5 Days Uganda Safari with Gorillas & Chimps

Driving Distance& Time:  Approx. 325km/5 hours

On the first day of your 5 days Uganda Safari, you’ll depart from either Kampala or Entebbe after breakfast and begin a scenic drive towards Fort Portal, located at the northern base of the Ruwenzori Mountains or the Mountains of the Moon. Although the journey takes about five hours, you’ll be captivated by the rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming rural villages along the way, ensuring there’s always something of interest to admire.

After stopping for lunch in Fort Portal, you’ll continue your journey and arrive at your lodge by early afternoon, where the team will warmly welcome you. If time allows, you can take a guided walk around the Crater Lake region near Kibale National Park, soaking in the stunning panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding lush forests.

Accommodation;

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/Kibale Forest Camp

Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge/Primate Lodge/Ndali Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a safety briefing and an overview of the chimpanzee tracking adventure ahead. From there, you’ll be driven to the starting point of your trek in the iconic Kibale Forest, renowned for having the highest concentration and diversity of primates in Africa. With such a rich population of chimpanzees, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a group. As you trek through the dense forest, enjoy the sounds of chimpanzees as they interact—watching mothers with their babies, older males guarding the troop, and playful youngsters.

After your exciting chimpanzee encounter, you’ll have a packed picnic lunch, followed by a visit to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a memorable Primate Walk. This community-driven conservation project provides a safe haven for various primate species, other wildlife, and over 200 bird species. After this extraordinary wildlife experience, you’ll return to your vehicle at the edge of the forest and head back to the lodge to unwind with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Driving Distance& Time:  Approx. 387km/7hours

Bid farewell to Kibale Forest and begin the drive further southwest. As your driver navigates their way around the Ruwenzori Mountains, admire the well-loved agricultural landscapes and quaint towns before crossing the Equator. Upon entering Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll start to spot large herds of Ugandan Kobs, along with the occasional elephant or buffalo grazing in the distance. After a refreshing lunch break, continue your drive through the park, enjoying a mini game drive as you make your way to your final destination—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation;

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Mist Camp

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner              

After breakfast a hearty breakfast, step foot in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with seasoned guides for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Gorilla Trekking adventure. Trek through the forest following the telltale signs of these gentle giants and meet their expressive gaze from a polite distance. Watch as the troop interact and go about their daily life and marvel at the privilege of witnessing their world without a filter. Following this extraordinary encounter, enjoy a packed lunch before being transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can take part in optional activities such as canoeing, a boat ride, or community visits.

Accommodation;

Midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Luxury: Birdnest Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner       

After leisurely breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of the rare mountain gorillas. Along the way, stop for lunch and enjoy a visit to the Equator line, where you can take photos and participate in some fun experiments. You’ll arrive in the evening, with a drop-off at Entebbe International Airport around 6 pm to check in for your flight home. Bid farewell to the Pearl of Africa!

*Please note: Extensions to Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania or can easily be arranged. Please don’t hesitate to ask for our expert assistance.

Accommodation: Not Included

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch