Sample Trip

5-Night Chimp & Gorilla Trekking Safari

“A safari focused on viewing both Chimpanzee’s & Gorillas!”
Budget level: Mid-Range
Country
Uganda
When to Go
All year
Duration
5 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge
Location
Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga National Parks, Kampala & Entebbe, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth National Parks
Kids Min Age
15

This 5-night driving tour introduces you to the scenery of the Ugandan landscape, the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the chimpanzee of Kibale National Park; and the local cultures in the Pearl of Africa.


Itinerary in Brief

1 Night Entebbe

2 Nights Crater Safari Lodge

2 Night Gorilla Safari Lodge

crater safari lodge uganda chimpanzee mouth open

This safari combines both tracking Chimpanzees and a Gorilla trek in one! Find Chimps in Kibale then trek for the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi! This safari being short and containing experiences with both great apes, it combines well with a safari of similar duration in Tanzania or Kenya giving you the ultimate East Africa Safari. 

This 5-night Chimp and Gorilla safari starts with a comfortable night in Entebbe to relax and prepare for the coming days. It then heads by vehicle to Crater Safari Lodge, near Kibale forest where you will embark on a Chimpanzee tracking exercise and also other primate activities. From there heading down to Gorilla Safari Lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Embark on a Gorilla trekking experience with a group of habituated Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

This package includes: flight from Kisoro to Entebbe, road transfers, bed & breakfast in Entebbe and accommodation, all meals, one gorilla trekking permit (USD$700) and a Chimpanzee tracking permit (USD$200), local soft & alcoholic drinks and laundry at Gorilla Safari Lodge & Crater Safari Lodge.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be met by your hotel transfer company. enjoy a well-deserved drink and dinner in the comfort of the hotel bar and restaurant area.

Day 2: Crater Safari Lodge

4 -5 hour road transfer to Crater Safari Lodge Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Entebbe.

Meander your way past hilly tea plantations, muddy roads fringed by banana trees, coffee plantations and carpets of lush greenery smothering vast tropical landscapes. Dotted across the region you’ll stumble across small villages, reed huts and friendly locals.

Expect awe-inspiring views of misty horizons hovering over pristine crater lakes as you head up into the hills. Your driver will stop en-route so that you can take in the views. Feel free to ask him questions about the area.

Uganda certainly lives up to its reputation as being the “pearl of Africa” and this short drive introduces you to the remote, untouched beauty of this country.

After an eye-opening journey into paradise you will arrive at Crater Safari lodge. Settle in, enjoy lunch and take in the atmosphere before heading out on your afternoon activity.

Afternoon activity: Top of the World Hike

The surrounding area is home to 9 crater lakes and abundant tea and
coffee plantations. The famous Kibale national Forest is home to gangs
of chimpanzee, and the neighbouring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to abundant birdlife and primates. The “top of the World” viewpoint hike offers breathtaking views of the 9 crater lakes as well as Uganda’s landscape.

Day 3: Tracking Chimpanzee

Today is the day you will enjoy tracking and observing chimpanzee in the wild! You will need to pre-arrange your trekking time.

There are two slots – morning and afternoon.

  • Get up early, have a full breakfast and amazing Ugandan coffee.
  • Set off on your morning activity of a crater lake or visit Wilson’s village before the chimp trek. If you have the morning permit, these activities can be done after your chimp tracking.
  • Depart for the chimpanzee trek. It’s a 15-minute drive to the starting point. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; and participants must be aged 16 or over.
  • Lunch is at the lodge
  • If there’s time in the day, we highly recommend a guided walk to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a fascinating boardwalk trail that meanders through the papyrus swamp.

Day 4: Transfer to Gorilla Safari Lodge

Your driver will collect you from your hotel. there will be a packed breakfast from your hotel.

You will enjoy an 8 – 10 hour adventurous road transfer through Uganda where you will end up at gorilla Safari lodge, located on the edge of the verdant Bwindi impenetrable Forest national park. The journey time is dependent on how often you stop during your time on the road. Your driver will always stop upon request, and let you know the various stopping points en-route.

Meander your way past hilly tea plantations, muddy roads fringed by banana trees, coffee plantations and carpets of lush greenery smothering vast tropical landscapes. Dotted across the region you’ll stumble across small villages, reed huts and friendly locals. Expect awe-inspiring views of misty horizons hovering over pristine crater lakes as you head up into the hills. Your driver will stop en-route so that you can take in the views. Feel free to ask him questions about the area.

Uganda certainly lives up to its reputation as being the “pearl of Africa” and this drive introduces you to the remote, untouched beauty of this country. After an eye-opening journey into paradise, you will find yourself at the jungle-style entrance of Gorilla Safari lodge – a warm and welcoming haven on the fringe of the jungle forest.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking

Today is the day you will enjoy a gorilla trekking experience. You can choose the degree of difficulty when it comes to trekking. You will need to pre-arrange your trekking time.

  • Get up early, have a full breakfast and amazing Ugandan coffee. You will walk the short 8 minute walk to the starting point for the briefing with the rangers and porters.
  • At the briefing point you will be assigned to a Gorilla family. Your personal ranger will lead your group for the trek. You have the option of employing a porter to carry your gear (advisable). porters have walked in excess of 3 hours
    to the briefing point in the hopes of being selected to accompany you on your trek. By supporting them, you are also supporting the local communities.
  • A packed lunch is provided. You will stop en-route to enjoy your lunch.

Day 6: Kisoro to Entebbe

Enjoy a 2 – 3 hour adventurous road transfer from Gorilla Safari lodge to Kisoro airport. This will be an extremely early morning departure, which means there will be a packed breakfast for the road. You will fly in a small plane over scenic Uganda and take in the aerial views of Lake Victoria and the spectacular hilly landscapes below. This is one of Africa’s most scenic flights.

The duration of the flight is approx. 1hr 15mins and takes place in a Cessna grand Caravan.

You will arrive in Entebbe before midday, in time to connect with your international flight. If your homeward bound flight departs the following day, you will overnight in Entebbe. Catch up on your sleep and relax before the long homeward bound journey.

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!