5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari

Overview

5 Day Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari is an extraordinary adventure that combines the thrill of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, with the enchantment of chimpanzee trekking or the immersive habituation experience in Kibale National Park. Kibale National Park is renowned as the ultimate destination for observing habituated wild chimpanzees. This comprehensive tour, inclusive of all essentials, begins and ends in either Entebbe or Kampala, and includes convenient return airport transfers.

Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, situated on the eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, we will make stopovers at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe, where you can capture memorable photographs and engage in brief talks and fascinating experiments. Continuing our journey, we will reach Mbarara town for a delightful lunch. As we drive past enchanting banana plantations, farms, and the breathtaking Hills of Kigezi, we will arrive in the evening at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tervan Lodge, where you will check-in and unwind.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Following an early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to Ruhija Park Headquarters. Here, you will receive a briefing and join other trekkers before venturing into the forest for your thrilling gorilla trekking experience. The duration of the trek can vary from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorilla family on that particular day. Once you encounter the majestic gorillas, you will have the privilege of spending one hour in their presence, observing their behavior and capturing remarkable photographs. Afterward, you will return to the Park Headquarters to receive your certificate, confirming your unforgettable gorilla tracking experience in Uganda. Spend the night at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tervan Lodge.

Day 3: Journey to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, where you will spend the night at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. Our route will take us through Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering opportunities to spot wildlife as we traverse this savannah-dominated national park. You will also have the chance to cross the Equator at Kikolongo and encounter several rivers originating from the magnificent Mountain Rwenzori, as we make our way through Kasese district to Fort Portal. We will stop in Fort Portal town for a delectable lunch before proceeding to check-in at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House for a restful overnight stay.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Following breakfast, we will head to the Kibale National Park Headquarters for a briefing on the guidelines and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. Divided into small groups led by experienced guides, we will venture into the forest in search of one of the chimpanzee families. Chimpanzees live in communities comprising 50-150 individuals but often form smaller groups during the day to minimize food competition. They reconvene in the evening to construct their nests. Once we locate the chimpanzees, you will have an incredible one-hour encounter with them before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we will embark on a captivating wetland walk in the nearby Bigodi Village, renowned for its 12 recorded primate species and diverse birdlife.

Day 5: Journey to Kampala/Entebbe or Airport

After breakfast, we will depart for Kampala/Entebbe. You may choose to arrange your own post-tour accommodation (not included) in Kampala/Entebbe or proceed directly to Entebbe International Airport for your international departure flight.