5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Safari
5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Safari
Overview
This immersive 5 day gorilla habituation and chimpanzee safari is designed for travelers who want to spend meaningful time with two of the world’s most fascinating great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The safari takes you to the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the only place where the gorilla habituation experience is offered, before continuing to Kibale Forest National Park, widely known as the “Primate Capital of the World.”
Unlike standard gorilla trekking, the gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family alongside researchers and conservationists. This extended encounter provides deeper insight into gorilla behavior and conservation efforts. You will then compare this unique experience with the energetic interactions of chimpanzees during chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla habituation experience (4 hours with gorillas)
- Day 3: Scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and optional Bigodi Wetland walk
- Day 5: Return to Entebbe International Airport
Safari Highlights
- Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park
- Activities: Gorilla habituation experience and chimpanzee trekking
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Tour starts and ends in Entebbe
- Airport transfers included
- Accommodation and meals included
Trip Itinerary
Morning: Your driver-guide from Bamba Safaris will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe or from Entebbe International Airport. After a short briefing, begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and a brief demonstration of the famous water experiment.
Afternoon: Continue the journey to Mbarara City where you will stop for lunch before proceeding through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
Evening: Arrive in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Drive Time: 8–9 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Morning: After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing about the gorilla habituation experience.
You will then join researchers and park rangers on a guided trek into the forest to locate a semi-habituated gorilla family.
Gorilla Habituation Experience: Once the gorillas are found, spend up to four hours observing them and learning about the habituation process. During this time, you may assist researchers in identifying individuals and observing behavioral patterns.
Evening: Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
- Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Morning: After breakfast, depart Bwindi and begin the scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey passes through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park where wildlife may sometimes be seen along the road.
Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Fort Portal, a charming town located near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Continue the journey to your lodge near Kibale Forest.
Evening: Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge
- Midrange: Turaco Treetops
- Luxury: Primate Lodge / Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort / Ndali Lodge
Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Trek through the forest with experienced guides in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee communities. Once located, spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees as they feed, groom, and interact.
Afternoon (Optional): After lunch, you may take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area known for its rich biodiversity including primates, birds, and plant species.
Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge
- Midrange: Turaco Treetops
- Luxury: Primate Lodge / Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort / Ndali Lodge
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning the drive back to Entebbe or Kampala.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Uganda primate safari.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions
- Gorilla habituation permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Bigodi Wetland walk (if included in itinerary)
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Airport or hotel transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in the meals
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged on request)
REQUEST A QUOTE
Explore More Uganda Safaris
Browse more Uganda safaris designed for travelers seeking gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences. These packages offer a variety of options to suit different travel styles, interests and budgets.
