5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Experience
This 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Experience brings together two of Uganda's most sought-after primate encounters: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey begins in Kampala or Entebbe and takes you west through the scenic landscapes of the Albertine Rift, combining forest wildlife, wetlands, crater lakes and cultural experiences.
Your first major experience is chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, followed by a nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you can look for monkeys and bird species. You then continue through Queen Elizabeth National Park toward Bwindi for the highlight of the journey — trekking through dense rainforest to find a habituated gorilla family. The experience is complemented by a Batwa cultural encounter and time at Lake Bunyonyi before your return toward Kampala, Entebbe or the Uganda–Rwanda border.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
- Travelers whose priority is primate experiences
- First-time visitors to Uganda
- Couples and private travelers
- Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
- Travelers interested in forest and cultural experiences
- Visitors with limited time who want both chimpanzees and gorillas
Why This Safari Is Best
- Two Primate Experiences — Track chimpanzees in Kibale and mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
- Kibale Forest — Explore one of Uganda's renowned primate habitats.
- Bigodi Wetland Walk — Combine nature, birdwatching and additional primate sightings.
- Bwindi Gorilla Trekking — Enter the rainforest in search of an endangered mountain gorilla family.
- Batwa Cultural Experience — Learn about the traditions and history of the Batwa community.
- Lake Bunyonyi — Relax beside one of Uganda's most scenic highland lakes.
- Flexible Ending — Finish toward Kampala, Entebbe or the Uganda–Rwanda border.
Tour Highlights
Tour Map
Tour Features
Day 1
Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale National Park
Your driver-guide will pick you up from an agreed location in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey west toward Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda's changing countryside toward Fort Portal, with opportunities to appreciate the scenery along the way. On arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, depending on your arrival time, you can explore the Fort Portal area with a visit to the crater lakes or Amabere Caves. These attractions provide an introduction to the landscapes and cultural heritage of western Uganda before you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle; approximately 5–6 hours from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale, depending on the starting point and stops.
Overnight: Lodge near Kibale National Park.
Day 2
Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, travel to the park headquarters for a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking experience. With your ranger guide, proceed into Kibale Forest and follow the trails in search of chimpanzees. As you explore the forest, you may also encounter other primates, birds and forest wildlife before returning to the vehicle and transferring back to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is known for its birdlife and primates, offering a different environment from the dense forest of the morning. After the walk, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Transport: Private vehicle to the tracking centre; guided chimpanzee tracking followed by a Bigodi Wetland nature walk.
Overnight: Lodge near Kibale National Park.
Day 3
Kibale to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, check out and begin your journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The route passes through or alongside Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may see wildlife grazing on the savannah plains as you travel, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and warthogs.
Continue southwest through Uganda's scenic countryside, stopping midway for lunch before completing the journey to the Bwindi area. Arrive later in the day, check into your accommodation and relax ahead of the following day's gorilla trekking experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle; full-day transfer from Kibale to Bwindi, with a wildlife-viewing section through the Queen Elizabeth area.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 4
Gorilla Tracking & Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the gorilla trekking headquarters for a briefing conducted by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. After the briefing, enter the dense Bwindi rainforest and begin your trek in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The duration of the trek depends on the location and movement of the gorillas.
Once you find the gorillas, spend approximately one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After returning from the forest, continue with a cultural encounter with the Batwa community, learning about their history, traditions, lifestyle and cultural heritage through interaction and traditional performances. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Transport: Private vehicle to and from the gorilla trekking headquarters; guided forest trek of variable duration depending on gorilla location.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 5
Lake Bunyonyi & Transfer to Kampala, Entebbe or Rwanda Border
After an early breakfast, visit Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by terraced hills and numerous islands. Depending on your interests and available time, you can explore some of the islands or participate in an optional zip-lining activity before beginning your onward journey.
If travelling toward Kampala or Entebbe, stop in Mbarara for lunch before continuing toward the Equator for photographs, crafts and souvenirs. Continue to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving later in the evening. Alternatively, your journey can conclude at the Uganda–Rwanda border for onward travel into Rwanda.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle; full-day transfer with a Lake Bunyonyi visit and optional stops at Mbarara and the Equator.
End of Trip.
Important to know
The prices below are per person and are approximate for 2026.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.