Uganda Photographic Safari Gorillas, Chimps and Uganda’s Wildlife
24th - 30th June 2027 | 6 nights, 7 days
Non Resident Rates
USD 5,500 per person on twin sharing basis
USD 6,000 per person on single occupancy basis
Kenyan Citizen Rates
USD 4,500 per person on twin sharing basis
USD 5,000 per person on single occupancy basis
3 of 4 Spots Available
In June 2027, Nili will be exclusively hosting an intimate small-group expedition for 4 guests in Uganda. This itinerary moves at an unhurried pace through unforgettable landscapes – a shoebill wetland excursion, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, wildlife on the Kazinga Channel, and the defining encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Safari Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Entebbe
Transfer time: approximately 20 minutes
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), where your Jungle Chic representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the first evening in Uganda - the celebrated 'Pearl of Africa' - a country of deep lakes, verdant hills and extraordinary biodiversity.
STAY Boma Entebbe or similar
MEALS Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2
Mabamba Swamp & Kibale Forest
Drive time: approximately 5 to 6 hours
After breakfast, head to the Mabamba Swamp on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This wetland is renowned for the remarkable shoebill and supports more than 300 bird species. Later, continue on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species, including red colobus, chimpanzees and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as diverse forest wildlife.
STAY Bweza Kibale Lodge or similar
MEALS Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3
Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Cultural Experience
After breakfast, follow Kibale's forest trails in search of habituated chimpanzees. Watching them move, call and play in the canopy is an exhilarating wildlife encounter. In the afternoon, join a community walk in Bigodi. Depending on your interests, meet a traditional healer, visit local homes and hear stories of family life, ceremonies and the community's heritage. Time permitting, the experience may include a school, church and the vibrant trading centre.
STAY Bweza Kibale Lodge or similar
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive time: approximately 2.5 hours
This morning, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a landscape of open plains and rich wildlife. This afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre waterway known for its dense hippo population. Look out for crocodiles, buffalo and birds along the shore, then continue with a game drive before arriving at your lodge.
STAY Aardvark Safari Lodge or similar
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5
Into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive time: approximately 5 to 6 hours
After breakfast, continue into Uganda's western highlands and on to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas and is also a haven for chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, small antelope and exceptional birdlife, including Albertine Rift endemics.
STAY Emirambi Gorilla Lodge or similar
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6
Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Visit
This morning, enter Bwindi's tropical forest with ranger guides to trek in search of your allocated habituated gorilla family. Trek duration is unpredictable and terrain can be demanding; the reward is a precious hour observing these extraordinary primates in their natural habitat. Carry a packed lunch and water, and consider hiring a porter for support. Later, visit a Batwa community to learn about its cultural heritage and historic connection to the forest.
STAY Emirambi Gorilla Lodge or similar
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7
Bwindi to Entebbe
Flight time: approximately 1 hour
After breakfast, transfer to the relevant airstrip for the domestic flight to Entebbe. Connect with your onward international departure.
STAY No accommodation
MEALS Breakfast
Included in the Safari Price:
Accomodation and meals as per the above itinerary
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking fees
Ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography
Park entry fees, game drives, Mabamba swamp visit, Kazinga Channel boat trip and all stated transfers
Bigodi cultural experience and Batwa community visit
Services of a full-time English-speaking driver-guide while on safari
Domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
Drinking water and snacks while on safari
1-on-1 photographic tuition in the field
Excluded in the Safari Price:
International airfare and visa fees
Optional activities
Porter charges for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Terms and Conditions:
50% deposit required to confirm this booking.
Remaining 50% to be paid 6 weeks prior to travel.
Gorilla trekking is subject to permit availability at the time of booking. Permits are in high demand so we strongly recommend confirming your safari as early as possible.
Meet your Host
Jambo! I am Nili, born and raised in the picturesque town of Kitale, Kenya. My childhood was spent gazing at the stunning slopes of Mt. Elgon, which ignited my love for nature and wildlife from an early age. I moved to Perth, Australia, to complete my Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance, but my heart remained with the wild. After returning to Nairobi in 2013 and working in the corporate world, my interest in wildlife and photography evolved from a mere hobby to a full-fledged passion. By 2016, I was making regular safari trips with a basic Nikon DSLR camera, which deepened my love for photography. Gradually, I invested in better equipment and eventually left the corporate world to become a full-time wildlife photographer and safari planner. For me, conservation and understanding animal behavior are as important as capturing their beauty on camera.
FAQs
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. The forest terrain can be steep, muddy, uneven, and the trekking time is unpredictable. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and porters are available to assist.
Should I hire a porter?
Yes, we strongly recommend hiring a porter for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. Porters can carry your daypack, provide support on uneven terrain, and make the trek more comfortable. Porter charges are paid locally and are not included in the safari rate.
How close will we get to the gorillas?
Once the gorilla family is located, guests normally spend up to one hour observing them. Your ranger guide will explain the rules for a safe and respectful encounter.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years old.
What should I pack for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, gardening-style gloves, a small backpack, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. Neutral-coloured clothing is best.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, most lodges can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Please share any allergies, medical dietary needs, or preferences at the time of booking.
What are the drives like?
Some transfer days involve long scenic drives of approximately 5 to 6 hours. The journey also includes a domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe on the final day.
How many people will be in the group?
This is an intimate small-group safari for 4 travellers, offering a more personal and flexible experience.
Why June? June is one of the best times to visit Uganda as it marks the start of the long dry season, bringing drier trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, comfortable conditions for game drives and boat cruises, and excellent wildlife viewing in the national parks. The scenery remains beautifully lush, while clearer days make it ideal for exploring Bwindi, Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
