4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari Uganda

Uganda

Embark on an unforgettable 4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda with Nextgen Safaris, where you will explore the pristine rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park. This journey offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to remarkable wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking landscapes. This short yet action-packed itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s iconic primates while enjoying the scenic beauty of its lush forests, misty mountains, and vibrant culture.

4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park – The best place in Africa for close encounters with wild chimpanzees.
Scenic drives through Uganda’s countryside – Experience the changing landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests.
Cultural encounters – Engage with local communities near Bwindi and learn about conservation efforts.
Birdwatching opportunities – Spot some of the 335+ bird species in Kibale and Bwindi, including the Albertine Rift endemics.

Detailed 4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your 4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari adventure begins with a morning pick-up in Entebbe or Kampala by our professional guide. From here, you will embark on a scenic drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to more than 480 mountain gorillas.

The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours, offering stunning views of Uganda’s countryside, terraced hills, and vibrant local villages. Along the way, you will have the option to stop at the Equator in Kayabwe, a perfect spot for photos and a short exploration of the fascinating water experiments that demonstrate the Coriolis effect.

As you continue your drive, you will pass through Mbarara, known for its expansive Ankole cattle farms, and then through Kabale’s rolling hills, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” due to their picturesque landscapes.

You will arrive at Bwindi in the late afternoon and check into Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge located just outside the national park. Spend the evening unwinding as you prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to Bwindi National Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Here, experienced rangers will provide information about the park, the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, and assign you to a specific gorilla family group based on your fitness level.

The trek begins as you follow the dense trails of Bwindi, navigating through thick vegetation, steep terrain, and mist-covered hills. Gorilla trekking can take anywhere between 2 to 7 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s movement. Once you find the majestic mountain gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them up close, watching their social interactions, playful juveniles, and the impressive silverback leader.

This moment is awe-inspiring and provides an intimate wildlife experience like no other. Capture breathtaking photos and soak in the beauty of these gentle giants before trekking back to the park headquarters.

After receiving a gorilla trekking certificate, return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. You may choose to take an optional village walk to interact with the Batwa pygmy community, one of the indigenous tribes that once lived in Bwindi’s forests.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World

After breakfast, embark on a 5–6-hour scenic drive from Bwindi to Kibale National Park, the best destination for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. The journey offers picturesque views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon).

Kibale National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and hosts 13 primate species, including the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Arrive at your accommodation, Kibale Forest Camp, and enjoy a relaxing evening while listening to the sounds of the forest.

Main Destination: Kibale National Park
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Mid-range, Safari Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Transfer to Entebbe

Wake up early for breakfast and head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a chimpanzee tracking briefing. The trek through the dense tropical rainforest of Kibale is an adventure in itself, as you may also encounter forest elephants, bush pigs, and various bird species along the way.

Once you find a troop of habituated chimpanzees, you will have one hour to observe their behavior, watching them swing from tree to tree, groom each other, and call out in their distinct vocalizations. Chimpanzee tracking usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours.

After the trek, embark on a return journey to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of this unforgettable 4-Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari.

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Uganda must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Uganda Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: East Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: East Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Nextgen Safaris is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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