5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Overview
Our 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari departs from Kampala in the morning to begin your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari. You will enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, game driving, and boat cruises in Park in Queen Elizabeth National Park and discover what nature has to offer.
Your tour will take you from the scenic Kyambura Gorge, where chimpanzees swing through the forest canopy, to the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking expedition balances wildlife encounters with comfortable accommodations and breathtaking landscapes, including the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
Our professional guides will ensure your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking experience is both safe and memorable, providing insight into the fragile ecosystems and conservation efforts that protect these magnificent primates. From the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the hippo-filled waters of Kazinga Channel, this safari showcases Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Price Includes
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permit
Park fees
All activities
Ground transport per 4WD custom
Bottled water in the safari vehicle
Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
Driver allowances
All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
Price excludes
Uganda Visa
International and Internal Flights
Personal needs such as gratitude, beverages, etc.
Visa
Air ticket
Optional Activities
Laundry fees
Tips
Life insurance
Other drinks apart from water
Itineraries
Day 1Arrival and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari begins as you meet your expert guide in Kampala for the 6–7-hour (approximately 420 km) journey westward. The Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking adventure starts with a memorable stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe, where you'll straddle both hemispheres simultaneously. Continue through the rolling highlands to Mbarara town for lunch before proceeding to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah reserve. The Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking expedition's first day concludes with a relaxing evening at your lodge, where you'll enjoy dinner while overlooking the park's breathtaking landscapes.
Day 2Chimps Trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Boat Cruise with an Evening Game Drive
Rise early for the highlight of your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari—a guided trek into the 100-meter deep Kyambura Gorge, often called "the Valley of Apes." Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking guide will lead you through this tropical forest ravine for approximately 2-3 hours in search of habituated chimpanzees, while spotting other primates like black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. After lunch at your lodge, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes Edward and George, where your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking experience continues with sightings of hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, and elephants coming to drink. Complete this action-packed day with an evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains, known for its lion prides and abundant Uganda kob.
Day 3Tree-climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking journey continues with an early breakfast before heading to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, located about 2 hours (100 km) from the main section. This area is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions that drape themselves across fig tree branches during the heat of the day. Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking guide will navigate the sector's tracks in search of these elusive felines, along with buffalo herds, topi antelope, and perhaps even the secretive leopard. By mid-afternoon, your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari proceeds toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 3-hour drive (approximately 150 km) through scenic highlands, arriving at your lodging near one of the park's four gorilla trekking sectors.
Day 4Gorilla Trekking Experience and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
The pinnacle of your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking adventure arrives as you gather at the park headquarters at 7:30 AM for a briefing before venturing into Bwindi's dense forests. Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking expedition may require 1-6 hours of hiking through challenging terrain before reaching a habituated gorilla family, where you'll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants. After this profound encounter, your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari continues with a 2–3-hour drive (about 120 km) to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, known as "the place of many little birds." Relax at your lakeside accommodation, with optional activities including dugout canoe rides or cultural experiences with the indigenous Batwa people.
Day 5Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
The final day of your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari begins with breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi's misty waters and terraced hillsides. Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking guide will then begin the 8-9 hour return journey (approximately 450 km) to Kampala or Entebbe. Your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking experience includes a lunch stop in either Mbarara or Masaka, depending on your departure time. As you travel through Uganda's scenic countryside, reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters from your journey before reaching your Kampala hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward travels.
