Country: Uganda
Destination: Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park
Itinerary at Glance
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Departure
Trip Overview
Embark on a 5 day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure.
This adventure offers an incredible opportunity to experience the majesty of Uganda’s wildlife by trekking with both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural environments. It’s essential to be physically fit and prepared for moderate to strenuous hiking during the treks. As with any wildlife experience, ensure you follow the guidelines provided by park rangers to protect the animals and their habitats. Additionally, booking permits and accommodation in advance is crucial to secure your spots for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as these experiences are limited and highly sought after.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla trekking experience
- Chimpanzee trekking experience
- Countryside experience
- Road drive experience
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and passing through the immigration process, you will be welcomed by our safari driver who will brief you shortly and transfer you to the booked accommodation to rest and prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Overnight at: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (Luxury) or Karibu Guest House (Mid – range)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Travel time + 8hrs
Day Itinerary
Following your early morning breakfast, you will meet your assigned safari guide, share a short briefing and you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive might take several hours, depending on the starting point.
As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes, local villages, and possibly some wildlife sightings along the way.
Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge, settle in, and enjoy a delicious dinner in preparation for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Uganda. It’s known for its diverse flora and fauna, with over 350 bird species and over 400 gorillas. Bwindi offers a unique birding experience for bird enthusiasts, as well as gorilla trekking for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s thick forest makes for an exciting and immersive adventure, attracting tourists from all over the world. It’s best to visit during the dry season for optimal bird watching and gorilla trekking experiences.
Overnight stay at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury) or Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid – range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day Itinerary
This is the most anticipated day of the trip – gorilla trekking day!
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park’s headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. They will provide essential information about gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines.
You’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla family group, and your trek will be led by experienced guides and trackers.
The trekking duration can vary depending on the location of the gorilla group you are visiting. It may take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours to reach the gorillas.
Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have a precious hour to observe them in their natural habitat, witnessing their behaviors, interactions, and familial bonds (usually around 1 hour).
Remember to maintain a safe distance and follow the guidelines provided by the rangers to ensure a positive and sustainable wildlife experience.
After the gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the incredible encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Overnight stay at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury) or Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid – range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Travel time +5 hours
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, you depart for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its population of chimpanzees and other primates.
The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through scenic countryside.
Check into your lodge near Kibale Forest for overnight stay and preparation for chimpanzee trekking the next day.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is a home to approximately 325 species of birds which include the olive long-tailed cuckoo, Western Green tinkerbird, African and Green-breasted and African Grey Parrot. It is also a home to 13 species of primates, at least 60 other species of mammals. The visits to the park are mainly paid to the endangered chimpanzees. While visiting the Chimps you can get to see other primates including the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoests monkey, Uganda Mangabey, the Ugandan Red Colobus, and the L’Hoest’s Monkey.
Overnight stay at: Crater Safari Lodge (Luxury) or Turaco Treetop Lodge (Mid – range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and departure. Travel time + 5hrs
Day Itinerary
Early morning breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking rules.
Chimpanzee Trek: You’ll venture into the forest with experienced guides to track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Encounter with Chimpanzees: Spend time with the playful and intelligent chimpanzees, witnessing their social interactions and behaviors up close.
Departure: After the trek, return to your lodge to check out and begin the journey back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or onward travel.
(Evening flight beyond 6 pm is advised or an overnight in Entebbe). End of service!
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch.
This safari package includes.
- Transportation in a 4 x 4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- 1 Gorilla Permit ($ 700), per person
- En-route lunches
- Chimpanzee permit
- Services of an English speaking driver/ guide.
- Unlimited bottles of mineral water
- Office support services
- Much fun on African soil
The package excludes expenses of personal nature like:
- Visa Fees & flights
- Optional activities
- Tips for guides
- Laundry
- Alcoholic drinks
- International vaccinations & tests
- Health test requirements
- Personal travel Insurance
- Personal shopping bills
- Phone call bills
- Extras while at the hotel
- Items of personal nature
Please contact us for a free detailed quote on the option of your choice. We can tailor a request that suits your interests, and budget, as well as we can change or upgrade the lodge options. Write to us with more details about your safari.