7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari – Chimpanzee Tracking, Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Adventure Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari journey through the heart of Southwestern Uganda, where the vast and misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sits on the edge of the Albertine Rift. This ancient forest, nestled among steep mountains, is home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Our 7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari expedition will take you into the homes of energetic chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest and lead you through some of Uganda’s most scenic national parks.

7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari Highlights

Day 1: Into the Dense Kibale Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Day 3: Through Scenic Crater Lakes to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Day 5: Through Ishasha to the Impenetrable Forest
Day 6: The Gorilla Families of Bwindi
Day 7: Return to Kampala/Entebbe with an Equator Stop

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Detailed 7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari

Day 1: Into the Dense Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your 7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari adventure with a sumptuous breakfast in Kampala before we set out on a scenic drive westward to Fort Portal. This picturesque town, resting under the shadow of the “Mountains of the Moon,” offers a brief respite before we continue to the tranquil crater lakes. Our journey then leads us to the thriving Kibale Forest National Park, where we will spend the night at the Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, just outside Kibale National Park.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Explore Kibale Forest, renowned for having the highest concentration and diversity of primates in East Africa. On a guided nature walk, you’ll encounter wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and more. After lunch at the lodge, we will visit the Bigodi Swamp, a paradise for bird lovers. The day concludes with a return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari

Day 3: Through Scenic Crater Lakes to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After checking out of our lodge, we’ll embark on a brief tour of Lake Nkuruba, where vibrant crater lakes lie nestled among lush vegetation and gentle hills. Following lunch, we head to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving just in time for an evening game drive. Here, we may spot warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, and elephants before retiring for the night at Elephant Hab Lodge.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge, near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise

The 7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari Day begins with an early morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler hours when animals are most active. After a morning of wildlife sightings, we’ll return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds and other wildlife can be seen. We’ll conclude the day with a scenic drive to the crater lakes before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Through Ishasha to the Impenetrable Forest

We bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey towards Bwindi National Park. On our way, we’ll pass through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The day’s journey takes us through stunning landscapes as we approach Bwindi, home to the rare and elusive mountain gorillas.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, just outside Bwindi National Park.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

Day 6: The Gorilla Families of Bwindi

After breakfast, we’ll head to the park offices for a briefing, where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla tracking group. With an experienced tracker guiding the way, we’ll venture into the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a dominant silverback gorilla and his family. Upon returning to the lodge, you’ll receive a gorilla tracking certificate. Later, we’ll enjoy a community walk, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Drinking water provided (other drinks not included).

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Day 7: Return to Kampala/Entebbe with an Equator Stop

After a week of thrilling adventures, we’ll check out of the lodge and begin our return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, we’ll stop in Mbarara for lunch and make a final stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping before reaching your preferred drop-off point.

Accommodation: No accommodation provided (end of tour).
Meals: All meals included.
Drinks: Non-alcoholic drinks provided.

7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Tour:

Park fees (for non-residents).
Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident).
Chimpanzee permits (one per person, non-resident).
All activities (unless labeled as optional).
All accommodations (unless listed as an upgrade).
Professional driver/guide.
All transportation (unless labeled as optional).
All taxes/VAT.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Drinks as specified in the itinerary.

Excluded from the Tour:

International flights (to/from your home).
Roundtrip airport transfer.
Additional accommodation before or after the tour.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.).
Any government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.

Africa Gorilla Tours

7-Day Empire of Apes Uganda Safari Pricing

1 Pax (Solo): Quote on Request
2 Pax: US$3,150pp
3 Pax: US$2,950pp
4 Pax: US$2,850pp
5 Pax: US$2,810pp
6 Pax: US$2,788