This 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. This is a great opportunity to combine Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to half of the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas) with Chimpanzee tracking or Habituation experience in Kibale National Park. Kibale National Park has been declared as the best place to view habituated wild Chimpanzees. In this Safari, you will explore the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity. This adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to witness two of the world’s most fascinating primates in their natural habitats. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to prepare for and enjoy this incredible journey.
Day 1: Arrival and Pick up from Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. From here, you will be transferred to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s lush landscapes, tea plantations, and rural communities. Upon arrival in Kibale, check into your lodge and relax. Enjoy the serene environment and prepare for the exciting chimpanzee trek the following day.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
Mid-Range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking Experience – Bigodi wetland and community visit
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking and later, Set off for the hike in the forest. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. As you navigate the forest, you may also encounter other primates such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Upon locating the chimpanzee group, you will spend an hour observing their behavior. Watching these intelligent primates interact, forage, and communicate in their natural habitat is an exhilarating experience. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-based project is home to diverse bird species, butterflies, and primates, offering a peaceful and informative experience.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
Mid-Range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
On the third day of your 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns. Upon arrival in Bwindi, check into your lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Enjoy a restful evening, as the trek requires an early start and plenty of energy.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Afternoon Relaxation
After breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Here, you will be assigned a gorilla family to track and given guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful encounter. The trek can take from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The terrain is challenging, with steep climbs and dense vegetation, but the reward is immense. As you trek through the forest, you may also encounter other wildlife and birds. Once you find the gorillas, enjoy an hour’s stay with them. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat, observing their interactions and behaviors, is a moment you will cherish forever.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Kaara Gorilla Mountain Lodge
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight
On this last day of the 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari, have breakfast at leisure and later set off for the drive back to Entebbe. You will have a stopover at the Equator for some picture moments and also participate in the water experience. You will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable primate safari.