6 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari
This 6-day safari takes you deep into Uganda’s rainforests, where you’ll encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences. This trip is perfect for primate lovers and adventure seekers looking for an up-close encounter with Uganda’s incredible biodiversity.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Morning:
- Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your safari guide will meet you.
- Begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park (approximately 5-6 hours’ drive).
- Enjoy Uganda’s scenic countryside, passing through tea plantations and rolling hills.
- Stopover in Fort Portal for refreshments and a brief city tour.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Fort Portal at a local restaurant or lodge.
- Continue the drive to Kibale National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Check in at your lodge (Primate Lodge, Turaco Treetops, or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge).
Evening:
- Dinner at the lodge and relaxation.
- Optional: Take a guided nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning:
- Early Breakfast.
- Chimpanzee Tracking Briefing: Head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Hike through the forest in search of chimpanzees and other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Once you find the chimps, spend one hour observing their behaviors and interactions.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the lodge.
- Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 2-3 hours’ drive).
- Check-in at your lodge (Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Ihamba Safari Lodge).
Evening:
- Dinner and relaxation at the lodge.
- Optional: Take a sunset nature walk or visit a local community for a cultural experience.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Morning:
- Early Game Drive: Head out for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and leopards.
- Visit the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas for lion sightings.
- Breakfast in the wild (packed breakfast or return to the lodge).
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the lodge.
- Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and various water birds up close.
Evening:
- Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
- Optional: Night game drive or stargazing experience at the lodge.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Morning:
- Early Breakfast.
- Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 4-5 hours’ drive).
- Pass through the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions.
Afternoon:
- Lunch en route or at the lodge upon arrival.
- Check-in at your lodge (Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge).
- Rest and relaxation at the lodge, enjoying views of the misty rainforest.
Evening:
- Dinner at the lodge.
- Optional: Attend a cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Morning:
- Early Breakfast.
- Gorilla Trekking Briefing: Arrive at the park headquarters for a safety briefing and group assignment.
- Gorilla Trekking Adventure: Hike deep into the forest to track a mountain gorilla family. The trek can take 1 to 4 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements.
- Spend one magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants.
Afternoon:
- Return to the lodge for lunch.
- Rest and reflection on the incredible gorilla trekking experience.
Evening:
- Dinner and relaxation at the lodge.
- Optional: Guided forest walk to explore the biodiversity of Bwindi.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Departure – Transfer to Entebbe
Morning:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Depart Bwindi for Entebbe (approximately 8-9 hours’ drive).
- Stopover at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara for lunch and a cultural tour.
Afternoon:
- Continue to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.
Evening:
- Arrive in Entebbe in time for your departure flight.
- Optional: Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens or relax at a lakeside restaurant before your flight.
This tour includes
- Gorilla Permits
- 4×4 safari guide
- Bottled Water
- Full board meals and accommodation
- English Speaking Guide
- Park Entrance Fees
- Cultural Tours
- All Activities Mentioned
Exclusions
- International flight fare
- Entry Visas
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Expenses of personal nature
Dos
- Do stay in your vehicle during game drives unless specifically advised otherwise by your guide. Wild animals can be unpredictable.
- Do keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially large animals like elephants and buffaloes.
- Do wear neutral colors like khaki, brown, or olive green to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing animals.
- Do follow your guide’s instructions during the boat cruise and game drives to ensure safety.
- Do bring plenty of water and stay hydrated during your activities in the heat.
- Do protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Do take note of the rules and regulations of the park, such as not feeding the animals or littering.
- Do take time to appreciate the surroundings – Murchison Falls National Park offers stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Don'ts:
- Don’t get out of the vehicle during game drives unless instructed by your guide. Wild animals can be dangerous.
- Don’t approach or provoke the animals – it is best to observe from a safe distance.
- Don’t wear bright or flashy clothes – they might attract unwanted attention from animals.
- Don’t feed the animals – feeding wildlife can alter their behavior and cause harm to both the animals and visitors.
- Don’t forget to tip – tipping is a common practice for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (usually 5-10 USD per day for a guide, less for porters or housekeepers).
- Don’t leave food or trash around – always dispose of trash in the designated bins and keep the environment clean.
- Don’t engage in risky behavior – such as getting too close to the edge of the falls or standing too near wild animals.
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