Track Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gaze up to spot a pride of Uganda’s tree-climbing lions.

Chimpanzee in Kibale Forest, Uganda, a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking experiences.

Trek through Bwindi’s lush rainforest in search of hidden wildlife

Grey crowned cranes in Uganda, showcasing the country’s rich birdlife and safari diversity.

A herd of elephants roaming Uganda’s savannah on a classic wildlife safari experience.

Primates and Wildlife of Uganda

Encounter mountain gorillas, wild chimpanzees and tree-climbing lions

Uganda

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6 reviews

7 Days from

Trip Code: PWU

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

7 Days

Activities

Gorilla trek
Chimpanzee trek
Wildlife Safari
Day Walking

Accommodation

4 nights safari lodge
1 night permanent safari camp
1 night hotel

Meals

5 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
These adventure tours visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. The gorilla tracking will sometimes be quite strenuous and will involve following trails beaten through the forests. These trails are often wet, steep and slippery. * Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.
2 / 10
Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

55kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(330kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Experience the colourful culture, along with beautiful forests and lakes, of the region
Search for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife in the Queen Elizabeth National Park
Track Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Undertake a jungle trek to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat
Travel by boat cruise in the Kazinga Channel

Overview

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, this journey takes you deep into Uganda’s most remarkable natural habitats, from dense rainforest to open savannah.

Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see endangered mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most powerful wildlife encounters.

Standing just metres from a gorilla family, with the silverback watching over his troop, is an experience that will stay with you forever.

In Kibale Forest you search for wild chimpanzees and other primates in a landscape alive with birdsong, while in Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives reveal elephants, buffalo and antelope roaming the plains.

Lions are often found resting high in the trees, while a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel brings you close to hippos, crocodiles and prolific birdlife.

This carefully crafted Uganda wildlife journey captures the country’s extraordinary diversity, where East African savannah meets Central African jungle.

With its lush scenery, rich cultures and some of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife encounters, this Uganda adventure offers a wildlife experience that is both memorable and unique.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, you shall be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the group hotel for overnight. Accommodation: Boma Guest House or Casa Solada or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park. Along the way you will pass many tea plantations and have an opportunity to visit a tea plantation. We will also stop in Fort Portal and visit the Toro Palace. In the afternoon you will arrive at your accommodation. Accommodation: Isunga Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp or similar Approx. distance 340 km Approx. driving time 6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After an early morning breakfast, you will undertake a chimp trek. Note: the chimp permits are subject to availability - there are two slots in either the early morning (when they are often up in the trees feeding and more active) or at mid morning (when they often come down to take a nap as it is cooler on the forest floor and therefore closer and more relaxed). Both of these viewing slots are rewarding and interesting. Kibale’s 795 sq km National Park contains one of the most beautiful and varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. This is home to 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. The park’s highest point is at 1590m above sea level. After lunch we will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and enjoy a game drive on the way to our lodge. Named after Her Majesty's Queen Elizabeth of England, it is Uganda's most popular and scenic game reserve. It stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, incorporating a wide variety of habitats that range from open savannah, wetlands, crater lakes and rainforest. Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp or Elephant Hub Lodge or similar Approx. distance 130 km Approx. driving time 4-5 hours (including game drive speed)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will have an early morning game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park includes parts of Lakes Edward and George which are linked by the Kazinga channel. The park boasts the world’s highest bio-diversity rating with over 600 bird and 100 mammal species including lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, Spotted Hyena, elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog. The primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, and Red tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. Lunch at the lodge will be followed by an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp or Elephant Hub Lodge or similar Approx. distance 40 km Approx. driving time 3 hours game drive

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will be driven to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. Bwindi National Park is the habitat of half of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population and also home to chimpanzee, monkeys, elephants, small antelope and birdlife. Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma or Engagi Lodge or similar Approx. distance 150 km Approx. driving time 5 hours (including game drive speed)

Meals: B,L,D

After an early breakfast, you will be taken to the Park Headquarters for a short briefing after which you will enter the forest and start your Gorilla trek (please note that a drive may be required to your trekking starting point). The trek can be anything from 2 hours to 6 hours or longer depending on the location of the Gorillas on the day. The terrain is rough, often over steep slopes covered with matted vegetation. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. The mountain gorillas have inspired travellers from all over the world to experience one of nature’s greatest interactions. Anyone who has witnessed the Mountain Gorillas of East Africa will strongly agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Afterwards we will drive to Lake Bunyonyi for overnight. Accommodation: Birds Nest Lodge or similar Approx. distance 60 km Approx. driving time 1.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will drive to Entebbe. Time permitting you can stop for souvenir shopping and a photo opportunity at the Equator. After lunch, transfer to Entebbe Airport, where the trip concludes. (Please note: earliest departure time is 21:00hrs). Approx. distance 550 km Approx. driving time 8-9 hours

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 22 Jan 2027 and 27 Aug 2027.

Departs 22 Jan 2027 – ends 28 Jan 2027 (7 days)
Departs 5 Mar 2027 – ends 11 Mar 2027 (7 days)
Departs 9 Jul 2027 – ends 15 Jul 2027 (7 days)
Departs 27 Aug 2027 – ends 2 Sep 2027 (7 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
airport transfers (day 1 and 7 only)
4 nights in 3 star safari lodge on a twinshare basis
1 night in 3 star permanent safari camp on a twinshare basis
1 night in 3 star hotel on a twinshare basis
English speaking local driver-guide
private transport in a 4wd safari vehicle with pop up roof
game drives and excursions as listed in itinerary
national park and conservation fees (including gorilla and chimp permits) valued at US$900
mineral water while on tour
*payment is required for the Gorilla and Chimp permits at time of booking and is not refundable

Not included

international airfares and airport taxes
tips
items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
meals not specified in the itinerary
visa
travel insurance (compulsory)
optional activities

Uganda Gorilla Tours | Witness Primates & Wildlife with World Expeditions

Reviews (6)

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The trip went really well, the guide was very professional, helpful and friendly

Kevin Crow|Lake Haven, NSW Australia

12 Aug 2024

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Having recently completed the Primates and Wildlife of Uganda trip, we woukd thoroughly recommend it. We were so close the chimpanzees and gorillas, that even now it is hard to believe that we have been in such close proximity to these amazing mammals. We were very impressed with our guide Julius, who was very attentive and informative. Nothing was too much trouble for him. We were also so fortunate enough to see lions, antelope, buffalo, elephants, hippos, wild pigs, warthogs, crocodile, monkeys, and much birdlife. It was an excellent trip, no regrets at all.

Josephine D.|Cranebrook, NSW Australia

3 Aug 2024

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If Gorilla trekking is on your bucket list (as it was on mine), this is the trip for you. Added bonus, is the chimp trekking and game viewing by vehicle and by boat. The accommodations were fantastic and the food was really good and very plentiful. The Ugandan people were very friendly and the service we received surpassed expectations.

S. Felskie|Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

14 Feb 2019

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This was wonderful, Uganda has so much more beauty and wonder than I ever expected. Seeing primates so close was magnificent. I would do it all again.

N. Ghafur|Crawley, UK

6 Oct 2018

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Another fantastic trip provided by World Expeditions. With the help of Pawan, we extended our tour and were very pleased with the outcome. The diversity of the landscape and animals were amazing. The chimpanzee and gorilla treks were experiences of a lifetime. We were so well catered for and our driver, Nelson, was extremely knowledgeable and he kept us safe and well at all times. The trip was exciting from start to finish, great accommodation and food and above all the treks were fantastic!

J. Sandgren|Sweden

3 Mar 2018

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This trip was one of the best we have done. Our guide, Eric, was very knowledgeable, having undertaken gorilla habituation himself. We were very pleased with the variety of wildlife experiences - gorillas tracking, chimp tracking, game drives - compared to other offerings which are gorillas only. The standard of accommodation was above our expectations and we especially loved the Birds Nest Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi and the Kasenyi Safari Camp. Uganda itself is a country worth seeing; spectacular landscapes of steep hills of vibrant green jungles and tea plantations, offset against deep red soil and blue skies. You will not regret booking this trip.

H. Byrnes|Middle Park, VIC

8 Aug 2017

Extra trip info

Accommodation Will My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety

Bwindi: Haven Lodge Buhoma

Set on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this lodge offers a well-located base for your gorilla trekking experience. Surrounded by forest, you stay in comfortable rooms in a quiet setting, with the park entrance close by. This allows for an early start on trekking day and a relaxed return after time spent with the gorillas.

Lake Bunyonyi: Bird Nest Resort

Set on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, this lodge provides a quieter stop within the journey, surrounded by steep hills and open water. You stay in comfortable rooms in a relaxed lakeside setting, offering time to rest after wildlife tracking and travel through Uganda’s national parks

Kibale Forest Camp
Tented accommodation in a forest setting

Kibale: Kibale Forest Camp

Set on the edge of Kibale Forest, this camp provides a relaxed stay in a natural forest setting. You stay in comfortable tented accommodation, offering a simple and well-supported base within the region. Surrounded by forest, it’s a quiet place to unwind between travel days while remaining close to the landscapes you are exploring.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Guaranteeing A Great Uganda Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Primates and Wildlife of Uganda

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?