Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour

Arrival and Transfer to Entebbe Airport

Your exciting Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour adventure begins as you meet with our representative at your hotel or at Entebbe International Airport. After a warm welcome, you’ll be escorted to the airport to board your chartered flight to Kasese, a short distance from Kibale National Park. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic aerial views of Uganda’s varied landscapes, from verdant hills to expansive lakes.

Arrival in Kasese and Transfer to Kibale

Upon arrival at Kasese Airstrip, our Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour driver-guide will be ready to take you on a scenic transfer to your accommodation near Kibale National Park. The journey will take approximately 1-1.5 hours, passing through picturesque rural towns, tea plantations, and lush landscapes that provide an authentic glimpse into rural Ugandan life. As you approach Kibale, you’ll notice the forested hills and diverse ecosystems that make this region a haven for wildlife.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland Primate Walk

In the afternoon, you will embark on a guided primate walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just outside Kibale National Park. This sanctuary is a prime location for observing a variety of primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Additionally, there is a chance to encounter chimpanzees, which occasionally visit the wetland.

As you walk along the well-maintained trails, your Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour guide will point out the unique flora and fauna of the area. The Bigodi Wetland is also home to several bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. The walk provides a peaceful introduction to the wildlife of Kibale National Park, setting the stage for your upcoming chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Overnight in Kibale National Park

After an exciting day, you’ll check in to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Many lodges in Kibale offer spectacular views of the surrounding forest, allowing you to unwind while listening to the sounds of nature.

• Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to Kibale National Park for a chimpanzee tracking experience. Kibale is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees, and it is regarded as one of the best places in Africa to track these incredible primates. At the park’s headquarters, you will meet with your Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour expert guide, who will brief you on safety protocols and what to expect during the trek.

The trek through the dense forest can take between 1-4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups. As you move through the lush forest, you may encounter other primates, including red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. The forest is alive with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional calls of primates, making the experience both thrilling and immersive.

Once you encounter a group of chimpanzees, you’ll have one hour to observe their social behavior. You’ll witness them grooming, playing, and interacting, offering you an up-close view of these fascinating animals. The chimpanzees in Kibale are habituated to human presence, allowing for a more intimate Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour experience.

Afternoon: Relax and Optional Activities

After the chimpanzee tracking, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. If you are interested in more activities, you can choose to visit a nearby local community or explore additional trails within Kibale. Alternatively, enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding forest from the comfort of your lodge.

Overnight in Kibale National Park

Your second night will be spent at your lodge, offering a relaxing end to an exhilarating day of chimpanzee tracking.

• Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Morning: Transfer to Kasese and Flight to Bwindi

On Day 3, you’ll transfer back to Kasese for your flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda’s premier gorilla sanctuary. Your flight will take around 1 hour and offers incredible aerial views of the Great Rift Valley and the Virunga Mountains as you approach Bwindi.

Upon arrival at Bwindi Airstrip, you will be met by your Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour driver-guide and transferred to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive to the lodge will take around 1 hour, passing through picturesque villages and dramatic landscapes that prepare you for the awe-inspiring experience ahead.

Afternoon: Relax and Explore Bwindi

After arriving at your lodge, you’ll have some time to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Many lodges in Bwindi offer exceptional views of the forest, where you can watch for wildlife or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

You can opt for a nature walk in the forest or visit a nearby local village to learn about the Batwa people, who have lived in the region for centuries. These cultural encounters offer a fascinating insight into the lives of Uganda’s indigenous communities and their connection to the forest.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a relaxing afternoon, enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge before retiring for the night in preparation for tomorrow’s exhilarating gorilla trek.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highlight of your Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek & Chimps Tracking 5-Day Tour is today’s gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing session on gorilla trekking guidelines and safety measures.

Bwindi is home to over 19 habituated gorilla families, and your trek will lead you deep into the dense forest to track one of these majestic groups. The trek can last from 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. You will be guided by park rangers who are experts in locating the gorilla families. The terrain is challenging, so be prepared for a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding hike.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed one hour to observe them. The sight of these gentle giants, particularly the silverback gorilla, is an unforgettable experience. You’ll witness the gorillas feeding, playing, and interacting with each other in the wild, offering a unique opportunity to understand their social structures and behaviors.

Afternoon: Return to Lodge and Relax

After your trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and time to relax. Many lodges near Bwindi offer a serene setting for you to unwind and reflect on your extraordinary gorilla encounter.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an incredible day of gorilla trekking, enjoy a peaceful evening at your lodge, where you can indulge in a sumptuous dinner while listening to the sounds of the forest.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Morning: Transfer to Kihihi/Kisoro Airstrip

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour, giving you one last opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Uganda from the air.

Arrival in Entebbe – End of Tour

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the airport for your onward flight or hotel stay. With memories of your incredible chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking experience, this marks the end of your 5-Day Uganda Fly-in Gorilla Trek Chimps Tracking Tour.