10 Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Habituation Safari
This 10-day Uganda chimpanzee and gorilla habituation safari is designed for travellers who want more than the standard primate experience. Instead of combining only one chimp trek and one gorilla trek, this route gives you both tracking and habituation for Uganda’s most sought-after primates, with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The safari also adds a wildlife contrast in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lion tracking and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise break up the forest sections, before ending with a quieter recovery stay at Lake Bunyonyi. It is ideal for travellers who want deeper time with primates, more meaningful wildlife viewing, and a Uganda safari that feels more complete than a basic gorilla package. With a private guide, flexible departure from Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali, and a route that balances forest, savannah, and lake scenery, this itinerary suits visitors seeking a primate-focused safari with greater depth and stronger overall value.
Safari highlights
- Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest
- Bigodi wetland nature walk
- Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga
- Scenic recovery stay at Lake Bunyonyi
- Private safari route starting from Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1, Entebbe Arrival and Kampala City Stay
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by our company representative, who will transfer you to Kampala, 37km away. You will be transferred to your hotel to check in and rest from the long flight. Depending on your arrival time, you will explore Kampala on a city tour. Some of the places to visit may include: Gadaffi Mosque, the Bahai Temple, the King’s Palace in Mengo, and a drive through the 
interesting places in Kampala with the guidance of your driver. Before nightfall, return to your hotel to relax, have dinner, and overnight stay at the Sheraton Hotel for luxury/Fairway Hotel for mid-range
Day 2, Kibale National Park Transfer and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your safari guide to start your safari with a transfer to Kibale National Park– the best safari destination in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. Arrive in the park in the afternoon for lunch in Fort Portal town, and then go for a 2-3-hour nature walk in Bigodi wetland before you proceed to your lodge in Kibale. Dinner and overnight stay at Chimpanzee Guest House main house (mid-range) or Chimpundu Lodge (luxury ).
Day 3, Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Have breakfast very early, then transfer to the park head office for a briefing on the endangered chimpanzees. Later, enter the forest with a park ranger, along with your tracking gear, packed water, and snacks. This trek is a whole-day experience. Upon finding the primates, you will spend 4 hours observing them, studying their behaviour, and taking photos. After tracking, return to the lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight at as above
Day 4, Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth Transfer
After breakfast, you will go for chimpanzee trekking with your packed food and water. Meet your guide at the head office, then enter the rainforest to begin searching for the chimpanzees. This will take 2-5 hours. On seeing them, you will spend 1 hour with the chimpanzees while taking pictures. After tracking, you will 
refresh at the lodge, then proceed to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a 3-hour drive from Fort Portal, with an en route stop at the crater lakes. Dinner and overnight at Parkview Safari lodge for mid-range, Kyambura Gorge lodge for luxury
Day 5, Queen Elizabeth Lion Tracking and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Very early in the morning, meet your guide for the lion-tracking experience, where you are guaranteed to see lions. You will also spot a variety of wildlife, including Elephants, Giraffes, buffalo, and all species of antelope. You will enjoy a bush breakfast. Return to the lodge and have lunch. After enjoying your lunch at the lodge, go for a Kazinga channel boat cruise for yet another wildlife experience, including the hippos and crocodiles/bird watching experience as you cruise on Lake Edward/George. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge as above
Day 6, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Transfer via Ishasha
After breakfast early in the morning, you drive to Bwindi National Park via the Ishasha sector for chances of spotting the tree-climbing lions with an en route lunch. It’s about a 6-7-hour drive to Kisoro. Upon arrival at the sector, connect to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge for luxury, Ichumbi Gorilla lodge for mid-range
Day 7, Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga or Nkuringo
Have an early morning breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the ranger guides before embarking on your gorilla trek. Head into the forest and trek until you find the gorillas. This activity can take 2 to 8 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. After finding the gorillas in Bwindi, you 
will be allowed only 1 hour and then return. Your guide will drive you back to your lodge, check out, and connect to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 8, Rushaga Gorilla Habituation Experience
Enjoy an early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a briefing by the ranger guides, and later head into the forest for your trek. Gorilla habituation in Bwindi involves visiting a semi-habituated gorilla family that is in the process of habituation. This activity takes a whole day, and you are granted 4 hours to stay with the gorillas. After the habituation experience, meet your guide and drive back to your lodge to rest.
Day 9, Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation and Canoe Experience
After breakfast, meet your safari driver and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, which is about a 2- to 3-hour drive. Connect for a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi for about an hour, connect to the lodge for lunch, and spend the 
rest of your afternoon relaxing at the hotel/lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Arcadia Cottages, Bunyonyi BirdNest Lodge
Day 10, Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe Departure Transfer
Wake up early and have your breakfast. Later, meet with the driver for your transfer back to Kampala. This journey takes 8-9 hours on the road, including en route for lunch. Arrive in Entebbe and proceed to the airport for your return flight back home.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as per the selected category
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Kibale chimpanzee habituation permit
- Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit
- Queen Elizabeth Park entry fees
- Lion tracking experience
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bwindi gorilla trekking permit
- Gorilla habituation permit in Rushaga
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks not included with meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not clearly listed in the itinerary
