5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari from Kigali

Price

From 1,800 USD

Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Language

English

Tour Summary

Experience the ultimate primate adventure in Uganda. Trek the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a close encounter with mountain gorillas, then continue to Kibale National Park, home to chimpanzees and other fascinating primates. This safari combines adventure, nature, and culture with scenic drives, luxury or mid-range lodge stays, and expert guidance.

Day 1 — Kigali to Bwindi Im­penetrable National Park

Drive time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Pick-up from Kigali hotel or airport. Begin your journey to Uganda, stopping at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective visit. Continue through Kabale Town for lunch, then traverse the scenic roads of southern Uganda into Bwindi NP. Capture breathtaking views of plantations, rolling hills, and the Virunga massif.

Check in at the lodge, enjoy refreshments, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Mid-range: 4 Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
  • Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Day 2 — Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a trekking briefing. The trek can take 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on gorilla location. Once located, spend 1 hour observing gorillas, photographing, and learning from rangers. Return to the headquarters for your Gorilla Trekking Certificate, then relax and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Mid-range: 4 Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
  • Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Day 3 — Transfer to Kibale National Park

Drive time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Kibale National Park, stopping along the way for scenic photos. Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
  • Mid-range: Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge / Bweza Kibale Lodge
  • Luxury: Primate Lodge / Tabebuia Resort & Spa

Day 4 — Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start with breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Trek with rangers through the forest and spend 1 hour with chimpanzees, observing social behaviors and photographing. Return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and various bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
  • Mid-range: Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge / Bweza Kibale Lodge
  • Luxury: Primate Lodge / Tabebuia Resort & Spa

Day 5 — Transfer back to Kigali

Drive time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive at your hotel or airport for departure.

End of Tour

Day 1: Kigali → Genocide Memorial → Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking + Bigodi Wetland Walk

Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali → End of Tour

Number of Persons Price per Person
1 2,630
2 2,090
3 1,940
4 1,870
5 1,820
6 1,800
Cost Includes
  • Airport transfers
  • Gorilla permit (USD 800 pp)
  • Chimpanzee permit (USD 250 pp)
  • 4×4 safari vehicle & fuel
  • English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees
  • Drinking water in vehicle
Cost Excludes
  • Pre/post-tour accommodation
  • International flights
  • East African visa (USD 100)
  • Personal expenses: tips, drinks, laundry, optional activities

Permits

  • Gorilla Trekking: Non-residents USD 800 | Foreign Residents USD 700 | Rest of Africa USD 500 | East African Citizens UGX 300,000
  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Foreign Non-residents USD 250 | Foreign Residents USD 200

Covers park entry, ranger services, and your primate encounter.

Transport

  • Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with AC
  • Option to fly or drive; driving recommended for budget travelers

Regions Covered

  • Bwindi trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija
  • Accommodation arranged near your trekking permit

Activities

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
  • Bigodi Wetland Walk

Extras

  • East African visa (USD 100)
  • Tips, drinks, optional activities

Best Time to Go

  • Dry seasons: June–September & December–February
  • Rainy season: trails more challenging, fewer crowds, ~99% gorilla sighting

What to Pack

  • Neutral-colored long trousers & long-sleeved shirts
  • Waterproof hiking boots & lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves
  • Hat, insect repellent, sunscreen
  • Camera + extra batteries
  • Passport & local currency for tips

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