide will assist you with check in and bid you farewell.
For travellers booking a luxury 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Bwindi: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers six tented suites tucked into the forest edge. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, near the Nkuringo sector, sits at 2,200 metres with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. In Queen Elizabeth: Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers luxury cottages overlooking the gorge. Mweya Safari Lodge is an iconic property on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel. Prices range from USD 600 to USD 1,200 per night.
For travellers booking a mid range 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Bwindi: Buhoma Lodge offers comfortable bandas steps from the park headquarters. Engagi Lodge offers tented suites with forest views. In Queen Elizabeth: Elephant Hub Lodge offers comfortable rooms on the Kasenyi Plains. Buffalo Safari Lodge offers good value near the Kazinga Channel. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 300 per night.
This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari includes the following:
This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari excludes the following:
The best time for this 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Gorilla trekking conditions are best when the trails are less muddy. Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth is excellent during the dry season as animals congregate around water sources. The tree climbing lions in Ishasha are more visible when the trees have fewer leaves. The wet seasons from March to May and October to November have advantages. The landscapes are lush and green. There are fewer visitors. Some lodges offer lower rates. The Kazinga Channel boat safari is excellent year round. This safari is possible in any season, but the dry season is recommended for first time visitors.
The cost of this 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari depends on accommodation level and group size. A mid range safari costs approximately USD 3,000 to USD 4,500 per person. A luxury safari costs approximately USD 5,000 to USD 8,000 per person. These prices include the gorilla permit (USD 800). Single travellers pay a supplement. Nomara Safaris provides a detailed quotation based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
The gorilla trek on this 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari is moderately difficult. Bwindi’s terrain is steep and muddy. The trek can last from thirty minutes to six hours. You need moderate fitness. You should be able to walk on uneven ground for several hours. Porters are available for hire and are strongly recommended. Travelers with significant mobility issues should consider Rwanda instead.
Yes, you can add chimpanzee tracking to this 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari. The permit for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge costs approximately USD 250 per person. This would be done on day five of the itinerary. Nomara Safaris can customize the itinerary to include chimpanzee tracking.
For this 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, pack neutral coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown), a fleece jacket for cool mornings, a waterproof jacket for rain, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for gorilla trekking, long trousers and long sleeves for protection, gardening gloves, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.
Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Uganda. Visas can be obtained online before travel through the Uganda Electronic Visa Application System. The cost is approximately USD 50. You can also obtain a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Nomara Safaris can advise on visa requirements for your specific nationality.
This 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari offers the perfect balance of primate trekking and savannah game viewing. You will trek gorillas in Bwindi, search for tree climbing lions in Ishasha, and cruise the Kazinga Channel. At Nomara Safaris, we design custom safaris that match your interests and budget. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your 7-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari. Tell us your preferred travel dates and group size. We will create a custom itinerary for you.