Experience an unforgettable 7 days Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari from Kigali. Beginning and ending in Kigali, this compact tour combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi, big-game viewing and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth, and chimpanzee trekking plus a Bigodi swamp walk in Kibale. Consequently, it’s perfect for travellers who want high-impact wildlife encounters in one seamless trip.
Quick highlights
Day 1: Pickup in Kigali, transfer to Bwindi (via Cyanka/Katuna border).
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi — briefing, variable trek (30 min–7 hrs) and 1 hour with gorillas.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha (tree-climbing lions).
Day 4: Morning game drive / lion tracking; afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise (≈2 hrs).
Day 5: Morning game drive, then transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (scenic route).
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking (30 min–4 hrs) and Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Day 7: Return to Kigali; drop-off at Kigali International Airport.
Why book this safari?
First, you’ll get rare close encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Next, you’ll see huge herds, predators and exceptional birdlife in Queen Elizabeth. Finally, you’ll finish with chimpanzees and a peaceful swamp walk – therefore offering varied primate and safari experiences in one week.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali → Bwindi.
After pickup in Kigali, meet your guide and depart. Expect 3–4 hours driving via the Cyanka/Katuna border; meanwhile enjoy terraced farms and rolling hills. Then check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking (Bwindi).
After breakfast, head to the park HQ for a mandatory briefing. Depending on gorilla locations, trekking can take 30 minutes to 7 hours; however, you will spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas. Afterwards, collect your trekking certificate and return to the lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth.
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route or on arrival, explore the Ishasha sector to spot tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. Then relax at your lodge.
Day 4: Game drive & Kazinga boat cruise.
In the morning, go on a game drive or join a lion-tracking session on the Kasenyi plains to see elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs and predators. After lunch, take a roughly two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 5: Morning game drive → Kibale.
Enjoy a second morning game drive to catch sightings you may have missed. Next, drive through scenic countryside – crater lakes and tea plantations to Kibale Forest National Park. Then check in and overnight.
Day 6: Chimp trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Early briefing at Kanyanchu, then chimpanzee trekking (30 minutes-4 hours). You’ll get up to one hour with the chimpanzees, plus sightings of other primates. After lunch, walk the Bigodi Swamp trail to enjoy birds, sitatunga and wetland flora. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 7: Return to Kigali.
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Kigali. Stop for lunch en route; finally be dropped at Kigali International Airport or your preferred Kigali location.
What’s included
Gorilla trekking permit.
Chimpanzee trekking permit.
Park entrance fees and game drives.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise fees.
Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Full-board accommodation.
Ground transfers in a 4×4 vehicle (vehicle, fuel).
Bottled drinking water.
What’s excluded
International flights and visas.
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Travel insurance and life insurance.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry).
Porter fees and tips.