7-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Safari Tours

Seven Day Uganda Tours

If you are planning a 7-day Uganda safari, you are in for something special. Uganda is one of Africa’s most amazing safari destinations. In just one week, you can track mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spend time with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Ranch. You can also enjoy classic safaris, from game drives across open savannahs to boat trips on wildlife-rich waterways. Along the way, you may encounter lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and many other iconic African animals. 

Uganda is equally famous for its incredible birdlife and primates. Few countries in Africa can match the variety of monkeys and birds found here. Best of all, many of Uganda’s top wildlife attractions are located within a relatively compact area. That means a well-planned 7-day safari in Uganda gives you the opportunity to experience several of the country’s highlights in a single trip. If you want a journey that combines gorillas, chimpanzees, classic safaris, and spectacular scenery, Uganda is hard to beat.

Uganda 7-day gorilla Trekking & safari Tour packages

All Can Be Customized
Frequently asked questions

7-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safaris

A 7-day Uganda tour often raises questions. To ensure you are well prepared, we have answered the most important questions for you below.

Where should I go on a 1-week Uganda trip?

For most first-time visitors, the best 7-day itinerary focuses on southwestern Uganda. This region is home to three of the country’s most popular parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park. If seeing gorillas and chimpanzees is high on your wish list, this is the route we recommend. It combines unforgettable primate encounters with beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife viewing.

If gorilla trekking is not a priority, another excellent option is to visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale National Park. This itinerary offers a wonderful mix of rhinos, chimpanzees, classic safari wildlife, and the spectacular scenery of the Nile River.

For travelers who prefer something more remote and off the beaten track, eastern Uganda offers a completely different experience. A rewarding route combines Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch with the wild landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park, cultural experiences in the Karamoja region, and the beautiful Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

Whichever route you choose, a week in Uganda gives you enough time to experience some of the country’s most remarkable wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.

Yes, absolutely. A week is a great amount of time for a Uganda safari. It gives you the opportunity to experience many of the country’s most famous highlights. You can track gorillas in Bwindi. Go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Enjoy a beautiful boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. And search for the famous tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

However, Uganda rewards travelers who have a little more time. Many itineraries include an overnight stop at Lake Mburo National Park to break up the journey between Entebbe and southwestern Uganda. If that appeals to you, an 8-day safari often works even better.

And if you would like to include northern highlights such as Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch without missing any of the southwestern attractions, we recommend extending your trip to around 10 days. The more time you have, the more of Uganda’s incredible diversity you can experience without feeling rushed.

You can expect to see an incredible variety of wildlife on a 7-day Uganda safari.

If you follow the popular southwestern route through Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Parks, you are almost certain to see mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, chimpanzees, and a remarkable diversity of monkeys and birds. Lions are also commonly seen. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a leopard or the elusive giant forest hog.

Lake Mburo National Park adds another dimension to your safari. It is the only park in southwestern Uganda where you can see giraffes, zebras, and impalas.

If seeing the Big Five is high on your wish list, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are all excellent choices. These parks are home to lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo.

For rhinos, there is only one place to go. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary and the only place in the country where you can see these magnificent animals in the wild.

Wherever you travel in Uganda, one thing is certain: wildlife is never far away.

Uganda offers accommodations for every travel style and budget.

The places you stay will depend largely on the type of safari you choose. If you are looking for a luxury experience, you will find beautiful lodges and exclusive camps that rival some of the finest safari properties in Africa.

There is also an excellent selection of comfortable mid-range and upscale lodges, many set in beautiful natural locations with great views and warm hospitality.

For travelers on a tighter budget, Uganda offers plenty of affordable guesthouses, safari lodges, and well-equipped campsites.

Whatever your budget, you can expect comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout your journey.

The best time to visit Uganda is during the Dry seasons, from June to August and December to February.

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. They are also excellent for game drives in savannah parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.

September and October can also be a good time to travel, with generally fair conditions across most regions.

The wetter months, especially March, May, and November, are less ideal for safari travel. April is usually the wettest month in Uganda and is best avoided if possible.

For the best overall experience, we recommend planning your 7-day Uganda safari during the Dry seasons.

A 7-day Uganda safari can vary in price depending on the level of comfort and the experiences included.

For budget to mid-range tours that focus on the southwest and include both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, you can expect to pay around US$2,400 to US$3,000 per person. This usually includes transport, accommodation, meals, park fees, permits, and the services of a professional driver-guide.

More basic camping options are also available at lower prices, but it is important to check carefully what is included before booking.

Luxury safaris that use exclusive lodges and higher-end services typically start from around US$4,500 per person and can go higher.

In general, the final cost depends on your travel style, comfort level, and the type of safari experience you choose.

Uganda is a landlocked country, so it does not have an ocean coastline. If you are looking for a classic beach ending after your safari, you will need to travel beyond Uganda.

The most popular options are Mombasa in Kenya or Zanzibar in Tanzania. Both destinations are easy to reach via short flight transfer from Entebbe International Airport.

If you prefer to stay within Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is a great alternative. This peaceful highland lake is known for its beautiful scenery, calm atmosphere, and comfortable lakeside lodges. It is also close to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, making it a natural extension to a gorilla safari. Because it is located in the far southwest, it is best added onto an itinerary that already includes that region.

For something more active, you can head east from Kampala or Entebbe to Jinja, about a two-hour drive away. This is where the Nile begins its journey from Lake Victoria. Here you can enjoy white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, or quad biking for a more adventurous ending to your trip.