5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
The 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari is a carefully designed journey that combines the best of Uganda’s primate experiences with cultural encounters and a touch of Rwandan charm. This safari allows travelers to explore two of East Africa’s most treasured rainforests—Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of wild chimpanzees, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas.
The journey begins with a transfer from Entebbe to Kibale, where travelers trek into the forest to meet chimpanzees and explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. From there, the safari continues to Bwindi for a Batwa cultural experience and the unforgettable highlight of gorilla trekking. After this life-changing adventure, the trip extends into Rwanda with a scenic drive to Kigali City, where travelers spend the night and later enjoy a guided half-day city tour before departure.
With mid-range lodges selected for comfort and scenic beauty, experienced guides ensuring safe and insightful treks, and a balance of wildlife and cultural activities, this safari is perfect for travelers seeking immersive encounters with Africa’s most iconic primates. It offers not just sightings of chimpanzees and gorillas but also cultural interactions, scenic drives, and a final glimpse of Rwanda’s urban charm, leaving you with lasting memories of an authentic East African adventure.
5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Day |
Activity |
Accommodation |
Day 1 |
Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Drive to Kibale Forest National Park | Turaco Treetops Kibale Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water |
Day 2 |
Go Chimpanzee Tracking and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest National Park | Turaco Treetops Kibale Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water |
Day 3 |
Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Have Batwa Cultural Experience and Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water |
Day 4 |
Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Afternoon Drive to Kigali City | Hotel Des Mille Collines Rwanda
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water |
Day 5 |
Half Day Kigali City Tour and Afternoon is Reserved for a Flight Back Home | None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water |
Tour Quotation Based on Mid-range Safari
| No. of People | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
| Rate Per Person | US$2,870 | US$2,659 | US$2,600 |
Single Room Supplement: US$US$190
Africa Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris
Detailed 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a warm welcome awaits you from a professional driver-guide representing Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd. After introductions and a safari briefing, you embark on a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. This 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari journey takes you through the picturesque countryside, small towns, and lush plantations of bananas, tea, and coffee that paint a colorful picture of Ugandan life. Along the way, you enjoy a lunch stop before continuing towards the park.
Kibale Forest, often referred to as the primate capital of the world, is home to 13 primate species, including a thriving population of chimpanzees. On arrival, you check in at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a mid-range lodge nestled in the forest’s edge, offering a comfortable retreat with excellent views and warm hospitality. The lodge provides modern amenities, delicious meals, and a tranquil environment surrounded by natural beauty.
After settling in, you may spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serene forest atmosphere or relaxing by the lodge’s terrace. Dinner is served at the lodge restaurant before retiring to your room for a restful night, preparing for the next day’s exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure.
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Kibale Lodge
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk in Kibale Forest
Your day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking experience. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you join your group and set off into the dense forest. Kibale offers one of the best opportunities to track wild chimpanzees, with a success rate of over 90 percent. The forest trails lead you through towering trees, fresh air, and bird calls as your guide helps you locate the chimpanzees.
Once you encounter a chimpanzee troop, you spend an hour observing them closely. Watch as they swing through trees, groom each other, play, and display human-like social behaviors. This unforgettable 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari experience highlights the close connection between humans and these intelligent primates. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
In the afternoon, you set out on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project near the park. The wetland is rich in biodiversity, hosting monkeys, birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, and colorful butterflies. Local guides explain the importance of the swamp to both wildlife and the surrounding communities. The walk provides another perspective of Uganda’s rich ecosystems while supporting local initiatives.
Later, return to Turaco Treetops Lodge for dinner and overnight, reflecting on the day’s primate and wetland encounters.
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Kibale Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience
After breakfast, you begin your 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari journey from Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. This scenic drive passes through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and lively roadside markets that offer glimpses of Uganda’s countryside life. En route, you enjoy lunch and continue to the forested highlands.
Upon arrival in Bwindi, you participate in a Batwa cultural experience, one of the highlights of the region. The Batwa, indigenous forest dwellers who once lived in Bwindi before it was gazetted as a national park, share their rich traditions and knowledge of the forest. Through storytelling, dances, and demonstrations of survival skills such as hunting and herbal medicine, you gain insights into their way of life. This cultural encounter complements the natural wonders of Bwindi and deepens your appreciation of Uganda’s heritage.
After the cultural activity, you check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, a mid-range lodge located close to the park entrance. With its forest views and welcoming service, the lodge offers a relaxing atmosphere to prepare for the gorilla trekking experience the next day. Dinner is served at the lodge before you retire for the night.
- Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Kigali City (Rwanda)
This day marks the highlight of your 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari —mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by rangers. Equipped with your packed lunch, water, and trekking gear, you join your group and enter the dense forest. The trek can take between two to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, but the experience is worth every step.
Upon locating a gorilla family, you spend one magical hour in their company. Watching the silverback guard his family, mothers nurture their young, and juveniles play is a deeply moving and unforgettable encounter. This rare experience creates lasting memories and highlights the importance of conservation efforts protecting these endangered primates.
After the trek, you return to the lodge briefly before beginning a scenic drive across the border into Rwanda. You arrive in Kigali City, where you check in at the famous Hotel Des Mille Collines, a historic and comfortable hotel offering panoramic views and modern amenities. Dinner and overnight are enjoyed here as you unwind from the day’s adventure.
- Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Collines Rwanda
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Your final day begins with breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a guided Kigali city tour. This half-day experience introduces you to Rwanda’s capital, often referred to as one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities. Key highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a moving account of Rwanda’s history and resilience, as well as visits to local markets, craft centers, and cultural landmarks. The city tour provides a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s culture, history, and rapid development.
After the 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari, you return to the hotel for an early lunch or refreshments before preparing for your flight. Depending on your departure schedule, your guide ensures timely transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari, leaving you with remarkable memories of chimpanzees in Kibale, gorillas in Bwindi, and the cultural and urban charms of Rwanda.
- Accommodation: None (departure day)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water
5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers (Entebbe on arrival and Kigali on departure)
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (mid-range lodges/hotels)
- All meals during the safari as listed (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water)
- Park entry fees for Kibale and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
- Guided Bigodi swamp walk
- Kigali half-day city tour
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Safari Exclusions
- International flights and visas (Uganda and Rwanda)
- Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and personal expenses
- Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Entebbe or Kigali
