7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori Hike in Uganda
7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori – Ultimate Uganda Adventure
Uganda is one of Africa’s most biodiverse countries, offering an unbeatable mix of mountain landscapes, rare primates, and thrilling safari experiences. This 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori itinerary is the perfect route for adventurers and nature lovers looking to see Uganda’s best highlights in a single journey. From trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi, spotting chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, to conquering the iconic Rwenzori Mountains — also known as the Mountains of the Moon — this trip promises a week of unforgettable moments.
What sets this 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori itinerary apart is its unique blend of wildlife, culture, and high-altitude challenge. You’ll start your adventure in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, cross into southwestern Uganda for the ultimate gorilla tracking experience, game-drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park for lions and elephants, hike up to Sine Camp on the Rwenzori range, and finish with a rewarding chimpanzee trek and wetland walk in Kibale — the primate capital of the world.
This tour is fully organized by Nextgen Safaris, a locally based expert operator specializing in immersive and sustainable wildlife adventures across East Africa. From permit coordination to private transfers, trusted guides, and carefully selected lodges — we manage every detail so you can focus on experiencing the wild heart of Uganda.
Safari Highlights – 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori
The 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori offers the most adventurous and scenic way to explore Uganda. From misty rainforests to snow-capped peaks, this safari blends wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and mountain hiking in one unforgettable week:
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Track a mountain gorilla family deep in the jungle with expert guides
Batwa cultural encounter – Visit the indigenous Batwa community and learn their forest traditions
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha – Safari through one of the only places in Africa where lions climb trees
Scenic wildlife game drives – Spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Climb the Rwenzori Mountains to Sine Camp – Hike through Afro-montane forest, waterfalls, and endemic flora
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest – Meet our closest relatives in one of the best chimp habitats in Africa
Wetland nature walk at Bigodi – Spot monkeys, butterflies, and rare birds in this birdwatcher’s paradise
Travel in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with an expert Nextgen Safaris guide
Full safari support including gorilla and chimpanzee permits, all park fees, meals, and accommodation
Ideal for 2025–2028 travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Uganda adventure
Day 1: Pick Up from Kigali – Cross to Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori officially begins in Kigali, Rwanda. A professional guide from Nextgen Safaris will meet you at your hotel or Kigali International Airport and brief you about the safari. You’ll then enjoy a scenic cross-border drive into southwestern Uganda via the Katuna border.
As you transition from Rwanda’s rolling hills to Uganda’s lush highlands, you’ll stop in Kabale town for a delicious local lunch before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Check into your forest lodge — Four Gorillas Lodge, one of Bwindi’s finest eco-luxury properties, just 10 minutes from the gorilla tracking briefing point. Nestled in a serene pocket of rainforest, the lodge offers an ideal mix of privacy, comfort, and immersion in nature.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive Time: Approx. 4.5–5 hours (border crossing included)
Book your gorilla permit in advance — permits are limited and in high demand for this 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori tour.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori adventure — the mountain gorilla trek.
After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Bwindi park headquarters for a safety and etiquette briefing. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level, and together with a ranger guide and trackers, begin the unforgettable trek into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The trekking experience can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find the gorilla group, you’ll spend one full hour in their presence, observing family dynamics, grooming, feeding behavior, and the mesmerizing connection between these great apes and humans — who share 98% of our DNA.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, explore a different side of the forest with a Batwa community visit. The Batwa pygmies are the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Walk through their villages, listen to oral histories, watch cultural dances, and understand how they lived in harmony with nature before Bwindi was gazetted as a national park.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This day defines the essence of the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori — raw, emotional, and culturally immersive.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions & Game Drive
After breakfast, the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori journey continues northward to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and scenic wildlife destination. You’ll pass through the Ishasha sector, internationally renowned for its rare population of tree-climbing lions.
Here, enjoy a guided game drive as you search for these unique lions lounging in fig and acacia trees — an adaptation believed to help them escape biting insects and catch prey from a better vantage point. The Ishasha plains are also home to topi antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, and a rich variety of birds.
After this safari experience, continue on to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll check into Enganzi Game Lodge, perched on a hill overlooking the expansive savannah. If time allows, enjoy a relaxing optional evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for lion sightings and herds of Uganda kob.
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours with safari stops
Add a night game drive or lion tracking experience — just ask Nextgen Safaris when booking your 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori.
Day 4: Morning Safari – Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains Base Camp
Rise early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These golden hours are ideal for spotting predators on the move — including lions, leopards, hyenas, and scavenger birds. You’ll also encounter large herds of elephants, warthogs, and buffaloes along the way.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast or early lunch, then pack up and head northwest toward the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Your destination is Snow Heights Lodge, nestled at the foothills of the Rwenzori range. This comfortable mid-range lodge offers incredible views of the snow-capped peaks and a peaceful setting to relax before tomorrow’s hike. Briefing and gear checks will be conducted in the evening in preparation for the climb.
Accommodation: Snow Heights Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains Base – Nyakalengija
Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours
This mid-point of the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori tour offers a rare transition from lowland savannah to alpine rainforest.
Day 5: Hike from Rwenzori Base to Sine Camp (2,680m)
After an early breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and gear up for one of the most scenic and rewarding segments of your 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori adventure. Today’s journey takes you deep into the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda’s tallest and most mythical mountain range.
You’ll begin your trek at the Nyakalengija trailhead (1,450m) and ascend steadily to Sine Camp (2,680m). This 5–7 hour trek winds through Afro-montane forests, bamboo stands, moss-draped trees, and thick undergrowth. Keep your eyes open for blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and if lucky, the elusive L’Hoest’s monkey — a cultural symbol of the local Bakonzo people.
As you climb, the landscape becomes increasingly mystical. You’ll hear the sound of Enock’s Falls, and a short detour from Sine Camp offers a perfect photo opportunity. The camp itself is tucked into the forest on a ridge, offering dramatic views of the river valley and forest canopy.
Accommodation: Sine Camp – Wooden Huts (Basic But Comfortable)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
This climb is a key highlight of the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori tour — a trekker’s dream combined with wildlife immersion.
Day 6: Descend Rwenzori – Transfer to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the songs of rare birds. After breakfast, begin your descent back to the base station, retracing your steps through the stunning Rwenzori landscape.
Upon reaching the trailhead, your Nextgen Safaris driver-guide will be waiting to transfer you to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the Primate Capital of the World. On your way, you’ll pass through Fort Portal, a picturesque town surrounded by crater lakes and tea plantations.
In the afternoon, take a relaxed guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed reserve teeming with birds, butterflies, and primates like red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and vervet monkeys. It’s a peaceful and biodiverse transition before your chimpanzee encounter tomorrow.
Check into your charming forest lodge, Turaco Treetops, nestled just outside Kibale National Park and surrounded by lush jungle.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Main Destination: Kibale National Park
Drive Time: Approx. 3.5 hours (excluding Bigodi walk)
From summiting forest ridges to scanning wetlands for rare birds, Day 6 proves that the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori experience is full of surprises.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Return to Kampala or Entebbe
Your last day of the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori is one to remember. After an early breakfast, you’ll head into Kibale Forest National Park — home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa.
You’ll be welcomed at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, where a ranger will brief you on chimp behavior, forest etiquette, and tracking protocols. Trekking through Kibale’s rainforest takes between 2–4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee troops. Once located, you’ll spend one hour observing these highly intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Watch them swing between trees, groom each other, and communicate in ways remarkably close to human behavior.
After your chimpanzee tracking, you’ll return to the lodge for a quick refresh and lunch. You’ll then begin the drive back to either Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, with an optional stop at the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe for memorable photos and souvenirs.
Depending on traffic and time of arrival, you’ll be dropped off at either your accommodation or the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Main Destination: Entebbe or Kampala
Drive Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
From gorillas in Bwindi to chimps in Kibale, and the high ridges of Rwenzori to the wildlife plains of Queen Elizabeth — the 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori is an adventure crafted for the wild at heart. Book now with Nextgen Safaris and start your journey into Uganda’s most iconic wilderness areas.
What’s Included in This 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori
When you book your safari with Nextgen Safaris, you get a seamless and all-inclusive experience covering:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Transport | Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and English-speaking driver-guide |
| Accommodation | 6 nights at top-rated safari lodges and mountain camps |
| Gorilla Permit | 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) |
| Chimpanzee Permit | 1 Chimp trekking permit per person (Kibale Forest) |
| Park Entrance Fees | All national park fees for Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Rwenzori & Kibale |
| Meals | All meals as per itinerary – breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
| Drinking Water | Bottled water provided in vehicle throughout the safari |
| All Activities | Nature walks, game drives, Batwa visit, Rwenzori hike, wetland walk |
| Professional Support | 24/7 support from the Nextgen Safaris team from booking to return |
No hidden costs. No hassle. Just an unforgettable safari experience.
Why Book This 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori
Multi-dimensional Adventure: Combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, savannah safaris, and mountain hiking — all in one itinerary.
Small Group or Private: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups. You set the pace.
Deep Cultural Connection: Visit indigenous Batwa communities and enjoy authentic local hospitality.
Scenic Diversity: From the rainforests of Bwindi to the crater lakes near Fort Portal and the high-altitude trails of the Rwenzoris, every day is different.
Great Value: Save on costs with all-inclusive pricing and no compromise on quality.
Why Book With Nextgen Safaris
Locally Based, Expertly Trained: We’re Ugandan owned, with years of experience guiding primate and wildlife safaris.
Personalized Service: Every itinerary can be customized to suit your travel needs, interests, and fitness level.
Ethical & Sustainable: We employ local guides, support community tourism, and respect conservation guidelines.
24/7 Support: From the moment you inquire until the day you fly home, we’re with you every step of the way.
Proven Track Record: Hundreds of satisfied travelers from around the world trust Nextgen Safaris for life-changing African adventures.
Book your 7 Days Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari and Rwenzori today and experience the wild side of Uganda with the experts who live it.
Book this Safari Now!
Included/Exclude
What’s Included in Uganda Gorilla Holidays
Your Uganda Gorilla Holiday with Nextgen Safaris includes all essential services to ensure a smooth, immersive, and worry-free adventure:
One Uganda gorilla trekking permit (worth $800) per person
Accommodation as per itinerary (budget, mid-range, or luxury options)
All meals and bottled drinking water while on safari
Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip
Comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel and unlimited mileage
Airport pick-up and drop-off (Entebbe or Kigali as per itinerary)
All park entrance fees and relevant government taxes
Ranger fees and trekking support staff during gorilla trekking
Cultural experiences and community visits where mentioned
Internal flight tickets (if applicable for fly-in safaris)
What’s Excluded from Uganda Gorilla Holidays
The following items are not included in your Uganda Gorilla Holiday package, unless specifically requested or arranged in advance:
International airfare to/from Uganda or Rwanda
Uganda visa or Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary (e.g., in Entebbe or Kigali)
Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, porters, and lodge staff
Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
Laundry, phone calls, and other personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges
Souvenirs or personal purchases during the safari
Tour Plan
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Budget Group Joining Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania | Backpacker Wildlife Tours 2025–2026
