5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari; Epic Primate tour

This Wildlife adventure that combines two of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This itinerary provides an immersive wildlife experience, showcasing the biodiversity and natural beauty of Uganda. Explore the dense forests of Kibale, home to the famous chimpanzees, and the breathtaking, mist-covered landscapes of Bwindi, where you’ll trek to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas.

Tour Highlights of the 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

• chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Exploring the Bigodi Swamp
• Encountering endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Cultural experiences with local communities

Brief Itinerary of the 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

• Day 1 – Arrival and transfer to Kibale
• Day 2 – Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Day 3 – Travel to Bwindi
• Day 4 – Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Day 5 – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

You may also like 4 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari

---

Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Morning: Arrival and Pickup
Your safari begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe. After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive you to Kibale Forest National Park, located approximately 5-6 hours away. As you leave the city, you’ll start to witness Uganda’s rural landscapes, from the bustling urban life of Kampala to the tranquil countryside filled with green hills and local villages.

During the drive, you’ll pass through the scenic town of Fort Portal, which offers stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Take a short break in Fort Portal for refreshments and to stretch your legs, then continue on the road to Kibale. Your guide will provide insights into Uganda’s history, wildlife, and culture along the way, ensuring that your journey is both educational and enjoyable.

Afternoon: Arrival at Kibale Forest National Park
After your long drive, you’ll arrive at Kibale Forest National Park, a place famous for its dense rainforests and rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, where you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy a traditional Ugandan lunch made with fresh, local ingredients.

You’ll be staying in one of the comfortable lodges near the park. These lodges offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to mid-range and luxury stays, all nestled in the serene surroundings of the forest. Spend the afternoon resting, taking in the beautiful landscape, or exploring the lodge’s surrounding area.

Evening: Pre-Trek Briefing and Dinner
In the late afternoon, you will meet your guide for a briefing on the chimpanzee trekking experience that awaits you the following day. The briefing covers important safety information, the trekking process, and what to expect when encountering the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

After the briefing, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your chimpanzee trek the next day.

---

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Day 2 begins with an early breakfast, followed by a short drive to the park headquarters. At the briefing point, you’ll be assigned to a group of trekkers and introduced to the experienced park rangers who will guide you through the trek. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. You’ll also have the opportunity to see other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and the endangered Uganda mangabey.

The trek usually begins at dawn, and depending on the location of the chimpanzees, it can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours of hiking through the forest before you encounter the chimps. Once you find them, you’ll have a chance to observe them as they feed, groom, play, and interact with each other. Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans, making this an awe-inspiring experience to witness them in their natural habitat.

The rangers will provide fascinating insights into the behavior of the chimpanzees and the ecology of the forest, enhancing your understanding of the environment. You’ll be given a strict one-hour window to observe and take photos of the chimps. After the experience, you’ll trek back to the starting point, where a well-deserved lunch awaits.

Afternoon: Nature Walk or Community Visit
After the chimpanzee trek, you can enjoy a nature walk around Kibale Forest or take part in a cultural experience. The Bigodi Swamp, a nearby wetland area, offers a wonderful birdwatching experience, with species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill. The swamp walk also provides an opportunity to spot other primates, including red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Alternatively, you can visit a nearby local village to learn about the culture of the indigenous people who live in the area. You’ll be able to interact with the locals, observe their way of life, and perhaps even participate in traditional dances or cooking classes.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, followed by an overnight stay in Kibale.

---

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Departure for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On Day 3, after an early breakfast, you’ll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and gorilla trekking opportunities. The drive from Kibale to Bwindi is approximately 5-6 hours, and along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and forested areas.

You’ll pass through rural towns and villages, giving you the chance to see the daily life of the local communities. The journey to Bwindi provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, so be sure to have your camera ready for photos along the way.

Afternoon: Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check in to your lodge located on the edge of the park. Bwindi offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, with views of the forest and the chance to hear the calls of the gorillas. After settling in, you’ll have lunch and then the afternoon is free for you to relax and take in the natural surroundings.

If time permits, you may opt for a community visit or a short nature walk in the nearby areas, where you can learn more about the local Batwa people and the region’s conservation efforts.

Evening: Dinner and Briefing for Gorilla Trekking
In the evening, you will gather for a briefing session about the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. The rangers will explain the safety protocols, rules for interacting with the gorillas, and provide an overview of what to expect during the trek. You’ll be given essential information on how to behave in the presence of the mountain gorillas, ensuring both your safety and that of the gorillas.

Afterward, enjoy a hearty dinner at your lodge, followed by an early night to rest before the exciting trek the next day.

---

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Your 5-day safari reaches its peak on Day 4 with the much-anticipated gorilla trekking. After breakfast, you will drive to the Bwindi park headquarters, where you will be assigned to a specific gorilla group. Bwindi is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and trekking to find them is an extraordinary and rare experience.

The gorilla trekking adventure begins with a briefing by the park rangers, who will guide you through the trek. The trek can be physically demanding, as you’ll be walking through dense forest and sometimes steep, muddy terrain. The duration of the trek varies depending on the location of the gorillas, with the hike lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour with them, observing them as they move through the forest, feed, interact, and care for each other. The experience of being so close to these majestic creatures is one that will stay with you forever. Your guide will share information about the gorillas’ behavior, family structure, and conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

Afternoon: Return to Lodge and Relaxation
After your gorilla encounter, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-earned lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation, allowing you to reflect on the day’s incredible experience. Some lodges offer spa treatments, allowing you to unwind after the trek.

Alternatively, you may visit a local community or participate in a nature walk to explore the park further.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, followed by an overnight stay. Take in the serene atmosphere of the forest and the sounds of nature as you prepare for your final day on safari.

---

Day 5: Departure and Return to Kampala

Morning: Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive back takes approximately 8-9 hours, and along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful landscapes, including the Kigezi Highlands, known for its breathtaking views and terraced hillsides.

You’ll stop for lunch en route, and if time allows, you can take some final photos before arriving back in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening. Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

End of the5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

BOOK THIS TOUR

---

Why Choose the 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari?

The 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safari offers an unparalleled combination of two of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This safari provides the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion, all set against the backdrop of Uganda’s stunning natural beauty.

With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and the chance to encounter both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, this safari is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking an adventure of a lifetime, this safari offers something for everyone. Book your 5 Days Kibale and Bwindi Gorilla Safaritoday and embark on a journey of discovery, wonder, and wildlife encounters.