5 Days Uganda Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

Uganda: Private tour • 5 days

Tour overview

5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, this trip starts and ends in Kampala/Entebbe. The safari takes you to two of the top primate safari destinations offering you a unique encounter with the gentle giants in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will meet the gorillas in their Natural habitat. Bwindi is a home to half of the world remaining population of the gorillas. chimpanzee trekking takes you to Ugandan’s primate capital of the world, Kibale forest national park, boosting with the biggest population of chimpanzees in the word. In Kibale forest, you will have an encounter with the group of chimps in their Natural habitat. Kibale forest has got a total of 13 primate species thriving in the tropical forest. Besides the chimps, you will also encounter other primate species as well as a wide array of bird species among others.

Safari Highlights

  • Day 1: arrival / pick up and transfer to kibale forest National Park
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Bigodi Nature Walk
  • Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Day 4: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 5: Morning canoe(optional) and Departure

Your 5-day Uganda safari, day by day

Each day below shows where you go, what you experience, and where you can stay—luxury, mid-range, and budget lodge options included.

  1. kila

    Day 1

    Arrival/ Pick up from hotel and transfer to Kibale forest National Park

    You will be picked up on arrival at Entebbe international airport/ or at the hotel in Kampala/Entebbe after morning breakfast and begin your journey to , renowned for its diverse primate population. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with stops along the way to stretch your legs and take in the views. You will arrive in Fort Portal, a charming town nestled at the base of the , in time for lunch. Fort Portal is known for its vibrant markets and historical landmarks, and you will have the opportunity to explore the town before continuing to Kibale. Upon arrival at your lodge, you will have the rest of the evening to relax and prepare for the next day's adventures.

    Meal plan
    Lunch and dinner

    Where you stay

    • Luxury Primate lodge/ Crater safari lodge
  2. chimpanzees

    Day 2

    Morning chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Bigodi Nature Walk

    Today, you will embark on an exciting trek to see the chimpanzees of . After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the day's activities. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will venture into the forest, following the calls of the chimpanzees as they move through the treetops. Kibale Forest is home to the highest density of primates in Africa, and you may also encounter other species such as red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Spending time with the chimpanzees is a thrilling experience, as you watch them forage, play, and interact with each other. In the afternoon, you will return to the lodge for lunch and have the option to participate in a nature walk, bird watching, or visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

    Where you stay

    • Luxury Primate lodge/ Crater safari lodge
  3. chimps

    Day 3

    Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

    After breakfast, you will exit the park and transfer to Bwindi Forest home to half of the world's mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the lush landscapes of Uganda, with views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and quaint villages. You will stop for lunch in Mbarara, a bustling town known for its lively markets and local cuisine. As you continue your journey, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with dense forests and mist-covered mountains. Arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon, you will have time to settle in and enjoy the serene surroundings. Dinner will be served at the lodge, offering a taste of local and international dishes.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Where you stay

    • Luxury Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge/ Mahogany springs lodge
    • Mid-Range Ichumbi gorilla lodge/Gorilla mist camp / four gorillas lodge
    • Budget Buhoma community Rest camp/ Broadbill Forest Camp
  4. uf gorillas

    Day 4

    Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    The day begins early with a hearty breakfast, preparing you for one of the most memorable experiences of your life: gorilla trekking. After a briefing by park rangers, you will set off into the dense rainforest, accompanied by guides and trackers. The trek can be challenging, traversing steep and uneven terrain, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you move deeper into the forest, the anticipation builds until you finally encounter a family of mountain gorillas. Watching these gentle giants interact in their natural habitat is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. You will spend an hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior and capturing unforgettable photographs. After the trek, you will return to the park offices where you will be awarded with the certificate of participation in Gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you will drive to the lodge and check put and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for peaceful rest after the long day gorilla trekking. Lake Bunyonyi is highly visited by many visitors coming Bwindi. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Where you stay

    • Luxury Four Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
    • Mid-Range Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
    • Budget Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Broadbill Forest Camp
  5. Day 5

    Departure from Bwindi to Entebbe/Kampala

    After breakfast, check out from your lodge and begin your journey out of Bwindi.

    Because you've already completed the gorilla trek the previous day, there is no rushed morning activity. You can have breakfast at your own pace before starting the return journey.

    For travelers returning by road, the journey takes you through the scenic southwestern Ugandan countryside, with opportunities to stop for lunch and refreshments along the way.

    If the schedule allows, you can make a stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs, souvenirs and a short break before continuing toward Kampala or Entebbe. Similar Bwindi departure itineraries use the Equator as an optional en-route stop.

    Alternatively, if the traveler prefers a quicker and more comfortable departure, a domestic flight from Kihihi or Kisoro to Entebbe can be arranged depending on the Bwindi trekking sector and flight schedule.

    For an international flight on the same day, I would recommend a late evening departure if traveling by road. Otherwise, the domestic flight option gives much more flexibility.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast and lunch

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included
Accommodation and meals
Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
Services of professional safari driver guide
Gorilla permit
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Bigodi nature walk
Bunyonyi canoe boat
Bottled mineral water during the trip
What's not included
Visas
Travel Tickets
Personal insurance
Optional activities
Accommodation after the trip can be arranged at an extra cost
All items of personal nature including Tips, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry among others.

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  • Duration: 5 days
  • Tour type: Uganda: Private tour • 5 days

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