5 Day Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

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Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure into the heart of Uganda’s lush rainforests, where you’ll track majestic mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats. This immersive safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering up-close encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic primates, breathtaking forest landscapes, and cultural experiences that make every moment truly extraordinary. 

Key Highlights

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Lodges based on the option selected

Guide

English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides

Transportation

Safari Van/ 4X4 Land Cruiser

Inclusions

One gorilla trekking Permit
One chimpanzee trekking Permit
Guide fees
Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
Full board accommodation
Park fees and relevant government taxes

Exclusions

Airfares
Visa fees
Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary
Personal insurance
Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes

Things to know

  • Accommodation Options: Your choice of lodge determines your comfort level throughout the tour.
    • Budget: Stay at Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Gorilla Friends Resort Lodge, or Nshongi Camp on Days 1 & 2, Kals Guesta House, Rwengoma Courts, or Stanford Hotel Fort Portal on Day 3, and Kibale Forest Camp (non-self-contained tents), Kibale Forest Lodge, or Kibale Eco Home on Day 4. Day 5 is departure.
    • Mid-Range: Stay at Agandi, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, or Bakiga Lodge on Days 1 & 2, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Nyaika Hotel, or Fort Motel on Day 3, and Kibale Forest Camp, Isunga Lodge, or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge on Day 4. Day 5 is departure.
    • Premium: Stay at Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Gorilla Safari Lodge on Days 1 & 2, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, or Lodge Bella Vista on Day 3, and Primate Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, or Crater Safari Lodge Kibale on Day 4. Day 5 is departure.
  • Meals: Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included at your accommodation and during the itinerary activities.
  • Treks: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can last 2–6 hours; trails are uneven, muddy, and steep in parts. Be prepared for physical activity and carry water, snacks, sturdy shoes, and rain gear.
  • Permits: Each guest receives one gorilla permit and one chimpanzee permit, which must be secured well in advance.
  • Packing Tips: Layered clothing, waterproof jackets, hats, insect repellent, binoculars, and non-flash cameras are highly recommended.
  • Health & Safety: Forest trekking is moderately strenuous. Carry personal medications, wear proper footwear, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Respect local communities, especially during Batwa visits. Ask permission before taking photos and engage with curiosity and respect.
  • Transfers & Transport: Ground transportation is included with 4×4 Landcruisers or safari vans, along with airport pickup and drop-off.
  • Weather: Rain is common in Uganda’s forests. Expect wet conditions and plan accordingly. 

Choose from available options

Budget Accommodation Tour

Unavailable

Mid-Range Accommodation Tour

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Premium Accommodation Tour

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What will you do

Day 1

Arrival In Uganda | Travel To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Batwa Cultural Interaction

Arrival In Uganda | Travel To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Batwa Cultural Interaction

Upon arrival in Uganda in the morning, you will be welcomed by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name at Entebbe International Airport, and transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will arrive at the park between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm and check in at your lodge. In the evening, you will embark on a community walk to visit the Batwa, an indigenous group who have lived in the forest for over 500,000 years, and enjoy their traditional dances and dramatic performances.

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking | Relaxing

Gorilla Trekking | Relaxing

After breakfast, you will set out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park headquarters for a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Afterwards, you will embark on a trek through the misty rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas, with the excursion lasting two to six hours depending on their location. Be sure to carry enough water, sturdy shoes, a non-flash camera, and a rain jacket. Spending time in the presence of these gentle giants is a truly special experience, making this one of the most memorable moments of your safari. After this long and exciting adventure, you will return to your lodge to freshen up and relax for the remainder of the day.

Day 3

Travel To Fort Portal | Hiking | Explore The Crater Lakes

Travel To Fort Portal | Hiking | Explore The Crater Lakes

After breakfast, you will be driven to Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, nestled in the shadow of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, you will explore the crater lakes, including a walk along the edge of a rare twinned-volcanic crater lake offering spectacular views. With a local guide, you will take a guided walk around the rim of the crater lakes to fully appreciate their majesty, and you may also descend through the ancient forest at Kyaninga, often called the “land that time forgot.” Beyond Kyaninga, you can visit local villages to gain insight into rural Ugandan life, and further along, take a walk up to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley to marvel at the vast East African landscape unfolding beneath you.

Day 4

Transfer To Kibale National Park | Bigodi Community Walk

Transfer To Kibale National Park | Bigodi Community Walk

After breakfast, you will set out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park headquarters for a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. The trek, lasting two to six hours depending on the chimps’ location, offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these amazing primates in the wild. After the trek, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community walk and cultural interaction in Magombe swamp, home to diverse wildlife including multiple primate species and other mammals such as sitatungas, bush pigs, otters, and bushbucks.

Day 5

The Last Day With Us | Equator Stopover | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

The Last Day With Us | Equator Stopover | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport, with a stopover at the Equator in Masaka to see where the imaginary line divides the Earth into two hemispheres. Here, you can take photos, enjoy snacks, and purchase souvenirs. Afterward, you will continue to the airport for your scheduled flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable safari in Uganda.

Where you'll be

From Passprt Community

  • Begin your gorilla and chimpanzee treks early. Sunrise in the rainforest is magical, and the wildlife shows up when the forest wakes.
  • Keep your distance from wildlife. Gorillas and chimps rule the forest - your camera gets the close-up, not your hands.
  • Pack a small first-aid kit. Blisters, scratches, or insect bites are part of jungle life- be ready to handle them.
  • Keep your voice low. The forest is alive with sounds- shouting scares the animals and ruins the moment.
  • Don’t rush photos. Take a deep breath and enjoy the experience first; your memories are worth more than just the perfect shot.
  • Pack light and smart. Heavy backpacks slow you down and tire you out before the adventure even begins.
  • Dress in layers and waterproof gear. Rain is part of the rainforest charm, not a surprise obstacle.

Terms and conditions

  • The itinerary, accommodations, and activities are subject to availability and may change without prior notice.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are secured in advance; however, sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
  • Trekking routes and schedules may change due to weather, park regulations, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Travelers are responsible for their personal health and fitness; the tour involves moderate physical activity.
  • Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Travel documents, visas, insurance, and personal belongings are the responsibility of the traveler.
  • Optional activities or upgrades may incur additional costs payable on site.
  • The booking partner is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by force majeure, including natural disasters, political unrest, or transportation disruptions.
  • Guests must follow the instructions of guides, rangers, and local authorities; non-compliance may result in restricted access to activities.
  • The booking partner is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of personal items during the tour.
  • Meals, accommodations, and transport are provided as indicated; substitutions may occur due to availability or operational requirements.
  • All guests are required to respect local communities, wildlife, and park regulations; failure to do so may result in removal from the tour without refund.
  • Photographs or videos of certain areas or communities may be restricted; guests should comply with guidance provided by guides.