Uganda · Primate Tours

5-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking

5 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the crater lakes region on a guided cultural walk and interact with local communities
02 Trek through Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees and other primates such as Colobus and red-tailed monkeys
03 Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and spot hippos, elephants, buffalo, and a wide variety of birds
04 Embark on a game drive through Kasenyi and the Ishasha Sector in search of lions, leopards, and tree-climbing lions
05 Join a full-day gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend extended time with a gorilla family
06 Discover Uganda's cultural heritage at the Igongo Cultural Centre and stop at the Uganda Equator for memorable photos

Embark on a thrilling 5-day Uganda safari through Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trek through lush rainforests in search of wild chimpanzees, enjoy game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and encounter endangered mountain gorillas during an immersive habituation experience. Discover Uganda's rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures along the way.

Spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group as part of the conservation program.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Kibale National Park and Crater Lakes Walk

Depart from Kampala after breakfast.
Drive through scenic landscapes, including papyrus swamps and jungle along the Nile Delta, en route to Kibale National Park at the foot of the Ruwenzori Mountains.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided walk around the crater lakes region for a cultural experience, with views of local communities and the surrounding terrain.
Enjoy lunch and dinner at Ndali Lodge.

Overnight at Ndali Lodge.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 02

Chimpanzee Trekking and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Have an early breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer to Kibale Park headquarters for a safety briefing before starting the forest walk in search of chimpanzees.
Learn about the forest ecosystem, small organisms, and other primates such as Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, and Colobus monkeys.
After the trek, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy a two-hour evening boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, elephants, buffalo, kobs, and a variety of birds.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive via Ishasha to Bwindi

Start with early morning coffee or tea.
Embark on a game drive along Kasenyi and Queen's Mile, encountering elephants, lions, warthogs, waterbucks, buffalo, and birdlife.
Proceed through the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, and, if time allows, enjoy a mini game drive here.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 04

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Have breakfast and proceed to the UWA headquarters for a pre-trek briefing at 8:00 am.
Join a team of researchers and guides for a full-day gorilla habituation experience in the forest.
Spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group as part of the conservation program.
Carry essential items such as a rain jacket, lunch box, drinking water, snacks, and jungle boots.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 05

Return to Entebbe via Igongo and the Equator

Begin the return journey to Kampala and then to Entebbe.
Stop for lunch en route and visit the Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about the Ankole and Bahima cultures.
Proceed to the Uganda Equator for a photo stop and souvenir shopping.
Arrive in Entebbe in time for your evening departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.

End of Services.

Where this trip takes you

Kibale National Park rainforest, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park habituation, Igongo Cultural Centre

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Drinking water (on all days)
Roundtrip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Passport valid for at least six months and appropriate Uganda visa
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required for entry
Comprehensive travel insurance covering health and emergencies
Recommended vaccinations and anti-malarial medication as advised by a doctor
Lightweight neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants in khaki or beige
Warm layers like a fleece or light jacket for cool evenings
Waterproof jacket or poncho for rainy conditions
Sturdy hiking boots for treks and sandals or flip-flops for lodge use
Swimwear for lodges with pools or potential swimming stops
Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses
Binoculars for wildlife viewing and birdwatching
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
Small daypack for daily essentials
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Insect repellent with DEET to protect against mosquitoes
High-SPF sunscreen and protective lip balm
Flashlight or headlamp for areas with limited lighting
Biodegradable toiletries and feminine hygiene products
Personal first aid kit with medications and pain relievers
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for easy hygiene
Photocopies of travel documents stored separately from originals
Small denominations of Ugandan Shillings for tips and purchases
Power bank and universal adapter for charging devices
Lighter clothing with warm layers during dry season months
Waterproof gear and quick-dry clothing for wet season travel

Know before you go

Carry a passport valid for at least six months and obtain the required Uganda visa.
Present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering health, cancellations, and emergencies.
Consult a doctor for recommended vaccinations and carry necessary medications, including anti-malarials.
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and trousers in khaki, beige, or olive.
Include warm layers like a fleece or light jacket for cooler evenings.
Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially during rainy seasons.
Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots for treks and safaris.
Carry sandals or flip-flops for use at lodges.
Pack swimwear for use at lodges with swimming pools or during leisure time.
Use a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses for sun safety.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Carry a camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture wildlife and landscapes.
Use a small daypack for daily excursions and essentials.
Keep a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET to protect against mosquitoes.
Use high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm for sun protection.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp for use in areas with limited lighting.
Carry biodegradable toiletries and feminine hygiene products.
Pack a personal first aid kit including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Use hand sanitizer and wet wipes for hygiene on the go.
Make photocopies of important travel documents and store them separately.
Carry small denominations of Ugandan Shillings for tips and local purchases.
Bring a power bank and a universal adapter to keep devices charged.
Wear lighter clothing with warm layers during the dry season from June to August and December to February.
Use waterproof gear and quick-drying clothing during the wet season from March to May and September to November.