5 Day Kibale Chimpanzee and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival At the Airport and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative and your dedicated driver/guide. The journey to Kibale National Park begins as you head west, passing through the bustling town of Mityana. As you travel, you will witness the changing landscapes, from urban areas to the scenic countryside, dotted with traditional Ugandan homesteads.

The first stop is Fort Portal town, known for its picturesque views of the Rwenzori Mountains and tea plantations. Here, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Ugandan cuisine and taking a break from the road. After lunch, the journey continues towards Kibale Forest, arriving in the late afternoon.

As you settle into the Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, you will have time to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings of the forest. Dinner will be served, offering a variety of dishes to suit your taste, and you will spend your first night in the heart of Uganda’s primate territory, eager for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Guided by experienced rangers, you will embark on a trek into the dense forests near Kanyanchu. The excitement builds as you follow the calls and movements of the chimpanzees, aiming to observe them in their natural habitat.

This half-day adventure also provides opportunities to see other primates such as the golden monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, and several types of colobus monkeys. The forest is also home to unique wildlife like forest elephants and giant forest hogs, as well as a variety of striking tree species.

Following the chimpanzee trek, lunch will be served, giving you time to reflect on the morning’s encounters. In the afternoon, you will take a guided nature walk to the Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary. This wetland is a paradise for bird watchers, with species like the Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek among the 137 bird species recorded here. The sanctuary also boasts numerous butterfly species, adding to the vibrant biodiversity of the area. After a fulfilling day, you will return to the Chimpanzee Forest Guest House for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its population of mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures as you pass through.

Lunch will be enjoyed en route, and you will arrive at Bwindi in the afternoon. The journey offers spectacular views of the rolling hills and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, you will check into Wag Tail Eco Safari Camp, where you will have dinner and settle in for the night, preparing for the highlight of your safari.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Tracking

After an early morning breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters with a packed lunch for a crucial briefing before embarking on the gorilla trek. The trek through Bwindi’s thick, impenetrable forest can take between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families.

Once you find the gorillas, you will spend a magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating, offering profound insights into the lives of gorillas.

If time and energy permit, you can take a brief nature walk to visit the local Batwa community. Here, you will explore curio shops and a children’s school, gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture. Alternatively, nature enthusiasts can opt for the Munyanja River trail, where diverse birdlife and butterflies abound. After a day filled with unforgettable moments, you will return to Wag Tail Eco Safari Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Return to Kampala

On the final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days. You will then begin the journey back to Kampala, with a lunch stop in Mbarara town. En route, you will have a chance to stop at the equator for photographs and a brief exploration.

The trip concludes with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will catch your flight home. As you depart, you will carry with you the vivid memories of chimpanzee and gorilla tracking, the stunning landscapes, and the rich cultural encounters from your 5-day Kibale & Bwindi Gorilla Trek.