7 Days Spice of Uganda Tour

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Our 7 day Uganda tour packs chimpanzees, big game and mountain gorillas into one week. First, you track chimps in Kibale Forest National Park, a primate haven with 13 primate species. Next, you enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Finally, you trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

The route loops through western Uganda. Along the way, you meet local communities, see the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days and cross the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. As a result, this 7 day Uganda tour gives you a well-rounded taste of the country’s wildlife and culture.

7 day Uganda tour highlights

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, plus a walk in Bigodi Wetland.
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. Hippos, crocodiles and water birds gather on its banks.
A morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes and Uganda kob roam.
A cultural encounter with communities near Queen Elizabeth, with dances and storytelling.
Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector on the way south.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, followed by a visit to the Batwa community.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

When you arrive at the airport, your expert guide welcomes you and briefs you on the trip. Then you set off for Kibale Forest, home to more than 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons.

On the way, you pass through the pretty towns of Mityana and Kyenjojo, and you stop for lunch in Mubende. As you near the park, look out for the Rwenzori Mountains, whose peaks are often capped with snow. Finally, you check in at your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland

After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing. The trek starts at 8:00 am. Kibale covers about 795 km², and its forest trails are a joy to explore. You follow chimpanzees as they go about their day, while birds sing and colobus, vervet and other monkeys move through the trees.

Chimpanzees are among our closest relatives, since they share about 98% of their DNA with humans. In addition, you may see L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and many birds, such as the green-breasted pitta.

After lunch, you visit Bigodi Wetland. It is an excellent spot for birding, and it gives you another chance to see primates you may have missed. Local people live around the swamp, and they add warmth to the visit. Later, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you drive for 3–4 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The road passes through Fort Portal, with fine views of the Rwenzori range. The park is home to over 600 bird species, as well as elephants, buffaloes and lions.

On arrival, you check in, relax and enjoy a tasty meal. Afterwards, you take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Here you can spot hippos and crocodiles on the banks. Thirsty animals also come down to drink or bathe. Later, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Morning game drive and cultural encounter

You wake early for breakfast and a morning game drive on the Kasenyi track. At this hour, early risers head out to hunt, while night hunters return to rest. As a result, you have a good chance of seeing lions, elephants, lone buffaloes, kob and other antelopes.

Back at the lodge, you enjoy a filling meal. Then you meet local communities around the park. They share dances, stories and other performances that make the day memorable. Later, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 5: Drive to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector

After breakfast, you drive south through glittering savannah towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the way, you pass through the Ishasha sector, which is well known for its tree-climbing lions.

It may sound like magic, but these lions really do rest on tree branches, and they are fascinating to watch. Then you continue to Bwindi, home to about half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Finally, you check in for dinner and the night.

Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, you go to the park headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. At about 8:30 am, Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers lead you into the rainforest to search for the gentle giants.

Bring hiking boots, a camera, binoculars and water. The trek can be tough, but good gear makes it easier, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The search starts where rangers last saw the gorillas, and you follow signs such as broken branches. Once you find the family, you spend one hour watching them interact and go about their day.

Afterwards, you return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you visit the Batwa community to enjoy cultural performances. Then you retire to your lodge.

Day 7: Drive to Entebbe for your departure

After breakfast, you set off on the journey back to Entebbe, either to the airport or to a hotel. The drive takes you through the lush green hills of western Uganda. Along the way, you stop for lunch and pause at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping as you say goodbye to Uganda.

Who this 7 day Uganda tour suits

This trip suits first-time visitors who want primates and classic savannah in a single week. It also works well for couples, friends and small groups. However, the chimp and gorilla treks involve walking on steep, muddy forest trails, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. Also note that gorilla trekking is only open to people aged 15 and over.

Best time to go

You can take this tour all year round. The drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, usually bring easier trails and good game viewing. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer visitors. Rain can fall at any time in the forests, so pack a light rain jacket whatever the season.

Permits and practical tips

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the rates change from time to time. Therefore, it is wise to book early, especially for busy months. We will confirm the current rate when you enquire.

Wear good boots with grip for forest trails.
Pack long sleeves and trousers to protect you from nettles and insects.
Bring garden gloves for grabbing vines on steep slopes.
Carry binoculars for birds and distant wildlife.
Keep a light rain jacket in your daypack.

For a full checklist, read our guide on what to pack for your gorilla trek.

Extend your 7 day Uganda tour

It is easy to add more days to this trip. For example, you can break the drive back to Entebbe with a night at Lake Mburo, as on our 2 day Lake Mburo safari, where zebras, impalas and eland roam. Alternatively, you can browse all our gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda for longer or shorter options.

Every Roots Tours & Travel safari is tailor-made. Simply tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then we will send you a clear itinerary for free. Get in touch today to start planning your trip.

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