7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari: Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Birding

This 7 days Uganda wildlife safari is built for nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and adventurers seeking close encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and Uganda’s other iconic wildlife species.

The itinerary showcases the country’s natural wonders across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park, with genuine birding opportunities woven throughout.

Travelers on this Uganda wildlife safari enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where tree-climbing lions and remarkably diverse wildlife await.

Add a scenic Kazinga Channel boat safari, birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp, and serene nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park, and every day brings something genuinely new — a real blend of adventure, relaxation, and lasting memories in the “Pearl of Africa.” If seven days is more than you need, our 2 Days Uganda Safari covers a faster introduction instead.

Trip Summary of the 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Destinations: Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Mabamba Swamp (optional birding stop)

Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector’s tree-climbing lions
• Nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park
• Birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp and other top birding hotspots

7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Brief Itinerary;

• Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Lake Mburo
• Day 2: Nature walk, drive to Bwindi
• Day 3: Gorilla trekking, Bwindi
• Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha game drive
• Day 5: Kasenyi game drive, Kazinga Channel cruise
• Day 6: Transfer to Kibale, chimpanzee tracking
• Day 7: Mabamba Swamp birding, departure

Day-by-Day Itinerary of the 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda — Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

You’ll arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your professional guide gives you a warm welcome. After a briefing, embark on a scenic 240-kilometre journey (roughly 4–5 hours) to Lake Mburo National Park, a haven for wildlife and serene landscapes.

Along the way, take in Uganda’s rolling hills and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival, explore the park on an evening nature walk or game drive, spotting zebras, giraffes, and antelope in their natural habitat — a genuinely strong start to your Uganda wildlife safari.

Activities: Evening nature walk or game drive; spotting zebras, impalas, elands, and giraffes. Overnight: Mihingo Lodge or similar. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Lake Mburo Nature Walk — Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin with a guided nature walk at Lake Mburo National Park, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, and a wide range of bird species across this compact, genuinely rewarding park.

Afterward, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — a journey of roughly 300 kilometres (6–7 hours) through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, with real glimpses of local culture along the way. Arrive in Bwindi ready for the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure ahead.

Activities: Morning nature walk at Lake Mburo; scenic drive through Uganda’s lush countryside. Overnight: Buhoma Lodge or similar. Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is the genuine highlight of your safari — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, attend a briefing from park rangers before venturing into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Trekking can last 1–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location that day, but the reward is unforgettable: observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers, in a genuinely serene jungle setting. After the trek, unwind at your lodge or explore local Batwa communities for insight into their traditions.

Activities: Gorilla trekking (1–6 hours); optional community tour to experience Batwa culture. Overnight: Buhoma Lodge or similar. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park — Ishasha Game Drive

Start with an early morning transfer from Bwindi to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its iconic tree-climbing lions. The journey covers roughly 160–200km, taking 4–5 hours depending on your departure sector in Bwindi.

Upon arrival, an exciting game drive across Ishasha’s open savannah reveals lions lounging on fig tree branches, alongside elephants, buffalo, and topi — a genuinely raw, uncrowded slice of Uganda’s wildlife.

Activities: Game drive in the Ishasha sector; scenic drive from Bwindi. Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

An action-packed day: a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, prime territory for lions, elephants, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.

In the afternoon, take a memorable Kazinga Channel boat cruise, home to one of the largest hippo concentrations in Africa, with crocodiles basking on the banks and a genuinely vibrant array of waterbirds — kingfishers and pelicans among them. This is one of the strongest photography days on the entire itinerary.

Activities: Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains; afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park — Chimpanzee Tracking

A scenic transfer from Queen Elizabeth to Kibale Forest National Park — roughly 150km, 3–4 hours — brings you to the Primate Capital of the World, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. After lunch, set off on an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking adventure with expert rangers, trekking through lush rainforest to observe these playful primates up close, listening to their calls echo through the canopy.

Activities: Chimpanzee tracking; guided nature walk to spot other primates and forest birds. Overnight: Primate Lodge or similar. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7: Birding at Mabamba Swamp — Departure

Your final day covers the transfer from Kibale to Mabamba Swamp, roughly 300km (6–7 hours), located on the shores of Lake Victoria about 50km southwest of Entebbe. Mabamba is a genuinely renowned birding hotspot, famous for its shoebill stork population and other rare waterbirds. Spend the morning exploring the swamp by boat before heading back to Entebbe for departure — one last scenic drive to take in Uganda’s beauty before your flight home.

Activities: Birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp; transfer to Entebbe. Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

End of the 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari.

7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Includes & Excludes:

Current Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Prices (2026/2027)

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are included in this itinerary, so it’s worth knowing current pricing. The Uganda Wildlife Authority charges $800 per person for foreign non-residents in high season for a standard Bwindi gorilla trek, with a genuinely useful low-season discount of $600 per person now available for travelers trekking in April, May, or November. Foreign residents pay $700 in high season and $500 in low season. Chimpanzee tracking permits in Kibale are separately priced and included as part of your package.

One important update: UWA has removed its previous 7-day permit reservation window, meaning full payment is now required immediately at booking to secure your dates — worth factoring into how early you confirm this trip.

Best Time to Visit Uganda for This Safari

Uganda’s diverse climate makes it a genuine year-round destination, but the dry seasons — June to August and December to February — are ideal for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives, since trails stay firmer and wildlife concentrates predictably around water sources.

The wet seasons — March to May and September to November — are excellent for birding specifically, since migratory species are present in greater numbers, and April, May, and November also bring the discounted gorilla permit pricing noted above.

Packing List for Your Uganda Safari

Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime; warm layers for cool evenings, especially in Bwindi; sturdy hiking boots for treks and nature walks; rain gear (jacket or poncho); sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; insect repellent and anti-malaria medication; binoculars and a camera with extra batteries; and a small daypack for day activities.

Gorilla Trekking Gear Checklist

Waterproof hiking boots; gaiters to protect your legs; thick gardening gloves for gripping vegetation; long-sleeved shirts and trousers; a reusable water bottle; energy snacks for the trek; and a walking stick, either provided by park staff or brought from home.

FAQs About This 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

Does this itinerary include both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking? Yes — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on Day 3 and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest on Day 6, both with permits included in the package price.

Is 7 days enough for a complete Uganda wildlife safari? Yes — this itinerary genuinely balances primate trekking, savannah game drives, a boat safari, and dedicated birding across five destinations without feeling rushed.

How much does a gorilla permit cost on this itinerary? $800 per person in high season, or $600 during the discounted low season (April, May, November) — both included in your package price.

What makes Mabamba Swamp worth visiting on the final day? Mabamba is one of the best places in Uganda — and Africa — to see the shoebill stork, a genuinely bizarre and sought-after bird for serious birders, alongside a wide range of other waterbirds.

Can I customise this itinerary? Yes — extend into Murchison Falls, add Sipi Falls and Jinja, or focus more heavily on birding by speaking with our team before booking.

Why Choose This 7 Days Uganda Safari?

This 7-day Uganda wildlife safari offers a genuine blend of primate adventures, game viewing, birding, and scenic landscapes. Whether it’s standing a few feet from a mountain gorilla or watching hippos drift along the Kazinga Channel, every moment is designed to create memories that last.

If you’d like to see how this itinerary compares, our 6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari offers a slightly shorter Bwindi-and-Queen-Elizabeth-focused alternative, while our 8 Days Uganda Safari extends further to include Sipi Falls and Jinja. Travelers wanting the deepest possible introduction to the country should consider our 10 Days Uganda Safari.

Book Your Adventure Today

Discover why Uganda truly is the “Pearl of Africa.” With gorilla and chimpanzee permits now requiring full payment at the time of booking, don’t wait to secure your preferred dates — get in touch with our team today and let us build your 7-day Uganda wildlife safari around the exact experiences you don’t want to miss.

Contact us: info@ugandawildlifetours.com | Send us an enquiry

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Related Pages

• Home — Uganda Wildlife Tours
• 2 Days Uganda Safari
• 4 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda
• 5 Days Uganda Safari
• 6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
• 8 Days Uganda Safari
• 10 Days Uganda Safari
• 5 Days Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Tour
• 5 Days Gorillas and Murchison Falls Safari
• 4 Days Kibale Chimpanzees and Bigodi Swamp Tour
• 3 Days Kibale Primate Tour
• 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park Safari
• Lake Victoria Tours
• Contact Us