Best of West Uganda — 7 Days
Our flagship tour. Chimpanzees in Kibale, big game in Queen Elizabeth, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, mountain gorillas in Bwindi and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.
Route
Quick Facts
About This Tour
This is the tour we are most proud of. In one week, you experience everything that makes western Uganda one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations.
You start with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest — the primate capital of the world. Then move to Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic safari: game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and a search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
From Ishasha, the road winds through the Rift Valley to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you trek to meet mountain gorillas face to face. In Buhoma, visit HopeKitchen to connect with the community that makes this whole region special.
The trip ends at Lake Bunyonyi — one of Africa's deepest and most beautiful lakes — where you can canoe, swim, or just breathe.
Every major wildlife experience. Every must-see destination. No rushed days, no backtracking. This is the week that shows you why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa.
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and driver-guide
- 6 nights accommodation
- All meals throughout
- All park entry fees
- Chimpanzee trekking permit arrangement (fee extra)
- Gorilla trekking permit arrangement (fee extra)
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Porter hire for gorilla trek
- HopeKitchen community visit
- Canoe trip on Lake Bunyonyi
- Airport/hotel transfers
Not Included
- Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person)
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise fee ($30 per person)
- International flights
- Uganda visa ($50)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Kibale Forest
Pick-up in Entebbe or Kampala. Drive to the Fort Portal area near Kibale National Park. Scenic stops through tea plantations and Rwenzori foothills. Arrive at your lodge, surrounded by forest. Briefing and dinner.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland
Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest — listen for their calls, follow them through the canopy, and watch them feed and socialise for up to one hour. After lunch, walk the Bigodi Wetland Trail for primates and birds. Drive towards Queen Elizabeth NP in the late afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth — Game Drives & Kazinga Cruise
Full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains — elephants, buffalo, lions, Uganda kob. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise — hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing and spectacular birdlife from the water.
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive south to the Ishasha sector. Search for tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees — one of only two known populations in Africa. Enjoy the wide-open plains and quieter atmosphere. Continue towards Bwindi in the afternoon. Overnight near the park.
Gorilla Trekking & HopeKitchen
The climax of your trip. Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The hike takes 2–8 hours through dense vegetation, misty valleys and ancient trees. Spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family. Return to Buhoma for lunch. Afternoon visit to HopeKitchen — real community, real connection. Celebration dinner.
Lake Bunyonyi — Relax & Reflect
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (1.5 hours). Check in to your lakeside lodge. Canoe trip across the lake, island visit, and time to relax. Swim in the clean waters, watch the sun set behind terraced hills, and reflect on an extraordinary week.
Departure
Breakfast by the lake. Begin the return journey to Entebbe/Kampala, or continue to your next destination. The drive to Entebbe takes approximately 7–8 hours with scenic stops, or break it with a night at Lake Mburo.
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
“Sieben perfekte Tage. Schimpansen, Safari, Bootscruise, Baumkletternde Löwen, Gorillas und dann dieser unglaubliche See. Das HopeKitchen-Projekt hat uns tief berührt. Duncan ist ein fantastischer Gastgeber.”
“This was the best week of my life. Every single day delivered something extraordinary. The gorilla trek was the emotional peak, but honestly the chimp tracking and Kazinga cruise were equally impressive. Duncan's team made everything seamless.”
“We researched many operators and chose Misty Gorilla because of the community connection. The HopeKitchen visit was beautiful — the children were so happy. The entire trip was well-organized, safe and unforgettable.”
Duncan Tayebwa
Managing Director
Have questions? Duncan will personally help you plan your perfect safari.
Pricing
From $2,000 per person — permits $1,030 extra (gorilla + chimp + cruise)
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