5 Day Gorilla & Chimp Safari

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Your 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by your professional safari guide. After a safari briefing, depart west toward Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s premier chimpanzee destination.

The scenic drive takes you through vibrant towns, lush tea plantations, fertile countryside, and spectacular crater landscapes near Fort Portal. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy photo opportunities as the western Uganda scenery unfolds.

Arrive at Kibale in the afternoon/evening and check in at your lodge, surrounded by forest sounds and cool highland air.

Accommodation Options – Kibale Forest
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge
Mid-range: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest headquarters for briefing before your exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.

Enter the tropical rainforest with experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers in search of habituated chimpanzees. The forest is alive with monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and unique flora. Once the chimps are found, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After lunch and relaxation, enjoy an afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, known for excellent birdlife, monkeys, and cultural interaction.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options – Kibale Forest
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge
Mid-range: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale for a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

This full-day journey showcases some of Uganda’s most beautiful scenery—tea plantations, crater lakes, terraced hills, local villages, and mountain landscapes. Lunch will be served en route.

Arrival in Bwindi depends on your gorilla trekking sector (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo), and hotel choice should align with your allocated gorilla permit sector.

Accommodation Options – Bwindi (By Sector)

Buhoma Sector
Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp / Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Engagi Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Budget: Ride 4 A Woman / Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Rushaga Sector
Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Luxury Rooms)
Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Budget: Nshongi Camp

Nkuringo Sector
Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

Ruhija Sector
Luxury: Bakiga Lodge (Premium Rooms)
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Trekkers Tavern
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to the gorilla trekking briefing center for one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

Following the ranger briefing, begin your gorilla trekking adventure through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Trekking duration varies depending on gorilla movement, terrain, and sector, but the reward is unforgettable.

Encountering a mountain gorilla family in the wild is a deeply emotional experience. Spend one magical hour observing them as they interact, feed, groom, and play.

Return to the lodge for relaxation after your trek.

Overnight at the same lodge selected in Bwindi

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kampala / Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy lunch en route, scenic countryside views, optional Equator stop, and souvenir shopping if desired.

Arrival in the late afternoon/evening marks the end of your unforgettable safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch