This 5-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari combines unforgettable primate encounters with beautiful landscapes and relaxing moments in southwestern Uganda. Explore Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s renowned destinations for chimpanzee tracking, before travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an extraordinary mountain gorilla trekking experience.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
The journey also includes time at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, where you can relax and enjoy optional activities surrounded by spectacular hills and islands.
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your safari begins with pickup from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, with a lunch stop along the way and opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery of the Ugandan countryside.
Upon arrival in the Kibale area, check in at your lodge and settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and views of the forest. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the ranger guides. You will learn about chimpanzee trekking guidelines and safety procedures before entering the forest.
Begin your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest, walking through the lush tropical vegetation in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. Along the way, keep an eye out for other primates, birds, butterflies and forest wildlife. When you encounter the chimpanzees, enjoy watching them move through the trees and observe their natural behaviour.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is known for its rich birdlife and several primate species, offering another opportunity to experience Uganda’s diverse wildlife before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The journey takes you through beautiful countryside and near Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and warthogs along the way. Continue towards Kihihi, where you can stop for lunch and, if time allows, explore the local town or market.
After lunch, proceed to Bwindi. As you approach the forest, the landscape changes dramatically into rolling hills covered with dense green vegetation. Check in at your lodge and prepare for the following day’s Uganda gorilla trekking experience.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. Your ranger guides will provide important information about trekking procedures and responsible gorilla viewing.
Carry your packed lunch and begin the trek into the ancient Bwindi forest. The hike can take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family you are tracking. The trail may involve steep slopes, muddy paths and dense vegetation, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat while following the official viewing guidelines. Watch their behaviour, capture photographs and appreciate the remarkable experience of being close to these endangered mountain apes.
After the trek, return to the starting point before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi. Relax at your accommodation and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the lake and surrounding terraced hills. Depending on your interests and available time, optional activities may include a canoe ride, boat trip or community visit.
Day 5: Transfer to Kampala, Entebbe or Kigali
After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Kampala or Entebbe, with the option of continuing to Kigali depending on your travel arrangements.
Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through southwestern Uganda. Have lunch along the way and make a stop at the Equator crossing, where you can take photographs, explore the area and participate in some of the demonstrations available at the site.
Continue to Entebbe or Kampala, arriving later in the afternoon or evening. If you are flying out of Uganda, you will be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport in time for your scheduled flight.
Your 5-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari comes to an end with wonderful memories of chimpanzees in Kibale, mountain gorillas in Bwindi and the beautiful landscapes of Uganda.