5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a friendly representative from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd will be there to welcome you to the Pearl of Africa. After a short briefing about your upcoming 5 Days Uganda Safari adventure, you will embark on a scenic road journey to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The drive, which takes approximately 5-6 hours, offers a fantastic introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes, from bustling towns to rolling tea plantations and lush tropical forests.

As you travel through the Ugandan countryside, your 5 Days Uganda Safari guide will share insights about the local culture, history, and wildlife. You will pass through vibrant trading centers and rural villages, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the Ugandan people. The landscape becomes increasingly verdant as you approach Fort Portal, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the Mountains of the Moon.

Upon Arrival at Kibale Forest Camp

Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check in to your eco-lodge or forest resort, where you can relax and take in the serene atmosphere of the forest. The lodges in this area are designed to blend harmoniously with the environment and offer stunning views of the forest canopy. Enjoy a delicious dinner as you listen to the calls of forest creatures echoing through the night.

This first day sets the tone for your 5 Days Uganda Safari, with a perfect mix of travel, sightseeing, and relaxation, as you prepare for an incredible chimpanzee tracking adventure the following day.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day two of your 5 Days Uganda Safari begins with an early breakfast, after which you will head to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will then embark on your chimpanzee tracking expedition, guided by experienced trackers who know the forest and its inhabitants intimately.

Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to see these intelligent primates in the wild. The tracking experience can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzee troops. As you trek through the forest, you may also encounter other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as a variety of forest birds and butterflies.

Spend 1 Hour with the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest

When you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend a magical one hour observing their behavior. Watch as they groom, feed, play, and communicate with each other using complex vocalizations and gestures. This close encounter with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom is both moving and educational, offering a deeper appreciation for primate conservation.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run ecotourism project adjacent to Kibale Forest. This guided swamp walk is a haven for bird watchers, with species like the Great Blue Turaco frequently spotted. You’ll also learn about traditional medicinal plants and local customs from knowledgeable community guides. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a restful night.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

After breakfast on day 3 of 5 Days Uganda Safari, it’s time to journey to one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural reserves in Africa: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive from Kibale to Bwindi takes about 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions, but the scenic beauty along the way makes the journey enjoyable. You will pass through a variety of landscapes, including tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional farmlands, with occasional stops for photography and refreshments.

As you approach Bwindi, the terrain becomes more mountainous and forested, offering a glimpse into the park’s dense jungle environment. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, which is typically nestled on the edge of the forest with panoramic views of the canopy and surrounding hills. After some time to relax and settle in, you will participate in a Batwa Cultural Experience.

How is the Batwa Cultural Experience Like?

The Batwa people, also known as the “keepers of the forest,” are the indigenous inhabitants of Bwindi. They lived as hunter-gatherers in the forest for generations before it was designated a national park. During your cultural tour, Batwa guides will take you on a walk through their ancestral lands, sharing stories, songs, and demonstrations of traditional hunting techniques, fire-making, and medicinal plant use. You will gain a profound understanding of how their lives were intertwined with the forest and the impact of conservation efforts on their community.

This immersive experience highlights the importance of cultural preservation and community-based tourism. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking safari adventure.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Today marks the pinnacle of your 5 Days Uganda Safari adventure: the Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety. You will be assigned to a gorilla family and a team of rangers and trackers who will guide you on your trek.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. The forest is dense and the terrain can be steep, but the journey through the ancient rainforest is enchanting. Along the way, your 5 Days Uganda Safari guides will share information about the flora and fauna, including rare bird species, colorful butterflies, and medicinal plants.

How does Spending 1 Hour with the Mountain Gorillas Feels Like?

When you finally locate the gorilla group, you will spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. Observe them as they go about their daily routines: feeding on leaves, playing, resting, and interacting with one another. The dominant silverback is particularly impressive, exuding strength and wisdom. This rare opportunity to observe critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a profound and emotional experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Spend the afternoon enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings, perhaps with a massage, a nature walk, or simply soaking in the views. Share stories of your 5 Days Uganda Safari adventure over dinner before retiring for the night.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe, marking the end of your 5-day Uganda chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari. The drive takes about 8-9 hours, but as with previous travel days, your 5 Days Uganda Safari guide will make the journey as comfortable and enriching as possible. You may stop at the Equator monument in Kayabwe, a popular tourist attraction where you can take photos and purchase souvenirs from local artisans.

This final road transfer gives you time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past five days—from the excitement of tracking chimpanzees in Kibale to the awe of encountering mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, welcoming people, and extraordinary wildlife make it a truly unique destination.

Check-in Entebbe Airport and Flight Back Home

Your 5 Days Uganda Safari guide will ensure that you arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight. Should your flight be scheduled for the following day, Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd can help you arrange for an overnight stay in Entebbe.

As your 5 Days Uganda Safari comes to a close, you will leave with unforgettable memories, a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation, and perhaps a desire to return to Uganda’s wilderness once more.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: None
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water

End of 5 Days Uganda Safari