6 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda
6 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda
Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is famous for its rich wildlife, especially its primates. This country has more primates than any other in East Africa. Among these primates, gorillas and chimpanzees are the biggest attractions for tourists.
Gorillas are very closely related to humans, sharing 95% of our DNA. This makes them fascinating to study and observe. There are two types of gorillas found in Uganda: the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas are more commonly seen, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks provide a safe and natural habitat for the gorillas, allowing them to thrive.
Chimpanzees, on the other hand, share about 90% of their DNA with humans. They are also a major draw for visitors to Uganda. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places to see chimpanzees in the wild. This park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, the highest number in East Africa. Other places where you can see chimpanzees in Uganda include Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
The presence of these primates makes Uganda a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. People from all over the world come to Uganda to experience gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. This activity involves hiking through the forests to find and observe these amazing animals in their natural environment. It is an unforgettable experience that brings people closer to nature.
Uganda’s commitment to conservation helps protect these primates. The government, along with various organizations, works hard to preserve the natural habitats of gorillas and chimpanzees. This includes anti-poaching efforts, community education, and eco-tourism initiatives. These efforts ensure that future generations can also enjoy seeing these incredible animals.
Tourism related to gorillas and chimpanzees also benefits the local economy. Many local people find employment as guides, porters, and staff in lodges and hotels. This helps improve their standard of living and supports local communities. Moreover, the revenue generated from tourism helps fund conservation projects, creating a positive cycle of benefits
A wonderful opportunity awaits you to trek Uganda’s primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas, in three national parks: Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Bwindi National Parks. The tour includes game drives and long-distance drives, such as from Kampala to Bwindi and from Kibale National Park back to Kampala. You will enjoy stunning views of tea and banana plantations, including the Kigezi Highlands in Kabale and tea plantations in Fort Portal, among other beautiful sights.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi National Park from Kampala
Upon arrival, meet your driver guide who will greet you and provide a briefing about the safari. You will immediately start the 6-day tour in an air-conditioned car with a bottle of water provided. Your journey to Bwindi National Park, located at the border of Uganda and Rwanda and bordering the Kanungu, Kabale, and Kisoro districts, can take 8-9 hours of driving, depending on speed and stopovers.
You will have an enroute lunch in Mbarara, where you can enjoy the Ankole traditional dances and culture. Continue your journey to Bwindi while enjoying beautiful scenery such as the Kigezi Highlands and cattle farms. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
An amazing and memorable day starts with breakfast, followed by a short briefing on the dos and don’ts of trekking. You will be grouped with 8 people to trek one gorilla family in the forest, which helps the habituated gorillas avoid getting too used to human behavior. Start the trek with the help of an armed park ranger to protect you in case of any danger.
Trekking can take 2-5 hours depending on where you locate the gorillas, as they move in search of food. Once you locate them, you will have one hour to enjoy observing them and taking photos and videos. Afterward, trek out of the forest to meet your driver, who will transfer you back to the lodge.
In the evening, you can take a community tour around and interact with the Bakiga and Batwa communities. Enjoy their dance and artwork before returning to the lodge for the night.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
On this day, have breakfast and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for another exciting activity. The journey starts between 8-9 am and can take about 4 hours depending on speed.
The journey includes a game drive in the Ishasha southern sector, giving you a chance to spot various animals such as buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes, and most importantly, the tree-climbing lions. If you arrive early, you may take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura and Transfer to Kibale
An exciting day begins with breakfast before heading to the briefing point for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Trekking takes 2-4 hours. After trekking, you will transfer to Kibale National Park for the next activity the following morning.
The Kyambura sector, located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is known for its chimpanzees and over 8 other primate species, about 100 tree species, and up to 350 bird species.
Day 5: Second Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Kibale National Park
The fifth day features another chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park in western Uganda after breakfast. The day starts with a short briefing at the Kanyanchu Tourist Center, followed by a trek into the forest. Enjoy the chimps for an hour as they play, laugh, and groom their children.
Afterward, trek back to the information center to meet your driver guide, who will transfer you to the lodge for lunch. Optional activities after lunch include Bigodi wetland or community walks, Crater Lake explorations, a visit to cold springs, and hiking to the top of the world, among others.
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kampala
The last day of your safari begins with breakfast, followed by a road trip back to Kampala city. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off either at your hotel or at Entebbe Airport to catch your next flight.