5 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Uganda
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Duration
Overview
The 5 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Uganda is a carefully designed primate-focused journey that combines two of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters in one compact itinerary. This safari takes you deep into the tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking and onward to the mist-covered mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable mountain gorilla experience.
Ideal for travelers who want to maximize primate encounters within a short timeframe, this safari blends forest trekking, scenic countryside drives, cultural interactions, and comfortable lodge stays. You will travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide, ensuring flexibility, safety, and a seamless experience from start to finish.
Detailed Tour Plan
Your safari begins with early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Drive westward toward Kibale National Park, passing through tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional villages.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge near the forest. Relax and enjoy the peaceful rainforest atmosphere while preparing for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before entering the forest in search of chimpanzees. Trekking can last between two and five hours depending on their movement. Once located, spend one hour observing their behavior in the wild as they feed, groom, and communicate.
Return to the lodge for lunch before continuing your journey south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive offers spectacular views of the Rift Valley landscapes.
Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge near the park sector where your gorilla trek is scheduled.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for registration and ranger briefing. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family and guided into the dense rainforest.
The trek may last from two to eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the family at close range. Watch as silverbacks guard their groups, juveniles play, and mothers nurture their infants.
Return to the lodge for relaxation after this extraordinary wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning. Optional activities include a guided community walk or Batwa cultural experience to learn about traditional forest life and conservation efforts.
The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the serene mountain scenery, birdwatching around the lodge, or simply relaxing after your trekking adventures.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin the scenic return drive to Entebbe or Kampala. Stop at the Equator crossing for photos and lunch en route.
Arrive in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Uganda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included/Exclude
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the safari
- Return road transport from Entebbe or Kampala
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park
- Park entry fees for all mentioned national parks
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking experience
- Ranger-guided chimpanzee trekking experience
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Accommodation for 4 nights in safari lodges or tented camps
- All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Government taxes and park conservation fees
- International flights
- travel insurance
- tips
- alcoholic drinks
- optional activities not mentioned.
