5-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimp Safari

OVERVIEW

This journey is built around Uganda’s strongest contrast: wide-open savannah where predators hunt at dawn, followed by the hushed intensity of meeting a wild mountain gorilla in an ancient rainforest. It starts in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the Rift Valley floor is alive with elephant, buffalo and lion, then climbs south into Bwindi’s highland forest for the defining primate encounter.

To finish, Lake Mburo slows the pace in the best way — acacia woodland, zebra herds, and the rare chance to experience the bush on foot or horseback. It’s a clean, logical route with breathing room, and it ends by breaking the long return drive back to Entebbe into something that still feels like a safari.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Our driver-guide will greet you and brief you on the journey ahead. The drive to Kibale Forest National Park takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. You’ll pass through tea plantations and lush farmlands, with a lunch stop along the way. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest. You’ll have time to check in, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. The evening is at your leisure to prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Mid-range: Turaco Treetops

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing on the chimpanzee trekking rules and what to expect. You’ll be assigned a ranger guide and then enter the forest in search of these energetic primates. Kibale is known as the “primate capital of the world,” so your chances of a successful sighting are very high.

The trek can last between 2-4 hours. Once you find a chimpanzee community, you’ll have one hour to observe them as they groom, feed, and play in the forest canopy. The experience is fast-paced and exhilarating.

On day 3, you will begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The journey takes about 5-7 hours, passing through lush terraced hills and charming villages. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and get ready for your gorilla trek the next day.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Mid-range: Turaco Treetops

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll learn about the rules and safety precautions before being assigned a gorilla family to track.

The trek can be physically demanding and last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The feeling of finally coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is truly unforgettable. You’ll have one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, watching their interactions and behavior. It’s a humbling and deeply moving experience.

After your trek, you’ll receive a gorilla trekking certificate to commemorate your achievement before returning to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After a relaxed breakfast, you will begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The return journey takes you through different landscapes, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.

You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight, concluding your incredible 5-day primate safari.