4 Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
This 4 Day Uganda Primate Safari is designed for travellers who want to experience both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in one well-organised, time-efficient journey. Ideal for visitors from the US and UK with limited holiday time, this itinerary combines chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two of Africa’s most important primate habitats. Kibale is widely regarded as East Africa’s primate capital, offering one of the highest chimpanzee tracking success rates in the region. Your guided forest walk typically lasts a few hours, and once the chimpanzees are located, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment. In Bwindi, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, you trek with professional park rangers to a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour in proximity. We arrange permits, private transfers, accommodation, and park logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.
Safari highlights
Chimp tracking in Kibale, small group tracking at Kanyanchu
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, one hour with a habituated family
Scenic route via Queen Elizabeth and Ishasha if conditions allow
Best for travellers on short holidays
Start point, Entebbe or Kampala, finish point, Entebbe
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale, chimp tracking, lodge overnight
On the 1st day of your tour, as early as 6 am, meet your safari guide driver and set off to transfer to Kibale National Park. Arrive at your booked lodge quite early and be served lunch. Thereafter, drive to the park headquarters with your trekking gear and water for the chimpanzee trekking experience. Meet with other trekkers and gather for a briefing from the park officials, where you will be guided on the expectations for your trek. Thereafter, in a group of only 12 people and ranger guides/researchers, set off. The search may take 2-5 hours, depending on their location. The chimpanzees in Kibale are easier to find, and you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them on finding them. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at:
Luxury option: Chimpundu Safari lodge/Crater Safari lodge/Ndali lodge/Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range option; Chimpanzee Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp
Budget option: Isunga Lodge/ Rweteera Safari park
Day 2 Chimpanzee tracking, transfer to Bwindi
Wake up early to a cup of tea/coffee, check out of the lodge to embark on your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s about a 7-8 hours’ drive, depending on which gorilla trekking sector you will be going to. Drive via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park with en-route lunch served during your journey. Upon arrival late afternoon, connect to your booked accommodation for relaxation while preparing for your gorilla experience, dinner, and overnight stay at: Luxury accommodation option: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge/Bwindi Lodge/Silerback Safari Lodge, Mid-range option: Gorilla Mist Lodge/Buhoma Have lodge, Budget option: Bakiga lodge/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 3 Gorilla trekking, briefing, trek, return to lodge
On the 3rd day, early in the morning after breakfast, connect to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority officials, then, after allocation of gorilla families, set off for the gorilla tracking. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an unforgettable adventure. The ranger guides will lead you into the thick forest and start your search for the endangered Gorillas. The activity can take 2 -7 hours since the gorillas move up and down, and you will move up and down the rugged terrain until you finally meet these harmonious creatures that will entertain you with performances for about an hour. This is an awesome and exciting moment. En-route, there are other types of primates such as monkeys, birds, and more. Return for dinner and overnight stay as above.
Day 4 Return to Entebbe with Equator stop
Enjoy an early morning breakfast and transfer back to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for lunch and stop at the Equator, arriving in Kampala in the evening. Drop off at your hotel in Kampala or the Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Safari
What Is Included/Excluded
Included
One chimpanzee tracking permit per person in Kibale Forest
One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person in Bwindi
All park entry fees and ranger guide fees
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver guide
All road transfers as per the itinerary, Entebbe or Kampala pickup and drop off
3 nights accommodation at selected lodge category, budget, midrange, or luxury
Meals as specified in the itinerary, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Bottled drinking water during transfers
All government taxes and statutory charges
Full pre-trip planning support and permit handling
Not Included
International flights to and from Uganda
Uganda tourist visa fees
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Porter fees during trekking are optional but advised
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
Alcoholic and premium beverages at lodges
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
