8 Days: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Four & Community Conservation Experience

Discover the Pearl of Africa through an unforgettable journey that combines iconic wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and meaningful community engagement. This safari is designed for travelers who want more than just a holiday—it is an opportunity to experience Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity while directly supporting conservation and local communities.

Yes — Uganda is generally a very safe country to visit, especially when traveling with an organized tour like ours. On our trips, you’ll be with trusted private guides and drivers who know the areas well, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

As with any destination, it’s wise to take basic precautions: avoid exploring cities like Kampala or Entebbe alone at night, keep valuables secure and close to you, skip wearing flashy jewelry, and store important documents such as passports in your hotel safe. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be free to enjoy Uganda’s beauty and warm hospitality with peace of mind.

Every trip with Amatsiko Tours is designed to be more than a holiday — it’s a meaningful connection to Uganda. We blend unforgettable experiences like gorilla trekking, game drives, and cultural encounters with the knowledge that your visit directly supports local communities. A portion of every booking funds education through Amatsiko Preparatory School and community projects like clean water and sustainable farming. You’ll travel with warm, knowledgeable local guides, enjoy carefully chosen accommodations, and leave knowing your journey has made a real difference.

Absolutely. At Amatsiko Tours, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. We start by listening to your interests, travel style, and must-see moments, then design an itinerary that fits you perfectly. You can build your trip from scratch or use one of our popular tours as inspiration — either way, our team will fine-tune every detail so your Uganda adventure feels truly your own.

Yes! Uganda offers the chance to see the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — along with plenty of other incredible wildlife. On safari, you might also spot hyenas, hippos, zebras, the unique Ugandan kob, and over 1,000 bird species in every shape and color. And if you love primates, you’re in the right place: Uganda’s forests are home to 24 species of monkeys, from nocturnal galagos to striking blue monkeys — and, of course, the unforgettable mountain gorilla.

8 Days: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Four & Community Conservation Experience Overview

Price

Meals

Best Time

24 Oct – 1 Nov 2026

Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit (US$800)
  • • Chimpanzee tracking permit (US$250)
  • • 7 nights accommodation
  • • All meals throughout the safari
  • • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • • Airport transfers
  • • All park entrance fees
  • • All game drives
  • • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • • Lake Bunyonyi boat cruise
  • • Guided walking safari in Lake Mburo
  • • Bigodi Community Experience
  • • Coffee experience
  • • Traditional banana gin experience
  • • Batwa cultural experience
  • • Visit to Amatsiko Preparatory School and community projects
  • • Bottled drinking water while on safari
  • • Government taxes

Excluded

  • • International flights
  • • Uganda tourist visa
  • • Travel insurance
  • • Personal expenses
  • • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • • Laundry services
  • • Tips and gratuities
  • • Optional activities not mentioned
  • • Items of a personal nature

Good to know

This journey is much more than a wildlife safari. It combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences—including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the Big Four—with authentic cultural encounters and meaningful community engagement. Every booking with Amatsiko Tours helps support education, conservation and sustainable livelihoods through Amatsiko Preparatory School and local community initiatives, making your adventure a truly positive force for people and nature.

Ready to create memories that last a lifetime?


You can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work with you to create your dream journey!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

  • Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Amatsiko Tours guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax by the lake or explore the vibrant surroundings of Entebbe.
  • Accommodation: Via Via Entebbe
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park

  • After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate capital.
  • Equator crossing in Masaka for photos and demonstrations.
  • Spectacular countryside filled with rolling hills, tea plantations and traditional villages. Scenic views of volcanic crater lakes.
  • Evening Bigodi Community Walk.
  • Visit local coffee farmers.
  • Traditional banana gin (Waragi) brewing experience.
  • Learn about sustainable community tourism initiatives.
  • Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Begin the day with one of Africa’s finest chimpanzee tracking experiences in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by expert rangers, follow wild chimpanzees while learning about their behaviour and the rich rainforest ecosystem.
  • After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying spectacular scenery along the way.
  • Accommodation: Songbird Safari Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Today offers incredible opportunities for wildlife photography.
  • Early morning game drive searching for elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kob, hyenas and many other animals.
  • Afternoon boat safari on the famous Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
  • Evening game drive for more wildlife viewing and beautiful sunset photography.
  • Accommodation: Songbird Safari Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Travel south towards the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Museum to learn about traditional salt mining.
  • Kitagata Hot Springs.
  • Beautiful scenic viewpoints.
  • Evening Batwa Cultural Experience, where the indigenous Batwa people share their fascinating forest heritage, music, dance and traditional survival skills.
  • Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi

  • Today is the highlight of your Ugandan adventure.
  • After an early briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek through the ancient rainforest in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Spending one unforgettable hour with a gorilla family is one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences.
  • After the trek, transfer to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, often called “The Switzerland of Africa.”
  • Accommodation: Eco Resort Bunyonyi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi – Amatsiko Community Experience – Lake Mburo National Park

  • Enjoy an early morning motorboat cruise on the beautiful islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Later visit Amatsiko Preparatory School.
  • Meet local children and teachers.
  • Learn how responsible tourism supports education and community development.
  • Experience authentic village life and community projects.
  • After lunch, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
  • Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Walking Safari & Departure

  • Begin the day with a guided walking safari, offering a unique opportunity to walk among zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands and many other wildlife species.
  • Enjoy a short game drive before beginning your return journey to Entebbe.
  • Stop again at the Equator for lunch and souvenir shopping before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Highlights

  • Entebbe
  • Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Boat safari on the famous Kazinga Channel
  • Gorilla Trekking  in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Lake Bunyonyi
  • Lake Mburo National Park
  • Kabale
  • Walking Safari with giraffes
  • Equator

Packing Tips

Pack light, comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking boots with good grip, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Long trousers, long socks and gardening gloves are useful for forest treks, while neutral, breathable clothing works well for safari days. Don’t forget insect repellent, sun protection, a small daypack, binoculars and a power bank for those all-important wildlife photos.

Read our What to Pack for Uganda: The Complete Traveler’s Checklist

Traveller experiences

 
“An absolutely unforgettable experience. Seeing chimpanzees in Kibale and coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi were moments I’ll never forget, but what made the trip truly special was experiencing Uganda beyond the wildlife. Meeting local communities and visiting Amatsiko Preparatory School gave the whole journey so much more meaning. We felt incredibly well looked after throughout and came home with wonderful memories and a real connection to Uganda.”
Anne-Cecile, France

Why travel with Amatsiko Tours?

With Amatsiko Tours, you’ll experience Uganda in a deeper, more meaningful way—guided by locals, welcomed like family, and part of something bigger.

  • Private, purpose-led safaris – Tailored adventures that directly support local communities
  • Expert English speaking local guides – Passionate storytellers who bring Uganda’s landscapes and culture to life.
  • Travel that gives back – 20% of your fee funds Amatsiko School, helping over 400 children.
  • Real support, every step – Friendly, honest advice from people who genuinely care about your journey.

Ready to create memories that last a lifetime?


You can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work with you to create your dream journey!