6-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Queen Elizabeth

Tour Overview

Chimps in Kibale, game drives and the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and a gorilla trek in Bwindi: Uganda's highlights in under a week. This 6-day private safari visits Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Highlights: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale; Kazinga Channel launch cruise; Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector; Game drives on the Kasenyi plains.

Best time to go: Year-round; best Jun-Sep and Dec-Feb.

Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):

Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $2,773 · Midrange $3,623 · Luxury $6,561.

• Kibale / Fort Portal (1 night): Budget – Isunga Lodge; Midrange – Turaco Treetops; Luxury – Primate Lodge Kibale
• Queen Elizabeth NP (2 nights): Budget – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (explorer tent); Midrange – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda); Luxury – Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
• Bwindi – Buhoma (2 nights): Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp; Midrange – Buhoma Community Haven Lodge; Luxury – Buhoma Lodge

Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Kibale

Drive west to Kibale Forest. Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 2: Chimps, then Queen Elizabeth

Morning chimp tracking, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 3: Kasenyi & Kazinga Channel

Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains; afternoon Kazinga Channel launch (hippos, buffalo, elephants, birds). Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 4: Ishasha to Bwindi

Drive through Ishasha (tree-climbing lions) to Buhoma. Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 5: Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trek in Buhoma; optional Buhoma community walk. Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 6: Bwindi to Entebbe

Long drive back to Entebbe (or Aerolink from Kihihi).

Inclusions:

• Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide and fuel
• Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
• Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale
• Gorilla trekking permit and a guided trek with UWA rangers
• Queen Elizabeth park entry (3 days)
• Kazinga Channel launch cruise
• UWA ranger-guides on game drives
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All government taxes

Exclusions:

• International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
• Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
• Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
• Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
• Optional activities and anything not listed
• Single room supplement (on request)

How to Get There:

Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 5 to 6 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala via Fort Portal, or a domestic flight to Kasese and a 2-hour drive.