Overview.

This 7-day safari connects Uganda’s top primate and wildlife destinations into one seamless journey. You track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, explore wetlands at Bigodi, and experience classic game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route continues through Ishasha for tree-climbing lions before reaching Bwindi for gorilla trekking. You end the safari at Lake Bunyonyi with a relaxing boat experience before returning to Kigali. The itinerary suits travelers who want a complete primate and savannah safari with strong scenery and well-paced travel.

Tour Highlights (Day-by-Day)

Day 1: Kigali pick up & transfer to Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi swamp walk
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth & Kazinga boat cruise
Day 4: Game drive & Katwe salt lake visit
Day 5: Ishasha sector & transfer to Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla trekking & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 7: Boat cruise & transfer to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up in Kigali and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your guide picks you up in Kigali and briefs you about the safari before departure. You drive through scenic countryside toward Kibale Forest National Park. The journey offers rolling hills, plantations, and rural landscapes. On arrival, you check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day.

The drive takes about 4–5 hours. Lunch and dinner are included.
Midrange option: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Turaco Treetops
Luxury option: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

You start early with breakfast and head to the park headquarters for briefing. Rangers lead you into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. You walk through thick forest as you follow their calls and movements. Once you find them, you watch them feed, play, and interact. After lunch, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. You walk through the swamp with a guide and spot birds, monkeys, and unique vegetation. You return to the lodge in the evening.

Chimp trekking takes 3–4 hours and the swamp walk about 2 hours. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Turaco Treetops
Luxury option: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise

You have breakfast, check out, and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You arrive in time for lunch, then head for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You enjoy views of hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and large herds of elephants and buffalo along the banks. After the cruise, you continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

The drive takes about 2 hours and the boat cruise lasts about 2 hours. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Luxury option: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive and Katwe Salt Lake Visit

You wake early and head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. You search for elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. The park often rewards early drives with active wildlife. Later, you visit Katwe Salt Lake where local communities extract salt using traditional methods. You learn about the process and the importance of the lake to local livelihoods. You return to the lodge in the evening.

The game drive takes 4–5 hours and the salt lake visit about 2–3 hours. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Luxury option: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 5: Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi

You leave after breakfast and drive to the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park. This area is famous for tree-climbing lions that rest in fig trees. You spend time searching for them and other wildlife as you enjoy the quiet landscape. After lunch, you continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.

The drive takes about 4–5 hours. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Luxury option: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

You wake early, have breakfast, and head to the park headquarters for briefing. Rangers guide you into the forest to track mountain gorillas. The trek takes time and effort, but the moment you find the gorillas makes it unforgettable. You spend one hour observing them at close range. After the trek, you receive your certificate and drive to Lake Bunyonyi. You check in at your lodge and relax by the lake.

The trek takes 2–6 hours and the drive to Bunyonyi about 2 hours. All meals are included.
Midrange option: Bunyonyi Overland Resort / Arcadia Lodge
Luxury option: BirdNest Resort / Arcadia Lodge (premium rooms)

Day 7: Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Kigali

You enjoy breakfast and head for a morning boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. You explore the islands and take in the calm scenery. After the activity, you begin your journey back to Kigali for your departure.