Home5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Kibale Primate Safari

5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Kibale Primate Safari

overview.

5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Kibale Primate Safari is one of the most popular trips that gives you a chance to encounter chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitats in Uganda’s ideal destinations.

The trip takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the far southwestern part of Uganda for the ultimate gorilla experiences and Kibaale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking.

The parks have a diversity of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and other primates like monkeys, which will make your trip memorable and worth your money.

The trip will begin and end in Kampala/Entebbe.

HIGHLIGHTS.

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a stop en route at the Equator.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking and Bigodi nature walk

Day 5: Departure to Kampala.

5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Kibale Primate Safari

 

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Equator Stop)

Your 5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Kibale Primate Safari with Chosen Expeditions begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala.

After a short briefing, you will drive southwest through Uganda’s countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Along the way, you will stop at the Uganda Equator crossing for photos and a brief explanation of this geographical landmark. Continue via Mbarara for lunch before proceeding into the scenic Kigezi Highlands, known for terraced hills and cool mountain air.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge near the forest, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation options:

  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Trekkers Tavern Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family and guided into the dense rainforest by experienced trackers.

The trek may take between two and six hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

Once located, you will spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat. Watching the dominant silverback protect his family, mothers caring for infants, and juveniles playing in the forest is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive north toward Kibale Forest National Park. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes featuring crater lakes, tea plantations, and rural communities.

Kibale Forest is known as the primate capital of East Africa and hosts a rich diversity of wildlife. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge near the forest.

The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation option:

  • Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • Isunga Lodge.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Nature Walk

After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Guided by experienced rangers, you will walk through the tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzees.

Once located, you will spend one hour observing them as they feed, groom, and move through the forest canopy. In addition to chimpanzees, you may encounter other primates such as red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area rich in birdlife and small mammals.

The walk offers opportunities to see monkeys and colorful birds and learn about local conservation efforts.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Departure to Kampala

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Lunch will be enjoyed en route before arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari with Chosen Expeditions.

INCLUDES.

  • Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking permits.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Experienced driver guide.
  • A Safari 4WD vehicle and fuel.
  • Accommodation and meals.
  • Bottled drinking water.

EXCLUDES.

  • Travel insurance.
  • Visa fares.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal expenses.
  • All activities that are not included in the itinerary.