Highlights of Uganda with Gorilla & Chimp Trekking

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Relax in Entebbe, where calm gardens and nearby Lake Victoria offer a gentle introduction to Uganda.
  • Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with birds, butterflies and ancient trees.
  • Trek deep into the forest for an intimate encounter with a family of rare mountain gorillas.
  • Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic safari drives among elephants, lions and tree-climbing leopards.
  • Explore Kyambura Gorge on a thrilling chimp trek before a serene cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Meet and Greet at Entebbe Airport
  • Shared arrival and departure airport transfers in Entebbe
  • Shared arrival  airstrip transfer from Kihihi
  • 1 night in first-class accommodations in Entebbe
  • 2 nights' first-class accommodations near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • 4 nights' first-class accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Transportation on safari in a 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
  • 1 small-group gorilla trek per person
  • 1 small-group chimp trek per person
  • Ishasha community visit and community fee donation (time permitting)
  • Shared game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Scenic sundowners in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Shared boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
  • All park fees
  • Internal light aircraft flights: Entebbe - Kihihi including air taxes
  • Local drinks at Buhoma Lodge and Ishasha Tented Camp, excluding premium brands
  • 1 gorilla trekking permit
  • 1 chimp trekking permit
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, a half-day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary may be arranged at an additional cost. This could also be arranged at the end of your safari if you prefer. This evening, you will receive a short pre-trip briefing at the hotel.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Arrive Entebbe

 

Your Accommodation

No. 5 Boutique Hotel

Hotel No. 5 is a stylish boutique hotel nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Uganda. Ideally located 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, Hotel No. 5 may be located in Uganda's second largest city, but the peaceful hotel grounds will provide an escape from the buzz and activity of Entebbe. Make yourself at home - unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.

No. 5 Boutique Hotel

Check out and transfer to the airport this morning. This morning's flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of 90 mins). Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one-half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Set within the forest and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cozy accommodations in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rainforest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco-friendly lodge operating on solar power and has been constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Entebbe to Bwindi

 

Your Accommodation

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. Situated within the National Park, less than five minutes' walk, from the start of the gorilla trekking point. Ten, comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park. An elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, offers a cozy, comfortable environment, to discuss the day's activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

Buhoma Lodge

You will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters to meet your guides for your gorilla tracking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, and such sightings cannot be guaranteed; however, the success rate is well over 95%. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed 100%. PLEASE NOTE: on certain departures, due to Gorilla Permit availability, this leg of your safari may be undertaken in Rwanda. A similar standard of accommodation will be utilized in Rwanda, but there may be a surcharge depending on availability. Please check at the time of booking.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Gorilla Trekking

 

Your Accommodation

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. Situated within the National Park, less than five minutes' walk, from the start of the gorilla trekking point. Ten, comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park. An elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, offers a cozy, comfortable environment, to discuss the day's activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

Buhoma Lodge

Today you will have the option of a second Gorilla Trek or Forest Walk in Bwindi. Please inform at the time of booking. In the afternoon, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and travel to Ishasha, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive) with a possible community visit en route (time permitting). Check into your accommodations and enjoy dinner at your safari camp. This intimate 10-tented camp offers exclusive accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set along the Ntungwe River, it provides an authentic safari atmosphere, comfortable tented rooms, and a peaceful wilderness setting ideal for guests who appreciate remote landscapes and close wildlife encounters. The thatched lounge and dining area overlook the river, with meals often served al fresco and evenings spent around the outdoor fireplace after a day of game viewing.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

Your Accommodation

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp with its' 6 Meru Style tents is located on the banks of the Ntungwe River and providing access to a host of game viewing including the famous tree climbing lions. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot bush showers and eco-friendly toilets. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect place to stop on the way to track the gorillas of Bwindi. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River; it is an idyllic retreat for people who truly want to experience the wilderness. This exclusive tented camp offers quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Today is spent exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park with Morning and afternoon game drives in the park. Enjoy a sundowner in the park as you take in the glorious African sunset before returning to your camp for another delicious dinner. Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboons, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda, and is home to the tree-climbing lions typically found in the area. Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephants, Uganda kob, and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

Your Accommodation

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp with its' 6 Meru Style tents is located on the banks of the Ntungwe River and providing access to a host of game viewing including the famous tree climbing lions. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot bush showers and eco-friendly toilets. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect place to stop on the way to track the gorillas of Bwindi. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River; it is an idyllic retreat for people who truly want to experience the wilderness. This exclusive tented camp offers quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

This morning, you'll have one last chance to do some game viewing in the Ishasha section of the park. From Ishasha, you drive approximately 2 hours to the northern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

Your Accommodation

Elephant Plains Lodge

Welcome to Elephant Plains Lodge, nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. This lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience, where the rhythms of nature harmonize with exceptional comfort. Surrounded by the diverse wildlife of the savanna, accommodations blend luxury with an authentic safari ambiance. Each room is meticulously designed, offering panoramic views of the park and featuring modern amenities for a relaxed stay after adventurous days. Savor delectable cuisine at our restaurant, crafted from fresh local ingredients, complemented by breathtaking views of the park. Unwind by the poolside or gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures. At Elephant Plains Lodge, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Uganda for an unforgettable safari retreat.

Elephant Plains Lodge

After breakfast at your lodge, head to Kyambura for your chimp trek. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy...or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It's an exhilarating walk, in the beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed. After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a bit of leisure time before heading out on your afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Chimp Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

Your Accommodation

Elephant Plains Lodge

Welcome to Elephant Plains Lodge, nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. This lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience, where the rhythms of nature harmonize with exceptional comfort. Surrounded by the diverse wildlife of the savanna, accommodations blend luxury with an authentic safari ambiance. Each room is meticulously designed, offering panoramic views of the park and featuring modern amenities for a relaxed stay after adventurous days. Savor delectable cuisine at our restaurant, crafted from fresh local ingredients, complemented by breathtaking views of the park. Unwind by the poolside or gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures. At Elephant Plains Lodge, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Uganda for an unforgettable safari retreat.

Elephant Plains Lodge

 

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe arriving mid-afternoon with drop off at the airport in time for your onward flight.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.