Overview
Explore the heart of Uganda’s wilderness on this thrilling 5-day primate safari, featuring two of the country’s most renowned national parks—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its chimpanzee population. This safari offers a unique opportunity to track both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, combined with scenic landscapes, lush rainforests, and encounters with diverse wildlife.
Itinerary
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala. After a briefing by your safari guide, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Kibale Forest National Park, which lies in western Uganda. Known as the "Primate Capital of the World," Kibale is home to over 13 species of primates, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
The drive, approximately 5 to 6 hours, takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, and the vibrant town of Fort Portal, which offers panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Along the way, you will stop for lunch before continuing to your lodge.
Upon arrival in Kibale, check into your lodge and spend the evening relaxing or taking an optional nature walk around the lodge area.
Rise early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on chimpanzee tracking rules and safety guidelines. Kibale Forest is one of the best places in the world to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
With experienced trackers, you’ll venture into the forest, where the exciting search for the chimps begins. The trek can take between 2 to 4 hours depending on their location. Once found, you’ll spend a fascinating hour watching these social and intelligent primates as they swing between trees, feed, and communicate.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, you can opt for an additional activity such as a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This swamp is a haven for birdwatchers and also hosts other primates like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After breakfast, depart Kibale and embark on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and its dense forests provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
The drive will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, offering scenic views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and small towns. Stop for lunch along the way in the town of Ishaka or Mbarara. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes more mountainous, providing breathtaking vistas.
Upon arrival at your lodge in Bwindi, you will have the evening to relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi! After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You’ll be assigned to a group of eight trekkers, accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, and allocated to one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek can be challenging and last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorilla family. The trek takes you through thick jungle, steep slopes, and dense vegetation, but the effort is rewarded by the incredible experience of coming face-to-face with the gentle giants. You’ll have an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, observing their interactions and learning about their behavior from your guides.
After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-earned rest. In the afternoon, you have the option to explore the local Batwa pygmy communities, where you can learn about their traditional ways of life.
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive is approximately 8 to 9 hours, but you’ll have opportunities to stop along the way, including a visit to the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping. You’ll arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon or early evening, just in time for your departure flight or further travel plans.
If your flight is scheduled for later in the evening, you can arrange an optional activity such as a tour of Entebbe or a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit (USD 700 per person)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fees and ranger fees
- Bottled water throughout the safari
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Optional activities (e.g., Bigodi Wetland walk, Batwa cultural visit)
- Travel insurance
- Tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses