Safari Overview
This 4-day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari offers an exciting opportunity to experience Uganda’s most iconic primates in a short yet well-balanced journey. The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to focus on primate encounters while also enjoying scenic landscapes and comfortable safari lodges.
The journey is designed for travellers seeking adventure, wildlife connection, and efficient travel planning. With carefully selected lodge locations and a logical travel route, the safari maintains a relaxed pace while maximising meaningful experiences. From misty rainforest treks to the lush underground forest of Kyambura Gorge, this safari showcases two of Uganda’s most fascinating ecosystems.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 3: Transfer to Kyambura Gorge for Chimpanzee Trekking
- Day 4: Departure and Return
Safari Details
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe, driving southwest through Uganda’s scenic countryside. The journey takes you through rolling hills, farmlands, and local communities, offering beautiful views along the way. A lunch stop is made en route before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Upon arrival, you check in to your lodge located near the forest edge. The afternoon is spent at leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural environment. The cool forest air and sounds of wildlife create a peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by the rangers. You are then assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest, accompanied by experienced guides. The trek can vary in duration depending on the location of the gorillas, but the experience of walking through the dense forest is rewarding in itself.
Once you encounter the gorillas, you spend a memorable hour observing their behaviour, interactions, and daily routines. This close encounter is both humbling and emotional, making it the highlight of the safari. After the trek, you return to the lodge to relax, enjoy your meals, and reflect on this extraordinary experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Kyambura Gorge for Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, you depart Bwindi and drive north towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey offers stunning scenery, including rolling savannahs and crater lakes. Upon arrival, you proceed to Kyambura Gorge, a hidden forest set below the open plains of the park.
In the afternoon, you take part in chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Guided by experienced rangers, you descend into the lush forest in search of chimpanzees and other primates. The gorge offers a unique trekking environment, with a mix of riverine forest, birdlife, and dramatic landscapes. After the trek, you transfer to your lodge within or near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Departure and Return
After breakfast, you check out of the lodge and begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your travel schedule, a short game viewing drive may be arranged as you exit the park, offering a final chance to see wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
You arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 4 days gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari. This journey leaves you with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s primates, landscapes, and natural beauty.