5 Days /
4 Nights
5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking
Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overview
Embark on the ultimate primate adventure through Uganda's most biodiverse forests Kibale and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. This 5-day safari offers an intimate encounter with two of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Begin your journey in Kibale National Park, home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa, where you'll track wild chimpanzees through lush rainforests. Then travel to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a life-changing mountain gorilla tracking experience. This carefully crafted itinerary combines incredible wildlife encounters with scenic drives through Uganda's stunning landscapes, comfortable accommodations, and cultural interactions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Your primate adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Fort Portal, the tourism hub of western Uganda. Enjoy views of lush tea plantations, traditional homesteads, and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale National Park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project rich in biodiversity. Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and numerous bird species. This gentle walk serves as a perfect introduction to Uganda's primate diversity.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After an early breakfast, report to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing by park rangers. Enter the dense rainforest of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees. Kibale is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees and offers one of Africa's highest success rates for chimpanzee viewing. You'll spend an unforgettable hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, play, groom, and swing through the forest canopy. The forest also hosts 12 other primate species including red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys. After lunch, enjoy a swamp walk or visit the nearby crater lakes region before returning to your lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. You'll pass through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (time permitting), famous for its tree-climbing lions. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, situated on the edge of the ancient rainforest. Enjoy the stunning views of the mist-covered forest and prepare for tomorrow's gorilla tracking adventure with a briefing from your guide.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Day and Visit to the Batwa Community
This is the day you've been waiting for! After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You'll be assigned to a gorilla family group and accompanied by experienced trackers and rangers. The trek through the dense, ancient forest can be challenging but immensely rewarding. When you encounter the gorillas, you'll have one magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they go about their daily lives - feeding, playing, grooming, and caring for their young. This is often described as a life-changing experience. In the afternoon, you may visit the local community or simply relax at your lodge, reflecting on this incredible encounter.
Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive takes you through beautiful scenery with opportunities for photography and last-minute souvenir shopping. Stop for lunch at the Equator line for photos and optional craft shopping. Arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable primate encounter safari. Depending on your flight schedule, we can arrange for a day room or transfer directly to the airport.
What's Included
- Gorilla tracking permit (US$800 per person)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All park entry fees
- Accommodation (4 nights)
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Drinking water in vehicle
What's Not Included
- International flights & visas
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Personal shopping & souvenirs
- Activities not mentioned in itinerary
Helpful Tips
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits must be booked months in advance
- Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Fitness level: Moderate to strenuous for tracking
- Packing: Waterproof gear, hiking boots, gloves
Book This Trip
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