6-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Uganda Adventure
Entebbe • Kibale National Park • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trip Summary
- •Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- •Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- •Scenic bush flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote
Safari Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime primate adventure through Uganda's pristine rainforests. This 6-day journey takes you deep into the heart of Africa's most spectacular primate habitats. Trek through the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and explore Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world, where you'll track playful chimpanzee families.
This intimate adventure combines thrilling wildlife encounters with comfortable lodge accommodations and seamless logistics, including a scenic bush flight from Bwindi back to Entebbe. Experience Uganda's incredible biodiversity while contributing to local conservation efforts and community development. From the moment you arrive at Entebbe until your departure, every detail is carefully arranged to ensure an unforgettable primate tracking experience.
Led by expert local guides with deep knowledge of primate behavior, you'll gain unique insights into the lives of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. This safari offers not just wildlife viewing but a profound connection with nature and an understanding of the critical conservation work protecting these endangered species.
Adventure Highlights
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek through Bwindi's ancient rainforest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family—one of nature's most profound wildlife encounters.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Follow expert trackers through Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees as they feed, play, and socialize in their natural habitat.
Pristine Rainforests
Explore Uganda's lush tropical forests, home to incredible biodiversity including 13 primate species and over 350 bird species.
Scenic Bush Flight
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views on a chartered flight from Bwindi's remote forests back to Entebbe, saving time and adding adventure.
UNESCO World Heritage
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site protecting half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Conservation Impact
Your safari directly supports gorilla conservation and provides income to local communities protecting these endangered primates.
Your Accommodations
Karibu Guesthouse
Boutique hotel in former presidential residence, 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport with personalized service, swimming pool, and 24-hour reception.
Isunga Lodge
Comfortable lodge near Kibale National Park, perfect base for chimpanzee tracking with forest views and peaceful gardens.
Haven Lodge Buhoma Community
Community-owned lodge at edge of Bwindi forest. Your stay directly benefits local communities protecting mountain gorillas.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to Karibu Guesthouse, a charming boutique hotel set in a former presidential residence. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, Karibu offers a peaceful sanctuary with personalized service, a relaxing swimming pool, and comfortable accommodations. Take time to rest and acclimate after your international flight. The 24-hour reception ensures a smooth arrival regardless of your flight time. Dinner and overnight at Karibu Guesthouse.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive westward to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey takes you through Uganda's verdant countryside, past tea plantations, small villages, and the lush landscapes of the Western Rift Valley. Stop for lunch en route before arriving at Isunga Lodge in the afternoon. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings. In the evening, your guide will brief you on tomorrow's chimpanzee tracking adventure. Dinner and overnight at Isunga Lodge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Today brings one of Africa's most exciting primate encounters. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by ranger guides. Then venture into Kibale's dense tropical rainforest to track a habituated chimpanzee community. Kibale protects over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Listen for the distinctive pant-hoots of chimps calling through the forest canopy. Once located, spend up to one hour observing these intelligent primates as they feed on figs, groom each other, and move through the trees. The forest walk itself is a sensory experience—birds call overhead, butterflies flutter past, and the rich scent of vegetation fills the air. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Isunga Lodge.
Day 4: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through stunning landscapes—rolling hills covered in terraced farms, banana plantations, and dramatic mountain scenery. Stop for lunch and photo opportunities along the way. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes more mountainous and the vegetation increasingly lush. Arrive at Haven Lodge Buhoma Community in the late afternoon. This community-owned lodge offers comfortable accommodations with views over the forest where mountain gorillas roam. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and what to expect tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at Haven Lodge Buhoma Community.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
The highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters with your gorilla permit. Park rangers will assign you to a specific gorilla family group and brief you on trekking guidelines. Then, accompanied by experienced trackers and armed rangers, begin your trek into the impenetrable forest. The terrain can be challenging—steep slopes, dense vegetation, and muddy paths—but the reward is extraordinary. Trekking time varies from 2-8 hours depending on gorilla location, as these wild animals move freely through the forest. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, the moment is nothing short of magical. Spend one precious hour observing these gentle giants—watching silverbacks guard their families, juveniles play wrestle, mothers nurse infants, and the whole group interact with remarkable human-like behavior. The experience is profoundly moving and offers deep insights into our evolutionary cousins. After your allotted hour, trek back to the starting point. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and to share stories with fellow trekkers. Dinner and overnight at Haven Lodge Buhoma Community.
Day 6: Bush Flight to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, transfer to Kihihi airstrip for your scenic bush flight back to Entebbe. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Uganda's dramatic landscapes—mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland spread beneath you. The flight saves considerable driving time and adds an adventurous finale to your safari. Upon landing at Entebbe Airport, you'll either connect with your international departure flight or, if time permits, explore Entebbe's attractions such as the Botanical Gardens. End of safari services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking difficulty varies significantly depending on which gorilla family you're assigned and their current location. Some treks may be just 1-2 hours roundtrip on relatively gentle terrain, while others can take 6-8 hours through steep, muddy, and densely vegetated slopes. You need to be in reasonably good physical condition with the ability to hike for several hours at altitude (1,500-2,600m). Walking sticks are provided, and porters are available to help carry your backpack and assist on difficult sections.
What's included in the gorilla permit cost?
The USD $800 gorilla permit (included in your safari price) gives you one hour with a specific gorilla family group. This fee directly supports gorilla conservation, park management, anti-poaching patrols, and provides revenue to local communities living adjacent to the park. Your permit also covers the services of expert trackers who locate the gorillas, armed rangers for security, and a naturalist guide who interprets gorilla behavior.
Can I see both gorillas and chimpanzees on this safari?
Yes! This 6-day itinerary is specifically designed to include both chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park (Day 3) and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Day 5). Both tracking permits are included in your safari package. You'll experience the dramatic contrast between these two great ape species.
How far in advance should I book this safari?
We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for travel during peak seasons (June-September and December-February). Gorilla permits are limited—only 8 permits are issued per gorilla family per day to minimize disturbance to the gorillas. Permits sell out quickly, particularly for popular travel months.
Trip Summary
- •Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- •Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- •Scenic bush flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote