5 Days 4 Nights Uganda Gorilla And Chimpanzee Safari

A 5 days 5 Nights gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Uganda combines the best of primate national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which inhabits more than half of mountain gorillas in the world and Kibale National Park which inhabits chimpanzees. This itinerary is action-packed with lots of driving between locations and activities, though flying options are available to reduce travel time. This safari starts and ends in Kampala/ Entebbe.

Request a quote today depending on your budget, our professional consultants will customize this 5 day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari for you. With options of budget , midrange and luxury accommodations to stay while on your safari in Uganda.

A standard 5 days 4 Nights Uganda Gorilla and chimpanzee safari

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Kibale National Park Uganda.

• Early Morning: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport/ Pick up from the Hotel. You will be picked up by our driver guide and begin the 6-7 hour scenic drive to Kibale National Park.
• Afternoon: You will have a stop over in Fort Portal town to enjoy your lunch and then embark on your journey to Kibale National Park.
• Evening: Check into your lodge in Kibale for dinner and overnight. Relax in preparation for the next days trekking.
• Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/ Kibale Forest Camp/ Turraco Tree Tops.
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk 

• Early Morning: After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee trek. Kibale is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees and offers one of the best trekking experiences in Africa. Trekking takes 2 to 5 hours, and you get to spend one hour observing the chimpanzees, taking photos once you find them.
• Afternoon: After your lunch, you will have a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see other primates, such as the red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as different bird species.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
• Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/ Kibale Forest Camp/ Turraco Tree Tops.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda.

• Morning: Enjoy an early morning delicious breakfast before the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

• Afternoon: You will drive through the countryside with scenic views towards the southwestern part of Uganda. You will have an en-route game drive in the ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for chances of seeing the tree climbing lions and later have lunch at Savannah Resort.
• Evening: Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, have dinner, and relax as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
• Overnight: Engagi Lodge/ Bakiga Lodge/ Kiho Gorilla Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking Experience

• Morning: After breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers/ guides/ wardens. You will be allocated a group of 8 visitors and later start your walk into the forest. The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family. You will spend one hour observing the mountain gorillas, taking pictures as they feed, play and interact with each other in their natural habitat.
• Afternoon: You will enjoy your packed lunch and then head back to the park headquartes where you will receive your gorilla trekking certificates showing that you have successfuly completed your trek. You will later return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
• Overnight: Engagi Lodge/ Bakiga Lodge/ Kiho Gorilla Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Departure 

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast before embarking on  the long drive back to Kampala or Entebbe
• Afternoon: You will have a stop at the Equator for photography, Equator experience and lunch en- route before proceeding to Entebbe for a drop off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Permit costs and booking

In order to do this safari, you need to book both your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance. These are paid directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• Uganda Gorilla Permit costs  $800 per person for Foreign non residents.
• Uganda Chimpanzee Permit costs $250 per person For Foreign non residents.

Encounter Africa Safaris will organize and book for you all your permits of your preferred tour dates without a hustle. It is very important to book at least six months ahead, especially during the high season, as the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are limited.

What is included in this 5 Days 4 Nights Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

• Permits: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits. These are regulated and acquired in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
• Transportation: You will travel in a 4x4 safari vehicle that has a pop-up roof for game viewing, and you will be driven by an English-speaking guide.
• Accommodation: Four nights in mid-range or budget accommodations.
• Meals: Accommodations usually give full board on these safaris.
• Activities: This 5 Day gorilla and chimpanzee tour covers all park entrance fees and planned activities.

What to expect during your gorilla trekking experience.

Challenging Hike: You will trek through thick, mountainous rainforests. The terrain is often muddy, rugged and steep expecting a good level of fitness. The trekking duration is unpredictable and depends on the location of the gorilla family ranging from 30 minutes to 3 quarters of the day.

One Hour Encounter: Upon finding the mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them while observing their behaviour and taking photographs. You will watch the mountain gorillas feeding, playing, grooming and interacting with eachother.

Rules and regulations: To protect the gorillas from contracting illness from humans, you must maintain a safe distance of atleast 7 meters, ensure to have a face mask on and do not use flash photography.

Fitness level support: If you are not physically fit, you can hire a sedan chair that ranges from $300 to $500 and a porter to help carry your bag and offer support during the trek. Hiring a porter usually ranges from $30 t0 $50.

Certificate: After your gorilla trek, you will be awarded a certificate of recognition towards conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. This certificate acts as a souvenir.

Age limit: The minimum age for gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is 15 years  and there is  no maximum. Before booking, ensure that you are 15 years and above.

What to expect during your chimpanzee trekking experience.

Fast-moving trek: Chimpanzee trekking takes place in a flat forest area but is still an active experience. Chimpanzees are fast-moving and agile foraging high in the treetops so you may need to move quickly to keep up with them as they swing in the trees.

Chimpanzee calls: Before you see the chimpanzees, you will likely hear their voices echoing through the forest canopy.

One-hour chimpanzee observation: Just like gorilla trekking, you will be allowed one hour to observe the chimpanzees and take photographs of them.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: For a longer in-depth experience, the chimpanzee habituation experience gives you a chance to spend a full day with the chimpanzees alongside researchers.

Age limit: The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking experience is 12 years and above.

Certificate: After your chimpanzee trek, you will be awarded a certificate of recognition for completion of your chimpanzee trekking adventure. This certificate is to act as a souvenir after your trekking experience.

Best time to go

The drier seasons are the best times to see gorillas and chimpanzees while on safari in Uganda.

• High Season (Dry): June to August and December to February. During these months, trails are drier and less slippery/muddy.
• Low Season (Wet): March to May and September to November. It is also a great season to travel because the grass is green and fruitful making food avialable for the gorillas  and chimps. The chances of seeing these primates are the same throughout the year.

What to pack For your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda.

• Documents: You should ensure that you carry your passport, yellow fever card, visa and any other vaccination certificates.
• Sturdy hiking boots: These should be comfortable enough to provide good ankle support.
• Waterproof gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential, since these are rain forest areas.
• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers: These protect you from stinging nettles, scratches, and insects.
• Gardening gloves: These help protect your hands From being pierced by thorny plants.
• Camera gear: Consider a camera with a good zoom lens and bring some extra batteries, as they might drain quickly in cold and humid conditions.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen: This is crucial for protection in the forest and during the drives.
• Energy snacks: Bring high-energy snacks like nuts or energy bars.
• Gaiters and long socks: To help prevent dirt and insects from getting into your boots
• Waterproof daypack: This is to carry your belongings like camera, phones, waterbottles
• Wide hats and sunglasses. These are to protect you from the direct sunlight during your trekking experience.

Get in touch with our team for more information.