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7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

7 Days 6 Nights

Discover the beauty and diversity of Uganda on this unforgettable 7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, a journey that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences across some of the country’s most iconic destinations. This carefully crafted safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Uganda’s remarkable primate capital and diverse savannah wilderness while enjoying close encounters with the famous Big Five and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Your adventure begins with rhino tracking at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before continuing to the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, where you will enjoy exciting guided game drives, a memorable boat cruise along the Nile River, and a visit to the top of the powerful Murchison Falls. From there, travel to the primate haven of Kibale National Park for an immersive chimpanzee trekking experience and the fascinating Bigodi Community Walk, offering insight into local culture and wetland biodiversity.

The safari continues to the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park for scenic game viewing and a relaxing boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, followed by a visit to the famous Ishasha Sector, home to Uganda’s unique tree-climbing lions. Your journey then concludes in the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will experience an authentic Batwa cultural encounter and the once-in-a-lifetime adventure of trekking endangered mountain gorillas deep within the ancient rainforest.

This 7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced combination of primate adventures, classic wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and meaningful cultural interactions, making it one of the most rewarding experiences in the Pearl of Africa.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $3010 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

  1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People
Jan-April $3500 $3010 $2810 $2710 $2610 $2510
May-August $3700 $3210 $3010 $2910 $2810 $2710
Sept-Dec $3600 $3110 $2910 $2810 $2710 $2610

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age 0-2 years old 3-6 years old 7-10 years old 11-13 years old 14+ years old
Discount Rate 100% 65% 50% 15% 0%

 

 

  • 1
  • 85
  • 18
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Budget Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • January - December
  • Entebbe International Airport
  • Entebbe International Airport

Why This Tour?

7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Get ready for Uganda’s ultimate primate and wildlife circuit. Our 7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari blends Big Five action with some of Africa’s best primate encounters. Start at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking walk – Uganda’s only place to see wild rhinos up close.

Then head to Murchison Falls National Park for classic game drives across the Buligi Plains, a hike to the thundering Top of the Falls, and a boat cruise on the Nile past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Trek chimps in Kibale National Park with a Bigodi Community Walk, then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for evening game drives, Kazinga Channel boat rides, and tree-climbing lion tracking in Ishasha. Finish with a Batwa cultural encounter and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda Tours

You will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The 7-Day Amazing Budget Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda is an unforgettable journey through some of East Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife destinations. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive northwards to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be tracked on foot in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced rangers, you will walk through the sanctuary to observe these magnificent giants at close range before continuing to the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park.

Here, the mighty River Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge to create the thunderous Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Game drives across the savannah plains introduce you to elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and countless bird species, while the famous boat cruise along the Nile offers magical sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and animals gathering along the riverbanks. A visit to the top of the falls crowns the experience with dramatic views and the roaring sound of the cascading waters.

From Murchison Falls, the safari continues south to the lush tropical forests of Kibale National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. Here, you will enjoy an immersive chimpanzee trekking experience through the dense rainforest, listening to the echoes of chimp calls as you search for these fascinating primates swinging through the forest canopy. The nearby Bigodi Community Walk offers a refreshing cultural and nature experience where you encounter local communities, traditional lifestyles, beautiful wetlands, monkeys, and rich birdlife.

The journey then leads to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah park, where evening game drives reveal the golden beauty of the African wilderness as lions, elephants, leopards, and Uganda kobs emerge in the fading sunlight. A scenic boat ride along the Kazinga Channel provides exceptional wildlife viewing with huge concentrations of hippos and buffaloes lining the shores.

The adventure becomes even more thrilling as you proceed to the remote Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting lazily on ancient fig tree branches. Tracking these extraordinary predators in the wild is one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa and creates unforgettable photographic moments. The safari then concludes in the mist-covered jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Before the gorilla trek, you will enjoy a heartwarming Batwa cultural encounter where the indigenous Batwa people share stories, traditional dances, hunting skills, and ancient forest survival techniques that connect visitors to the rich heritage of the region. Finally, the highlight of the safari unfolds as you trek through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Standing face-to-face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a deeply emotional and life-changing experience, bringing your Ugandan safari adventure to a truly remarkable ending.

Highlights

  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Chimpanzee Trekking
  • Batwa Cultural Interactions
  • Game Drives
  • Boat Cruises
  • Bird Watching
  • Rhino Tracking

Tour Plan

  • Day
    01

    Arrive In Uganda | Travel To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Rhino Tracking | Travel To Murchison Falls National Park | Top Of Falls Tour | Evening Game Drive

    On arrival in Uganda in the morning hours, you will be welcomed and picked by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Entebbe International Airport, and you will be transferred to Murchison Falls National Park.

    On your way to Murchison Falls National Park, you will branch off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking; this activity is truly one of a kind in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.

    Arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    After the rhino tracking, you will be driven to Murchison Falls National Park.

    Your first tourist attraction in the park is the top of the falls, which are the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world . It is a breathtaking experience that brings you very close to these magnificent falls, where the Nile forces its way through a gorge in the rocks and tumbles 43m below flowing westwards into Lake Albert.  The resulting mist from the turbulence often produces rainbows.

    11-Day Thrilling Luxury Safari In Uganda And Tanzania

    After seeing the top of the falls, if time allows, you will enjoy a hiking experience from the top to the bottom of the falls and thereafter en-route to your lodge, go for a short evening game drive.

    Meals and overnight at Parkside Safari Lodge/ Leosim Hotel/ Wild Palace Safari Lodge.

  • Day
    02

    Morning Game Drive | Boat Cruise | Birding | Evening Game Drive

    After breakfast, you will set off very early in the morning for a morning game drive. You will be able to see various animals like lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, elephants among others.

    Other activities in this game drive include bird watching and sightseeing across the open savannah, dotted woodland, and riverine vegetation along the Nile and Albert deltas.

    After the morning game drive, you will go to the lodge to relax and have lunch.

    After lunch, you will embark (between 2pm and 4pm) on a three-hour boat cruise on the Nile. This boat cruise offers an amazing view of the falls from the bottom. Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and aquatic birds can be seen along the shores of the river.

    In the evening, you will head out for an evening game drive.

    Meals and overnight at Parkside Safari Lodge/ Leosim Hotel/ Wild Palace Safari Lodge.

  • Day
    03

    Transfer To Kibale National Park | Bigodi Community Walk

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National park, driving Southwest through the Albertine Escarpment of the great Western Rift Valley. You will  have lunch on your way.

    On arrival in Kibale National Park, you will be driven to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community walk and cultural interaction. It is a fascinating area, located in Magombe swamp.

    Bigodi walk

    This area is recognized for an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the red colobus monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey grey cheeked, mangabey, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and the L’Hoest monkeys. Additional mammals such as sitatungas, mongooses, bush pigs, otters plus bush bucks.

    Meals and overnight at Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge/ Kibale Forest Camp (Non-self contained tents)/ Kibale Eco Home.

  • Day
    04

    Chimpanzee Trekking | Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park | Boat Ride | Evening Game Drive

    After breakfast, you will head out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park head offices for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. You will start early and take about two to six hours, depending on the location of the chimps.

    6 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Mid-Range Adventure

    The opportunity to see chimpanzees in the wild is one of the most memorable of all safari activities. Getting close to these creatures that share so much of our DNA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the excitement of walking through the forest and knowing that they are close will stay with you forever.

    After trekking, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a huge park where wildlife and people coexist in harmony.

    On arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will go for a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George.

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    Some of the best wildlife viewings are done on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, passing squacco herons, pied kingfishers, large numbers of buffalo and hippo, basking crocodiles and very many different bird species and large mammals. This is one of the most memorable experiences from the park. Over 300 hippos are found in the lake.

    After the boat cruise, you will go for an evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park aiming to catch the lions hunting in the evening. Lions usually hunt when the temperatures are cooler.  We also expect to see the Uganda kob, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, leopards and waterbucks.

    7 Days Breathtaking Mid-Range Safari In Uganda

    Meals and overnight at Songbird Safari Lodge/ Enshama Game Lodge & Campsite/ Engiri Game Lodge.

  • Day
    05

    Travel To Ishasha Sector | Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Batwa Cultural Interaction

    After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Ishasha Sector for the tree-climbing lions on the Kasenyi Plains. Ishasha is located in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth.

    Have a game drive in Ishasha, famous for its tree climbing lions. The Ishasha Sector is notably recognized for its resident tree-climbing lions which are an exceptional attraction.

    After the game drive in Ishasha it is time to move to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the famous mountain gorillas. You will have lunch en route.

    On arrival, you will check in at your lodge, then later in the evening,  you will head out for a community walk where you will visit the Batwa. This is an indigenous group of people that have lived in the forest for over 500,000 years. You will enjoy traditional dances and drama from them.

    Batwa In Uganda

    Meals and overnight at Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort/ Gorilla Friends Resort Lodge/ Nshongi Camp.

  • Day
    06

    Gorilla Trekking | Relaxing

    After breakfast, you will head out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park head offices for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking.

    Afterwards, you will head out for gorilla trekking through the misty rain forest. Trekking lasts two to six hours, depending on the location of the gentle giants. Make sure you carry enough water, sturdy shoes, non-flash cameras, and rain jackets.

    Spending time in the presence of mountain gorillas is a real privilege, so we are sure you will enjoy trekking deep into the forest to find them. This is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while on safari.

    At the end of this long and exciting adventure, you will head back to your lodge to freshen up and do some relaxing for the rest of the day.

    Meals and overnight at Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort/ Gorilla Friends Resort Lodge/ Nshongi Camp.

  • Day
    07

    The Last Day With Us | Equator Stopover | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

    After having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport. Along the way, you will have a stopover at the Equator in Masaka.

    You will be able to see where this imaginary line divides our planet into two equal hemispheres. Lunch, snacks, souvenirs and photographs may be taken here.

    After you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

    All good things must come to an end, and your time with us on safari in Uganda will now draw to a close. We're sure that you've had a wonderful time.

Inclusions

  • One gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
  • One chimpanzee permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
  • Services of an expert guide
  • Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
  • Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
  • Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

2. Are gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits included?

Yes. Gorilla trekking permits (Bwindi) and chimpanzee trekking permits (Kibale) are included in the total cost of the trip.

3. What should I pack for this 7-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

4. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes, but children under 15 are not allowed to participate in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. We offer alternative activities for young children on those days.

5. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

6. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

7. How physically demanding is the safari?

While most of the safari involves vehicle-based game drives and scenic travel, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require moderate physical fitness due to hiking in mountainous and forested terrain.

8. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

9. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

10. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Why Should You Visit Uganda?

  • Uganda

Uganda is known as "The Pearl of Africa" with good cause. It is one of the few places in the world where you may enjoy safaris, mountains, forests, rivers, and rich culture all in one trip.

It is one of just three nations where you can journey to observe wild mountain gorillas, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meeting these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.

The Nile River's source is in Uganda! Jinja, Africa's adventure capital, offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and relaxing sunset cruises.

What are Gorilla Tracking Rules And Regulations?

Before Departing On Your Gorilla Trekking:

  • A maximum number of eight visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
  • Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

On The Way To The Gorillas:

  • Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
  • DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
  • You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
  • When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.

When You Are With The Gorillas:

  • A seven-meter (21 feet) distance should be tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
  • You must stay in a tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
  • Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
  • Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
  • Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
  • Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
  • Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
  • The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
  • After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General Health Rules:

  • Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
  • Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
  • If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
  • If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
  • Always stay seven meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
  • Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
  • If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 centimeters deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What To Bring On Your Gorilla Safari:

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
  • Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
  • Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
  • Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable), and insect repellent.
  • Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400-800 ASA.

Frequently Asked Question About Uganda

  1. When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Uganda is accessible at any time of year. Mountain gorilla trekking is on most tourists’ bucket lists, and permits are available all year.

Uganda is a tropical country that receives a lot of rain. The wettest months are March to May, which can make travel difficult. During the Wet Season some roads become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate.

The dry season months of June to August and December to February provide the best travel conditions, and are also ideal for Ugandan gorilla trekking. The dry season months are also ideal for general wildlife viewing in savannah reserves because animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making spotting easier.

2. How are the wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda?

Uganda is home to some of the best wilderness areas on the African continent. Uganda unquestionably has some of the best and most beautiful wildlife in the world.

Uganda has a diverse wildlife population and is home to the big five game animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are the best places in Uganda to see wildlife.

A wildlife viewing experience in Uganda is well worth your time and money, and it will leave you with lasting memories. Uganda, unspoiled and raw, offers a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Uganda is endowed with numerous natural and cultural wonders that are largely unknown to the general public. Uganda is still relatively unknown, with the majority of tourists interviewed stating that this was their first visit and promising to return with their friends. With an astounding number of hippos, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, gorillas, chimps, giraffes, buffalos, and other animals thriving in Uganda’s national parks, Uganda is undeniably endowed.

Uganda is home to over 350 different species of mammals of various sizes. They include large mammals such as gorillas, rhinos, hippos, chimps, buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs, as well as small mammals such as bats, moles, and shrews. These mammals are classified into three groups: primates (gorillas, chimps, monkeys, and others), carnivores (leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, and others), and herbivores (Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes and more).

3. Is Uganda safe for tourists?

When traveling to urban areas, travelers should take the usual precautions for their safety and try to avoid traveling at night. Petty crime is a problem in urban areas, just as it is in all poor countries. Each national park is equipped with security personnel in order to guarantee the tourists’ well-being.

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