5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari from Kigali

This 5-day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari starts and ends in Kigali and leads you to encounter our closest cousins in their natural habitat of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest.

The journey  leads you through Cyanika border to enter Uganda in access to Bwindi National Park, estimating 4 hour drive to final destination.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to the highest population of endangered mountain gorillas that still exists in the wild.

The park also boasts over 25 gorilla families, which are divided into four gorilla sectors: Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga.

End your safari visit to Kibale Forest National Park renowned as kingdom capital for primates especially the endangered chimpanzees ,approximately over 1500 individuals among other primate species.

A visit to Kibale Forest will allow you to get close to our closest relatives whom we share 98% DNA ,the chimpanzee.

We can only see them through engaging in  Chimpanzee trekking or Chimpanzee habituation experience. A visit to Kibale also leads you to visit Bigodi swamp  a great location for bird viewing and primate viewing among other.

Summary of the Itinerary 

Day 1: Pick-up from Kigali and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP

Day2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Walk

Day3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day4: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland tour

Day 5: Depart back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day1: Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (4 hrs.)

On your first day of the safari, our expert driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or at Kigali Airport and brief you about the safari.

Depending on the time, you might go on a city tour where you will visit the Kigali genocide memorial site, Kimironko Market, and the Art Museum.

Afterward, you will be driven to the Katuna border to cross to the northern sector of Bwindi National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, check in to the lodge.

Night stay at Four Gorilla Lodge –Mid-range.

Meal plan: Half Board

Day2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Walk

Have an early breakfast and then be provided with your packed lunch box at the lodge.

Then, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Meet up with the park ranger guide to locate you at the assigned gorilla family on that particular day.

Gorilla trekking can last between 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the movement of these gentle giant in their natural habitat.

After the gorilla family has been found, spend an hour with them studying and taking photos.

Hike back to the meeting point to meet up with your driver-guide to connect you to your lodge for relaxation.

Later, in the evening, go for a Batwa community walk where you will interact with locals, enjoy their traditional dance and songs, as well as practice their traditional way of preparing food.

Night stay at Four Gorilla Lodge –Mid-range.

Meal plan: Full Board

Day3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy your relaxed breakfast before transferring to Kibale Forest National Park.

You will drive through Fort Portal town with lunch en route.

Then, connect to your booked lodge, check in for dinner.

Overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range.

Meal plan: Full Board

Day4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Tour

After an early morning breakfast at the lodge, head out to the park headquarters for a short briefing about chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations.

At exactly 8:00 am, you will be accompanied by the park ranger guide to lead you through the forest trails in search of these great apes.

The trek can take about 2 to 5 hours, depending on their location. It is always a memorable experience meeting up with chimps face to face in their natural habitat while carrying out their daily activities like feeding, playing, grooming themselves, among others.

Once you locate the chimps, you will be allowed 1 hour stay with them. Afterward, you will be driven back to the lodge for a hot lunch.

After having lunch, embark on a Bigodi swamp walk where you will enjoy primate and bird viewing.

Overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range.

Meal plan: Full Board

Day 5: Depart back to Kigali

Enjoy your breakfast at leisure, followed by check-out of the lodge and meet up with your driver to start the journey to Kigali. Have lunch on the way.

Upon arrival, your driver-guide will drop you off at any of your convenient place.

End of the 5-day Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari from Kigali.

Estimated 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Costs.

The estimated cost of this 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari depends on the number of travelers, accommodation category, transport arrangements and travel season. The tables below provide an overview of the expected safari costs to help you plan your Uganda wildlife adventure.

Peak Season Prices / 5 Day Uganda Gorilla &Chimp

No.	Budget (From)	Mid-range (From)	Luxury (From)
2 Pax	2110pp	2475pp	4627pp
3 Pax	2000pp	2340pp	3867pp
4pax	1700pp	1863pp	3800pp

Low Season Prices /5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimp

No	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
2pax	2035pp	2175pp	3825pp
3pax	1880pp	2057pp	3134pp
4pax	1650pp	1813pp	3475pp

Tour Includes;

Gorilla permit @USD800 PP

Chimp permit @USD250 PP

Bigodi swamp walk

Professional English-speaking driver-guide

Full Board Accommodation

Ground transfer ‘’ in a 4WD Vehicle

Fuel

Bottled mineral water on safari

Tour Excludes;

International flight tickets

Visas

Optional activities not included on the itinerary

Travel insurance

Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, soft drinks, laundry services, hiring a porter, tips, etc.