Uganda · Primate Tours

6-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari with Bwindi and Kibale

6 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Track playful chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
  • 03 Enjoy thrilling game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 04 Look out for famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
  • 05 Join the Bigodi Walk for bird and primate watching near Kibale

Embark on an incredible 6-day Uganda safari and discover Uganda's stunning wildlife and primates. You'll have the opportunity to witness endangered mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, other primates, and the famous tree-climbing lions. This expertly crafted safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Bigodi Walk, and bird watching, as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic wildlife viewing.

Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe mountain gorillas for up to one hour.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Transfer to Kibale National Park via Fort Portal

  • Depart early from Entebbe and drive towards Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal.
  • Stop for lunch in Fort Portal.
  • Upon arrival at Kibale, check into your lodge.
  • In the afternoon, enjoy the Bigodi Walk for bird and primate watching, or visit the crater lakes.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

2
Day 02

Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Have an early breakfast and attend a briefing at Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
  • Trek into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees and other primates.
  • Return to the lodge for lunch.
  • Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Enjoy an evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

3
Day 03

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

  • Set out on a morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, kobs, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
  • Return to the lodge for lunch.
  • In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

4
Day 04

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

  • Have breakfast at the lodge and depart for Bwindi.
  • En route, look out for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and enjoy views of the scenic western Rift Valley.
  • Check in at your Bwindi lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay.

5
Day 05

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

  • Have breakfast at the lodge and attend a briefing at Bwindi Park Headquarters.
  • Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe mountain gorillas for up to one hour.
  • Return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, and jungle views.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

6
Day 06

Return to Entebbe via the Equator

  • Have breakfast and check out from the lodge.
  • Drive towards Kampala with a stop at the Equator for photos and historical stories.
  • Continue to Entebbe for your departure flight.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kibale National Park chimpanzee trails, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Bigodi Walk wetlands

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kibale National Park chimpanzee trails, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Bigodi Walk wetlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Uganda 6 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees

  • Gorilla permits (one per person)

  • Chimp permits (one per person)

  • All activities unless labeled as optional

  • All accommodation unless listed as upgrade

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation unless labeled as optional

  • All taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals as specified in the day-by-day section

  • Drinking water on all days

What's Not Included

  • International flights from/to home

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

  • Tips (tipping guideline: 10 US dollars per person per day)

  • Personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.

  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Valid passport with at least six months' validity

  • Uganda visa - apply online before arrival

  • Travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage

  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits

  • Vaccination certificate, especially Yellow Fever

  • Copies of important documents - keep digital copies too

  • Neutral and lightweight clothing for blending into nature

  • Long-sleeved shirts - lightweight, breathable, and in neutral colors

  • Long safari trousers - convertible zip-off preferred

  • T-shirts - avoid bright colors and camouflage

  • Fleece or light jacket for cool mornings and evenings

  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho

  • Comfortable shorts for around the lodges

  • Hat or cap - wide-brimmed preferred

  • Light sweater or hoodie

  • Swimsuit for lodges with pools

  • Gloves for gorilla trekking

  • Waterproof hiking boots for gorilla and chimp trekking

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for game drives or evenings

  • Extra socks, preferably quick-dry

  • Daypack for water, snacks, and personal items during treks

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

  • Binoculars for birding and wildlife viewing

  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Insect repellent with DEET or a natural alternative

  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm

  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

  • Lightweight travel towel

  • Walking stick - some lodges or parks provide them

  • Personal medications and prescriptions

  • Basic first aid kit - painkillers, antiseptic, plasters, and antihistamines

  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

  • Toiletries - eco-friendly where possible

  • Anti-malarial medication - consult your doctor before travel

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Power bank for charging devices on the go

  • Zip-lock bags to protect electronics from rain

  • Notebook or journal

  • Snacks for long drives or hikes

  • For gorilla and chimp trekking, wear long sleeves, gloves, and gaiters, or tuck trousers into socks to protect from stinging plants and insects.

  • Carry a small rain jacket even in the dry season, as rain is common in the forests.

Know before you go

  • Each day brings a new experience, from tracking primates to spotting lions, elephants, and hippos.

  • Witness Uganda's incredible biodiversity up close, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and countless bird species.

  • Expect moderate hiking, especially during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. A fair level of fitness is recommended.

  • Generally warm weather, 20-28°C (68-82°F), with showers common in forested areas, so carry rain gear.

  • Bwindi and Kibale lie at 1200-2600 meters, with cooler mornings and evenings.

  • Minimum age for gorilla trekking: 15 years.

  • Minimum age for chimpanzee trekking: 12 years.

  • Treks may last 2-6 hours depending on the animals' location.

  • Flash photography is prohibited.

  • Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from primates.

  • Porters are available. Hiring one supports local communities and eases your trek.

  • Wear long sleeves, trousers, gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots.

  • Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walks.

  • Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements near wildlife.

  • Walking safaris are always led by an armed ranger for safety.

  • Do not feed or touch wild animals.

  • Carry reusable water bottles. Plastic bags are banned in Uganda.

  • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.

  • Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before travel.

  • Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication.

  • Stay hydrated and rest well before long trekking days.

  • Travel insurance with medical evacuation is mandatory for gorilla permits.

  • Local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).

  • USD is widely accepted for park fees and tipping.

  • ATMs are found in major towns.

  • Internet and phone networks are available at most lodges, but limited in parks.

  • Respect wildlife and keep parks litter-free.

  • Avoid single-use plastics.

  • Support local guides, porters, and artisans.

  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve nature.

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.

  • Game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Scenic forest hikes and cultural encounters.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe International Airport, Kampala Road, Entebbe, Uganda
Tour start
Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Uganda.

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USD 2,500 /person
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