7 Days in Uganda Chimps, Lions, Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi.

This 7 Days Uganda Chimps, Lions, Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari covers Uganda's full western circuit: chimpanzee trekking and a community walk in Kibale, classic game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and two full days to unwind at Lake Bunyonyi.

It's the itinerary for travelers who want the complete wildlife and primate experience without rushing the final stretch, ending on rest rather than another long drive.

Day 1: Drive to Kibale Forest, Bigodi Community Walk

Depart Kampala or Entebbe in the morning for the 5 to 6 hour drive to Kibale National Park through Fort Portal. After checking in, spend the afternoon on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project bordering Kibale known for birdlife and primate sightings, with proceeds supporting the local community directly.

Overnight: lodge near Kibale National Park (full board).

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, head into Kibale's forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking walk, one of the best chances in Africa to see wild chimpanzees up close. By early afternoon, continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic 2 to 3 hour drive along the Kichwamba escarpment.

Overnight: lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park (full board).

Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Start the day with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, where large herds of Uganda kob, buffalo, and elephant attract predators including lion. In the afternoon, board a boat for a cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa's best wildlife-viewing waterways, home to hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Overnight: lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park (full board).

Day 4: Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, head to the Ishasha sector for a game drive in search of its famous tree-climbing lions, resting high in fig trees, a rare sight found in only a few places on earth. From Ishasha, continue roughly 3 hours to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, arriving in the afternoon.

Overnight: lodge in the Ruhija sector, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (full board).

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to the Nearby Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for the ranger briefing, typically between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, where trekking groups are assigned their gorilla family. The trek through dense rainforest can run from 30 minutes to several hours, followed by a strictly enforced hour with the gorillas. Check our gorilla trekking packing list before you travel.

Once the trek concludes, continue roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic spots and a natural place to recover after the trek.

Overnight: lodge at Lake Bunyonyi (full board).

Day 6: Whole Day Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

With no transfers or activities scheduled, the day is yours. Take a canoe ride among the lake's 29 islands, arrange a boat cruise, or simply relax at your lodge with views over the water, often described as the Switzerland of Africa for its terraced hills and calm setting.

Overnight: lodge at Lake Bunyonyi (full board).

Day 7: Drive Back to Entebbe/Kampala via the Uganda Equator

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, a journey of roughly 7 to 8 hours via Mbarara and Masaka. Stop along the way at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos before continuing to your final drop-off.

For current permit rules and pricing, see our Uganda gorilla trekking permits booking and pricing guide. Permits are issued directly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the official body managing Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi.

Book This 7 Days Uganda Chimps, Lions, Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Ready for the complete western circuit with real time to unwind at the end? Browse more itineraries, tell us what you have in mind through Build My Safari, or contact us directly to check permit availability for your dates.

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