4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek and Chimpanzee Tour
Experience the best of Uganda’s primates with this 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek and Chimpanzee Tour. This incredible adventure takes you deep into Uganda’s pristine forests to track both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Uganda’s iconic parks, including Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with opportunities to engage in cultural experiences and breathtaking scenic views.
Trip Summary and Highlights
Trip Summary:
- Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Visit the Top of the World
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmy Community Walk
- Day 4: Drive back to Entebbe or Kigali with a stopover at the Equator or Gisozi Genocide Memorial
Tour Highlights:
- Chimpanzee tracking in the famous Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
- Cultural experience with the Batwa Pygmy community, learning about their traditional way of life.
- Scenic stopovers at the Uganda Equator or a visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial for historical insight.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Pick Up and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Visit the Top of the World
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport. Your guide will pick you up and brief you on the exciting journey ahead. You will then set off on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s premier destination for primate watching.
Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, local villages, and tea plantations. After lunch, continue to the Top of the World, a remarkable viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains, and surrounding landscapes.
Arrive in Kibale in the evening and check into your accommodation for a relaxing dinner.
Up Market: Tabebuia Resort & Spa, Kyaninga Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge/ MidLuxury: Tabebuia Resort & Spa, Turaco Treetops Deluxe Primates Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge/ Luxury: Turaco Treetops / Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp, Chimpanzee View Guest House/ Budget: Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. Begin the day with a briefing from the park rangers before embarking on your guided trek. The forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you will have the unique opportunity to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Kibale Forest is also a haven for other primate species, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. The experience of witnessing these playful creatures in the wild is truly captivating.
After your chimpanzee trek, enjoy lunch and then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a journey that takes approximately 5-6 hours. The drive offers spectacular views of Uganda’s diverse landscape, including terraced hills and rural villages.
Super Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp/ Midluxury: Mahogany Springs, 4 Gorilla Cousins Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge/ Luxury: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest – Batwa Pygmy Community Walk
Today, prepare for the most thrilling part of your adventure—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. They will provide information about safety, trekking guidelines, and the specific gorilla family you’ll be tracking.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you will begin your trek through the dense rainforest. The trek may last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend one hour observing them as they go about their daily activities—feeding, playing, and nurturing their young. This is a deeply moving experience, as these magnificent creatures share 98% of human DNA.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural visit to the Batwa Pygmy community. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of the Bwindi Forest, and during the visit, you’ll learn about their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques, and forest survival skills.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Return to Entebbe or Kigali – Stopover at the Equator or Gisozi Genocide Memorial
On the final day of your tour, you’ll enjoy breakfast before beginning the journey back to Entebbe or Kigali. The drive provides one last chance to take in Uganda’s beautiful landscapes. You’ll have the option to stop at the Uganda Equator, where you can take photos and visit local craft markets, or take a short tour of the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali for a reflective historical experience.
Afterward, continue to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day gorilla and chimpanzee safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
END OF TOUR
What’s Included:
- Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking permits
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking guide/driver
- Airport transfers
This 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek and Chimpanzee Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Uganda’s pristine wilderness, providing unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating primates.