UGANDA // PRIMATE SAFARI
6 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Uganda
Both great apes in one trip, plus tree climbing lions and a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
6 Days / 5 Nights
DURATION
$2,200
FROM, PER PERSON
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
DESTINATIONS
2 to 8
GROUP SIZE
ABOUT THIS SAFARI
About This 6 Day Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari
This gorillas and chimpanzees safari brings Africa’s two great apes together in one trip. You track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, cross Queen Elizabeth National Park for a boat trip and the tree climbing lions of Ishasha, then trek to a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Uganda is the easiest place in Africa to see both apes in a single itinerary. Kibale has one of the highest densities of primates anywhere, and Queen Elizabeth breaks up the drive south with classic savannah game viewing, hippo and elephant along the Kazinga Channel.
Your gorilla permit ($800) and chimpanzee permit ($250) are included at current Uganda Wildlife Authority rates, along with the Kazinga Channel boat trip, park fees, a private 4×4 with an English speaking driver guide and full board. Explore more on our Uganda page.
AT A GLANCE
Trip Summary
| Detail | This safari |
|---|---|
| Price from | USD 2,200 per person |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Safari style | Cultural, Gorilla Trekking |
| Countries | Uganda |
| Parks visited | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
| Starts | Entebbe |
| Ends | Entebbe |
| Group size | Private departure. Typically 2 to 6 guests per vehicle |
| Best time to go | Jun to Aug and Dec to Feb |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Your Route, Day By Day
| Day | Route | Overnight | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe to Kibale | Lodge, Kibale | L, D |
| 2 | Chimpanzee tracking | Lodge, Kibale | B, L, D |
| 3 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | Lodge, Queen Elizabeth | B, L, D |
| 4 | Ishasha to Bwindi | Lodge, Bwindi | B, L, D |
| 5 | Gorilla trekking | Lodge, Bwindi | B, L, D |
| 6 | Bwindi to Entebbe | Departure | B |
B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner. Accommodation is shown by type and area. We confirm the exact camp or lodge in writing with your quote.
DAY BY DAY
The Full Itinerary
Your driver guide collects you in Entebbe for the drive west through Fort Portal to Kibale National Park, about six to seven hours, with the Rwenzori Mountains on the horizon.
You arrive at your lodge near the forest in the late afternoon.
Activities: Drive to Kibale via Fort Portal
Meals: Lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Kibale
After an early briefing you walk into the forest with a ranger to find a habituated chimpanzee community. Sightings are very likely, and once you find them you spend one hour watching them feed, groom and call.
In the afternoon a guided walk in the community run Bigodi wetland can be added for more monkeys and excellent birding.
Activities: Chimpanzee tracking, optional Bigodi wetland walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Kibale
You drive south through the crater lakes region to Queen Elizabeth National Park, about three hours.
An afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel passes one of the densest hippo populations in Africa, with elephant, buffalo and water birds on the banks.
Activities: Drive to Queen Elizabeth, Kazinga Channel boat trip
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Queen Elizabeth
A morning game drive in the Ishasha sector, where lions often rest in the branches of fig trees.
You continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving in the afternoon for the trek briefing.
Activities: Ishasha game drive for tree climbing lions, drive to Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Bwindi
You report to the park office at about 7:30 for the ranger briefing and your allocation to a gorilla family. Groups are kept to eight trekkers.
The trek can take from one hour to most of the day through steep forest, followed by one hour with the gorillas. Porters can be hired at the start and are well worth it.
Activities: Gorilla trek with rangers, one hour with a gorilla family
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Bwindi
After breakfast you drive back to Entebbe, about nine to ten hours with a lunch stop, arriving in the evening for your flight.
A scheduled flight from Kihihi or Kisoro to Entebbe can replace the drive at an extra cost.
Activities: Drive back to Entebbe, optional domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Departure day
THE ROUTE
Where This Safari Takes You
How To Get There
This safari starts and ends in Entebbe. Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and book an evening flight home on day 6, or add a night in Entebbe.
All travel is by road in a private 4×4. The longest days are the first (Entebbe to Kibale, six to seven hours) and the last (Bwindi to Entebbe, nine to ten hours). Domestic flights from Kihihi or Kisoro cut the return to about two hours.
Most visitors need a Uganda e-visa applied for online before travel, and Uganda asks every arriving traveller for a yellow fever certificate. See our visa requirements page or ask in your free quote.
WHAT IS COVERED
Included and Not Included
Included
- Gorilla permit and chimpanzee permit
- All park entrance fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- 4×4 vehicle throughout
- Full board accommodation
- Entebbe airport transfers
Not included
- International flights and Uganda visa
- Travel insurance including evacuation cover
- Porter fees
- Drinks and personal items
- Tips and gratuities
GOOD TO KNOW
Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari FAQs
The gorilla permit for Bwindi ($800) and the chimpanzee tracking permit for Kibale ($250), at current Uganda Wildlife Authority rates. Permits sell out early in the dry seasons, so we book them as soon as you confirm.
Gorilla trekking is for ages 15 and over. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is usually for ages 12 and over.
Yes. The gorilla habituation experience allows up to four hours with a family, and the chimpanzee habituation experience gives you longer with a chimp community. Both cost more and have very few places. See the Kenya and Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari.
Often, but not always. The lions of Ishasha rest in fig trees on many days, and your guide knows the trees they favour. Queen Elizabeth also has elephant, buffalo and hippo.
This safari starts from $2,200 per person, including both permits. The price depends on the lodges and your group size. Request a free quote for your dates.
Waterproof walking boots, long trousers, a long sleeved shirt, a rain jacket and gardening gloves for gripping vegetation. Keep your camera in a dry bag.
NO OBLIGATION
Enquire About This Safari
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability and a firm price within 24 hours.
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