If you are looking to experience Chimpanzee trekking and Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda, this 6-day trip offers the best of both experiences. You will trek to the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, which is the best place to see chimpanzees in the world, with more than 13 habituated troops.
You will then visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is by far home to the largest numbers of mountain Gorillas in the world! You can also opt for habituation experiences where you spend more time with the Chimpanzees and Gorillas in comparison to the normal treks.
Day 1: Arrival and Hotel Transfer
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe, where you will unwind for the afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Boma Hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest, heading west past Mityana town. Stop in Fort Portal for lunch, then visit Amabere Ganyinamwiru, a family-owned site featuring stalagmites, caves, and a waterfall. You will also go for a nature walk to the crater lakes, with impressive views of the Rwenzori Mountains’ foothills. Proceed to Kibale Forest, arriving in the evening.
Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, or Primates Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing and proceed for chimpanzee tracking near Kanyanchu. This can take half a day. Other primates in the area include the golden monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, white and black colobus monkeys, gray-checked mangabey, red colobus, blue monkeys, and pottos. Other animals include forest elephants (unique from the common type), giant forest hogs, and striking tree species.
Enjoy lunch, then go for a guided nature walk to Bigodi Wetland, a good site for birders. The Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek are easily spotted among the other 137 bird species. There is also an array of butterfly species.
Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, or Primates Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy breakfast and set off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of gorillas. Drive 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.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Have an early morning breakfast, then head to the park headquarters with a packed lunch for a vital briefing before trekking the gorillas in the thick impenetrable forest. You will spend an hour with the gorillas after trekking for about 2-8 hours. After the trek, head back to the starting point to receive your gorilla trekking certificate.
Transfer back to the lodge and freshen up. Later, participate in tree planting at Mahogany Springs and a garden tour led by the head chef.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Back to Etebbe & Departure
Enjoy breakfast and transfer back to Entebbe, with lunch en route in Mbarara city. Stop at the equator for photography if you please. Drop off at Entebbe Airport for your flight back home.
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