Epic 5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas Uganda Safari 

5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas: Embark on the ultimate 5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas Uganda adventure, a thrilling cross-border safari that blends Rwanda’s vibrant primate-filled rainforests with Uganda’s iconic mountain gorilla habitats.

This 5 Days Rwanda Uganda safari starts in Kigali and whisks you through the misty trails of Nyungwe Forest National Park for intimate chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, followed by an unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

As experts in Uganda wildlife tours, Go Silverback Safaris crafts this Nyungwe chimpanzee and Uganda gorilla trekking tour to deliver seamless logistics, expert guides, and authentic wildlife encounters across two of East Africa’s premier destinations.

Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests in southwestern Rwanda, teems with 13 primate species and offers the region’s only canopy walkway. Crossing into Uganda, you’ll reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

This gorilla trekking in Uganda from Rwanda itinerary combines heart-pounding primate experiences, scenic drives through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and cultural insights into local communities.

Perfect for adventurers seeking a Rwanda and Uganda primate safari in just five days, this tour maximizes every moment without compromising comfort or safety. Read on for the full day-by-day breakdown, costs, highlights, and essential travel tips.

Safari Highlights of the 5 Days Nyungwe forest chimps & Gorillas

• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest: Up-close encounters with habituated troops.
• Nyungwe canopy walk adventure: East Africa’s only elevated forest walkway.
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: One hour with mountain gorillas.
• Scenic drive through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
• Cultural encounters with local Batwa people.
• Cross-border experience between Rwanda and Uganda.

These Rwanda Uganda primate safari highlights create lifelong memories in a compact itinerary.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary for the5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Your 5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas Uganda journey begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport or your city hotel. After a brief meet-and-greet with your English-speaking driver-guide from Go Silverback Safaris, depart on the scenic transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 6 hours). Wind through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, dotted with terraced farms and vibrant villages.

En route, pause at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to glimpse Rwanda’s royal heritage and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for deeper cultural context.

Arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon, savor a delicious dinner, and rest amid the sounds of the forest. Overnight options include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range) or the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to Uwinka Visitor Center or Cyamudongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. The park gates open at 5:00 am, with tracking commencing at 6:00 am.

Accompanied by experienced rangers, venture into the dense rainforest, listening for chimpanzee calls and spotting other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys and black-and-white colobus.

Tracking lasts 2–4 hours, culminating in one magical hour observing a habituated chimp community as they forage, groom, and play. Post-tracking, ascend the famous canopy walk in Nyungwe—a 60-meter-high suspension bridge offering panoramic views over the ancient canopy.

Optional afternoon activities include birdwatching (over 300 species) or a visit to nearby tea plantations. Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Day 3: Cross the Border to Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, embark on the Nyungwe to Bwindi transfer, driving to the Cyanika or Katuna border post (2–3 hours).

Complete immigration formalities—ensure you have the East African Tourist Visa for seamless entry into Uganda. Your Go Silverback Safaris guide handles all border assistance.

Continue through Uganda’s lush countryside, passing Lake Bunyonyi’s terraced islands (optional quick stop for photos). Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Ruhija or Rushaga sector by late afternoon.

Check into your lodge, enjoy breathtaking views, and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla adventure. This leg showcases the best of a cross-border safari Rwanda and Uganda.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The pinnacle of your gorilla trekking in Uganda from Rwanda awaits. After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a 7:00 am briefing on trekking etiquette.

Assigned to a gorilla family, hike through the impenetrable forest—treks range from 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements and terrain.

Spend one unforgettable hour with these gentle giants, observing silverbacks, mothers with infants, and playful juveniles. Post-trek, receive your Uganda gorilla permits certificate and optionally visit the Batwa pygmy community for cultural dances and storytelling.

Uganda gorilla permits for foreign non-residents cost $800 in 2025—secured in advance by Go Silverback Safaris. Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest.

Day 5: Return to Kigali / Entebbe & Departure

Savor breakfast overlooking the forest, then drive back via the Katuna or Cyanika border. The Bwindi to Kigali distance is approximately 8–9 hours, with optional stops at local markets or Lake Bunyonyi for lunch and souvenirs.

Drop-off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel marks the end of this epic safari return to Kigali. For those extending in Uganda, we can arrange transfers to Entebbe.

End of the 5 Days Nyungwe forest chimps & Gorillas

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions:

• Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person).
• Chimpanzee permit ($90 per person).
• 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide.
• Accommodation (mid-range or luxury options).
• All meals and bottled water.
• Park entry fees and border assistance.

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Visa fees ($100 for East Africa Tourist Visa).
• Personal expenses, tips, and alcohol.

Travel Information

Best time to go: June–September and December–February (dry season) for optimal best time for Nyungwe and Bwindi safari conditions—clear trails and active primates.

What to pack:

• Sturdy hiking boots.
• Rain jacket and poncho.
• Gardening gloves for grip.
• Long-sleeved clothes and insect repellent.
• Binoculars, camera (no flash), and daypack.

Visa info: The East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya—apply online in advance.

Getting there: Fly into Kigali (KGL); we handle all ground transport.

About Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda stands as one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, spanning 1,019 square kilometers in southwestern Rwanda. Home to 13 primate species—including chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, and large troops of Angola colobus—it’s a biodiversity hotspot with over 1,000 plant species.

The park’s star attraction, the Nyungwe canopy walkway, suspends adventurers 60 meters above the forest floor for bird’s-eye views of this ancient ecosystem.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for over 450 mountain gorillas—nearly half the global population.

Divided into four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo), the park’s dense montane and lowland forests challenge yet reward trekkers. Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda offers profound, life-changing wildlife moments amid mist-shrouded hills.

Accommodation Options

Lodges in Nyungwe Forest:

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (panoramic views, mid-range).
• One&Only Nyungwe House (ultra-luxury, private chalets).

Accommodation near Bwindi:

• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga, cozy and eco-friendly).
• Buhoma Lodge (Buhoma sector, upscale with forest views).
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (budget-friendly, prime location).

FAQs

How much does a 5-day chimp and gorilla safari cost?

From $3,500 per person, including permits and accommodations.

Do I need two visas to visit Rwanda and Uganda?

No—the East African Tourist Visa covers both.

What is the distance from Nyungwe Forest to Bwindi?

Approximately 150–200 km, 5–7 hours with border crossing.

Can I do chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking in one trip?

Yes—this itinerary combines both seamlessly.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking?

Dry seasons: June–September and December–February.

Conclusion 

This 5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas Uganda safari delivers the essence of a 5 days Rwanda Uganda primate safari—wild primates, stunning landscapes, and effortless cross-border travel.

At Uganda Wildlife Tours, we specialize in Uganda wildlife tours and secure permits months ahead for guaranteed spots. Contact us today to customize your chimpanzee and gorilla trekking itinerary, check availability for 2025, and book your Nyungwe to Bwindi safari route. Let’s make your cross-border safari Rwanda Uganda unforgettable!