Uganda · Primate Tours

3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale with Bigodi Wetland Walk

3 Days Round trip from Entebbe Road Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park with an experienced ranger
02 Spend a full hour observing chimpanzees once they are located
03 Walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birding hotspot rich in primates and butterflies
04 Look out for species such as the Shoebill Stork, Sitatunga antelope, and black-and-white colobus

This 3-day chimpanzee trekking safari takes you to Kibale Forest National Park, a reserve known for its spectacular crater lakes and swamps. The park is home to around 13 primate species, including chimpanzees whose DNA is close to that of humans, as well as 70 mammal species and over 375 bird species. The main activities on this safari are chimpanzee trekking through the forest and a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with them.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Kibale National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Wetland Walk

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast by your guide, who will brief you about the tour before departing for Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes around five and a half hours.
After lunch, you will head out for a walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This guided swamp walk brings you closer to primates, especially monkeys, as well as birds and butterflies.
This is a 2.5- to 3-hour walk and is a must for bird lovers.
Hopefully, you will spot the elusive Sitatunga antelope and the Shoebill Stork. This is not to be missed.
You may also encounter some of the primates found here, and at times even a chimpanzee. Other primate species include the black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, l'Hoest's and blue monkeys, as well as olive baboons. Bushbucks, mongooses, and many more can also be found here.
You will later return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Isunga Lodge: Breakfast :Lunch :Dinner

Day 02

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Approximately 5,000 chimpanzees live in the wild in Uganda, which makes it a perfect place to spot them.
An experienced ranger will take you chimp tracking in the morning at around 6:30 am.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with them.
You will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Isunga Lodge: Breakfast :Lunch :Dinner

Day 03

Return to Entebbe or Kampala

Wake up early in the morning and have your breakfast as you end your stay in the "Land of the Great Apes".
Depart with great memories of the moments spent with the fascinating chimpanzees.
Transfer back to Kampala with lunch en route. You will arrive later in the evening.
Catch your evening flight back home.

Where this trip takes you

Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, crater lakes and swamps

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe Road 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Chimpanzee permit
Transport
Fuel
Airport transfers
Accommodation and meals
Drinking water
Park entry fees
English-speaking driver/guide

What's Not Included

International flight and Uganda visa
Tips
Alcoholic drinks and laundry
Travel insurance
Pre- and post-tour accommodation

What to bring

Waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking boots are a must for Mountain Gorilla hikes in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will need lightweight hiking boots for this lifetime adventure. Your hiking boots should support your ankles while you hike through strenuous terrain. Avoid heavy boots, as they will make your hike more challenging.
Gloves
- Gardening gloves are helpful because they protect your hands in case you fall and need support from different tree species or shrubs, sometimes with thorns that can harm the body. A pair of gloves is necessary, as they will also help safeguard you from the spread of germs.
Rain jackets
Long-sleeved shirts, blouses, T-shirts, and trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts are handy in case of falling tree branches, ants, stinging insects, and vines. Pack long-sleeved shirts and pants with long stockings among the first items on your list.
Bottled water and snacks
- Mountain Gorilla trekking is strenuous, and it can take between 30 minutes and three-quarters of the day while hiking to look for the gorillas. This calls for physical fitness, and you should carry at least two litres of drinking water and energy-giving snacks to help you finish your trek. Great Adventures Uganda provides all clients with drinking water and a packed lunch, always prepared at the lodge where you are booked for accommodation.
Camera and additional batteries
- The most exciting moment of Gorilla Tracking is when you find a family of Mountain Gorillas relaxing and can take their pictures. It is a memorable experience, so you need a good camera without a flash. Do not leave extra batteries behind, as you may need them in the forest. It is best to be well equipped to avoid inconveniences caused by a low camera battery.
Hat and sunscreen or sunglasses
- In case of strong sun rays, you will need to protect your eyes, so bring a hat and sunglasses. Even though you are in the middle of the forest with tall trees, sometimes you will walk in open areas while searching for the Mountain Gorillas.
Binoculars
- When you are in the jungle, you do not only look out for the Mountain Gorillas, but also for a variety of bird species and other primates. The National Park offers refuge to over 350 bird species for any bird lover to enjoy during the Mountain Gorilla tracking experience.
Insect repellants
- The forest is home to many kinds of insects that can be harmful to humans, including black ants and many others. Repellant will help you move without disturbance from insects that may affect your skin. Some visitors, especially females, may also have a phobia of insects, so this can be a good way to keep them away.
Long stockings or Getters
- Long stockings or Getters are always required on your Gorilla trekking. This is because you must wear long pants while walking in the forest. Sometimes you may walk through safari ants in the forest, and these help prevent them from going straight onto your body.

Know before you go

Chimpanzee permits must be booked in advance.
The park is popular for its primate population, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red-cheeked monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
The wetland is a bird paradise with about 138 species and is best known for being home to the Great Blue Turaco.
Kibale Forest National Park boasts one of the highest numbers of primate species in the world, including chimpanzees.
On your chimpanzee trails, these are regularly seen swinging in the forest trees, while others feed on wild fruits.

Logistics