Private • Uganda
7-Day Uganda Gorilla Walking Safari
Kibale, Bwindi & the Kigezi Highlands — walking the green spine of Uganda
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Western Uganda
- Duration
- 7 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Safari Overview
Experience the ultimate primate adventure on this immersive 7-day Uganda Gorilla Walking Safari. Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this journey takes you deep into the heart of southwestern Uganda to explore the ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This safari combines the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking with the exclusive gorilla habituation experience, giving you more time to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. You will also enjoy guided nature walks, cultural encounters with local communities, and breathtaking views of Uganda’s rolling hills and lush landscapes.
Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with extraordinary wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
What you'll experience
Two Gorilla Trek Permits
Back-to-back mornings with two different habituated gorilla families in Bwindi — the Rushegura group on day five and the Nkuringo group on day six — giving you a genuine sense of how each family moves and interacts rather than a single fleeting hour.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Kibale Forest holds one of the highest densities of chimpanzees on the continent. Your guide, Francis Tibamwenda, knows the Kanyanchu community's patterns so well he can read broken branches like a newspaper. You follow fresh knuckle prints into the canopy noise before breakfast.
Walking the Crater Lake Trail
Between Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, the volcanic crater lakes of western Uganda sit in a scalloped landscape of tea and banana. A two-hour ridge walk above Lake Nyinambuga rewards you with a view that stretches to the Rwenzori snowfields on a clear morning.
Kigezi Highland Walk
The approach to Bwindi is on foot — a four-kilometre highland trail through Buhoma community land, passing small farms of sorghum and pyrethrum before the forest wall rises suddenly ahead. Community ranger Moses Birungi points out African crowned eagles riding thermals above the treeline.
Night Sounds at Crater Rim Camp
Three-walled tent flaps open to a caldera view. After dark, the African wood owl and the distant bark of bushbuck replace the daytime chorus. Your field guide leaves a laminated sheet of night calls on the pillow — you'll use it.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Most gorilla safaris treat Bwindi as a single overnight stop. This itinerary is built around it, pairing two gorilla permit mornings with the chimpanzee forests of Kibale and walking approaches that keep you inside the landscape rather than just passing through it.
Double Gorilla Permits, Two Families
We pre-secure permits with two different habituated families in separate Bwindi sectors. You gain two genuinely distinct experiences — different ranges, different social dynamics — rather than a repeat of the same hour.
Walking-First Design
Every road transfer is short enough to be purposeful. Where a trail exists — the crater lake ridge, the Buhoma community path, the Munyaga River morning walk — we use it. Our guides are trained naturalists, not just trackers.
Small Group, Private Pacing
Six guests maximum means your tracker can slow the whole group for a lesser-known species without anyone feeling inconvenienced. Departures are private by default — no joining strangers at the briefing room.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrive Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by an Arrive Africa Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at your hotel or explore nearby attractions. Your guide will brief you on the exciting journey ahead and answer any questions you may have. Dinner and overnight stay at your selected hotel.
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The scenic drive takes you through vibrant towns, rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional rural communities.nEnjoy lunch en route as you continue towards the mist-covered forests of Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and spend the evening relaxing while taking in the stunning forest views.
Accommodation Options: Lodge in Ruhija, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Bwindi View Bandas.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Rise early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. After learning the trekking guidelines, you will venture into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from two to eight hours, depending on the gorillas' location and the terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, watching family interactions, and capturing photographs of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection on this extraordinary experience. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Today offers a rare opportunity to participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, an exclusive activity that allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. Accompanied by researchers, trackers, and experienced rangers, you will gain deeper insights into gorilla behavior, feeding habits, communication, and social dynamics.
This unique experience provides a more intimate understanding of mountain gorilla conservation efforts and is especially rewarding for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and researchers. After your time with the gorillas, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Community Visit and Guided Nature Walk
After breakfast, visit a nearby local community to experience the rich cultural heritage of the people living around Bwindi. Interact with community members, learn about their traditions and daily lives, and enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and craft demonstrations.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided nature walk through the surrounding forest trails. Discover the region’s diverse flora and fauna while listening to the sounds of birds and other forest wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Uganda’s countryside, rolling hills, and rural villages. Stop for lunch en route and take a break at the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening and check in to your hotel for your final night in Uganda. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. As your safari comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of your encounters with Uganda’s mountain gorillas and the remarkable beauty of the Pearl of Africa.
End of Safari
Meals · Breakfast
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Two gorilla trekking permits (Rushegura and Nkuringo families, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
- One chimpanzee tracking permit, Kibale National Park
- All accommodation as listed — six nights, full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Private 4WD vehicle and driver-guide for all road transfers
- Specialist walking guide for crater lake trail and Buhoma community trail
- All national park entry fees throughout the itinerary
- Community ranger fees for Buhoma trail section
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival at Entebbe
- All meals as shown in the day-by-day programme
- Drinking water and bush snacks during trekking days
- Pre-departure information pack including packing list and permit guidance
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years (gorilla trekking regulation; under-15s cannot obtain permits)
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags only for lodge storage; a 20–25 litre daypack is carried personally on all trekking days
First Group Event
Driver meet at Entebbe arrivals hall, 09:00 on Day 1
Last Group Event
Breakfast at Mahogany Springs Lodge, Day 7
Guaranteed Departures
This is a private itinerary and is guaranteed from a single booking. No minimum group size applies.
Alternate Sightseeing
Gorilla permit sectors may be reassigned by Uganda Wildlife Authority closer to the trek date; we will always secure two separate family allocations regardless of sector.