5-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Overview

This 5-day safari offers the ultimate primate adventure, combining the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with the thrilling chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to see both of Uganda’s most famous great apes in a single, action-packed trip.

Trip Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi: A life-changing encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale: Observing chimpanzees up close in their natural habitat.
  • Scenic drives: Travel through Uganda’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Support for conservation: Participate in ecotourism that directly benefits local communities and wildlife.

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Our driver-guide will greet you and brief you on the journey ahead. The drive to Kibale Forest National Park takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. You’ll pass through tea plantations and lush farmlands, with a lunch stop along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest. You’ll have time to check in, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. The evening is at your leisure to prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek.

  • Accommodation Options (Kibale):
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Turaco Treetops
  • Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
2

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing on the chimpanzee trekking rules and what to expect. You’ll be assigned a ranger guide and then enter the forest in search of these energetic primates. Kibale is known as the “primate capital of the world,” so your chances of a successful sighting are very high.

The trek can last between 2-4 hours. Once you find a chimpanzee community, you’ll have one hour to observe them as they groom, feed, and play in the forest canopy. The experience is fast-paced and exhilarating.

In the afternoon, you will begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, passing through lush terraced hills and charming villages. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and get ready for your gorilla trek the next day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
3

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll learn about the rules and safety precautions before being assigned a gorilla family to track.

The trek can be physically demanding and last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The feeling of finally coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is truly unforgettable. You’ll have one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, watching their interactions and behavior. It’s a humbling and deeply moving experience.

After your trek, you’ll receive a gorilla trekking certificate to commemorate your achievement before returning to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
4

Day 4: Optional Activities in Bwindi

This day is a chance to relax and enjoy the area or take part in an optional activity. You can choose to simply unwind at your lodge and soak in the serene atmosphere of the forest.

Alternatively, you could go on a village walk to learn about the local Bakiga and Batwa communities, experiencing their culture and traditional way of life. Another popular option is a forest walk to see different bird species and primates.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
5

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After a relaxed breakfast, you will begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The return journey takes you through different landscapes, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.

You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight, concluding your incredible 5-day primate safari.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi.
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale.
  • 4 nights’ accommodation on a full-board basis.
  • All transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottled drinking water during travel.
  • International flights and visas.
  • Optional activities on Day 4.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips, gratuities, and personal expenses.
Book Tour

Book This Tour

This 5-day safari offers the ultimate primate adventure, combining the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with the thrilling chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to see both of Uganda’s most famous great apes in a single, action-packed trip.

Trip Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi: A life-changing encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale: Observing chimpanzees up close in their natural habitat.
  • Scenic drives: Travel through Uganda’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Support for conservation: Participate in ecotourism that directly benefits local communities and wildlife.
1

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Our driver-guide will greet you and brief you on the journey ahead. The drive to Kibale Forest National Park takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. You’ll pass through tea plantations and lush farmlands, with a lunch stop along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest. You’ll have time to check in, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. The evening is at your leisure to prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek.

  • Accommodation Options (Kibale):
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Turaco Treetops
  • Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
2

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing on the chimpanzee trekking rules and what to expect. You’ll be assigned a ranger guide and then enter the forest in search of these energetic primates. Kibale is known as the “primate capital of the world,” so your chances of a successful sighting are very high.

The trek can last between 2-4 hours. Once you find a chimpanzee community, you’ll have one hour to observe them as they groom, feed, and play in the forest canopy. The experience is fast-paced and exhilarating.

In the afternoon, you will begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, passing through lush terraced hills and charming villages. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and get ready for your gorilla trek the next day.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
3

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll learn about the rules and safety precautions before being assigned a gorilla family to track.

The trek can be physically demanding and last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The feeling of finally coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is truly unforgettable. You’ll have one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, watching their interactions and behavior. It’s a humbling and deeply moving experience.

After your trek, you’ll receive a gorilla trekking certificate to commemorate your achievement before returning to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
4

Day 4: Optional Activities in Bwindi

This day is a chance to relax and enjoy the area or take part in an optional activity. You can choose to simply unwind at your lodge and soak in the serene atmosphere of the forest.

Alternatively, you could go on a village walk to learn about the local Bakiga and Batwa communities, experiencing their culture and traditional way of life. Another popular option is a forest walk to see different bird species and primates.

  • Accommodation Options (Bwindi – Buhoma/Ruhija Sector):
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages
5

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After a relaxed breakfast, you will begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The return journey takes you through different landscapes, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.

You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight, concluding your incredible 5-day primate safari.

  • Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi.
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale.
  • 4 nights’ accommodation on a full-board basis.
  • All transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottled drinking water during travel.
  • International flights and visa fees.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Laundry services.
  • Beverages and any other personal expenses.
  • Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Book Tour

Book This Tour

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