This 5 Days trip sums up the best of Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking with a visit to Kibale National Park, which is the ultimate home of untamed Chimpanzees in 13 troops. The trek in Kibale allows you to see more than the Chimpanzees; the forest is a habitat for mammals, including the forest elephants and more primates like monkeys of different species, as well as different tree species. Do not miss out on a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Area for beneficial nature walks and birding.
You will also visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for Gorilla Trekking; Bwindi has the highest number of Gorillas in the world, with 22 Gorilla families and counting at present. There is a lot to see and learn about on this Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking safari – that’s for sure!
Detailed 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Kibale National Park
Having stayed overnight at a hotel or lodge in Entebbe or Kampala, your driver/guide will pick you up by 8:00 am and begin your journey to Kibale, driving past the towns of Mityana and Mubende, and continue to Fort Portal, where you will stop for lunch. Proceed to Kibale Forest, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Wake up to an early morning breakfast, drive to the headquarters at Kanyanchu for a briefing, and head out for Chimpanzee trekking with a ranger guide. This can take you half a day. There are other primates in the area, like the golden monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, white and black colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, blue monkeys, and pottos. Other animals include forest elephants, which are unique from the common type, giant forest hogs, and a striking tree species.
Enjoy Lunch and later take a guided nature walk to Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary, a good site for birders. The Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek can easily be marked among the other 137 bird species. There is also an array of butterfly species. Later return for dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge as above.
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will enjoy a morning breakfast and set off for Bwindi Forest, the home of gorillas, driving through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi with lunch en route, arriving in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Kaara Gorilla Lodge.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Have an early morning breakfast, head to the park office headquarters with a packed lunch for a vital briefing prior to trekking the gorillas in the thick, impenetrable forests. You get to spend an hour with the gorillas after having trekked for about 5-8 hours.
If you still feel strong, just head for a brief nature walk to the local Batwa community. Check out the curio shops and the children’s school, among others. Return for dinner and overnight at Kaara Gorilla Lodge as above.
Day 5: Back to Kampala
Enjoy morning breakfast and transfer back to Entebbe with lunch en route in Mbarara city. You will have another stopover at the Equator at Kayabwe for photos and continue to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon. Drop off at Entebbe airport for your flight back home with memories of this gorilla and chimpanzee trekking trip.
Note: This trip can be tailored to your liking and timing. It can begin with a Gorilla trek in Bwindi and end with the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and it is available all year round on budget, mid-range, and Luxury options. Just get in touch with us.
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