5-Day Chimpanzee Habituation & Gorilla Trek Uganda Tour
Overview
Tour Overview
On this safari we will set out on the Rift Valley floor in view of the snow-capped Rwenzori peaks, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers plenty of variety to
Day by Day
Itinerary
Transfer to kibale National Park
Day 1Transfer to kibale National Park Transfer to kibale National Park After breakfast, you will be met by your safari guide at your hotel in Entebbe for a briefing on the journey ahead. You will then depart by road, heading west through Uganda’s lush countryside towards Kibale National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages, with opportunities for short stops to stretch and take photographs. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale in time for a relaxed lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to take a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, renowned for its rich birdlife, primate species, and community conservation projects. Alternatively, enjoy the serenity of your lodge surroundings and prepare for the adventures ahead. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge in Kibale National Park. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain) Wildlife in Kibale NP ChimpanzeeCommon ElephantOccasional BuffaloOccasional LionVery Rare LeopardVery Rare HippoRare Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner
Chimpanzee Habituation & Visit Bigodi Community Experience in Kibale
Day 2Chimpanzee Habituation & Visit Bigodi Community Experience in Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation & Visit Bigodi Community Experience in Kibale Today promises an immersive encounter with both wildlife and culture. After an early breakfast, you will set out for a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park. Accompanied by expert rangers and researchers, you will spend extended time with a chimpanzee community that is in the process of getting accustomed to human presence. This unique experience allows you to follow the chimps as they wake, forage, interact, and move through the forest, offering remarkable insights into their behavior and social dynamics. The forest itself is a haven of biodiversity, home to 13 primate species and an incredible variety of flora and birdlife. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge briefly to freshen up before embarking on a guided community visit in Bigodi Village. This experience introduces you to the heart of the local culture and Nyumbu Beyond Journeys’ sustainable community partnerships. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi Forest National Park
Day 3Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi Forest National Park Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi Forest National Park After an early breakfast, check out from your lodge and begin the scenic drive south towards the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through a beautiful patchwork of rolling hills, crater lakes, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads, showcasing Uganda’s rich and diverse landscapes. Along the way, you will pass through the stunning Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” with their terraced hillsides and breathtaking vistas. A stop for lunch will be made en route before continuing the journey into the misty, forested slopes of Bwindi. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, nestled on the edge of the rainforest. The evening is at leisure to relax, enjoy the lodge’s serene setting, or take a short guided walk around the property. Your guide will also brief you on the gorilla trekking adventure that awaits the next morning. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi impenetrable forest & Visit the Batwa Community
Day 4Gorilla tracking in Bwindi impenetrable forest & Visit the Batwa Community Gorilla tracking in Bwindi impenetrable forest & Visit the Batwa Community After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Here, you will learn about the rules of gorilla trekking and the family you are set to visit. The trek may last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is immeasurable: standing just meters away from a gorilla family, observing their social interactions, playful youngsters, and the commanding presence of the silverback. You will spend one unforgettable hour in their company—a humbling and deeply moving wildlife experience. In the afternoon, embark on a guided Batwa Community Experience. The Batwa, often referred to as the “Keepers of the Forest,” were the original inhabitants of Bwindi before its gazettement as a national park. Through storytelling, dance, and demonstrations, you will learn about their traditional life, hunting and gathering skills, and their spiritual connection with the forest and its wildlife. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge Luxury lodge located just outside Nkuringo (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Drive to Kigali & visit the Kigali Genocide, travel back home
Day 5Drive to Kigali & visit the Kigali Genocide, travel back home Drive to Kigali & visit the Kigali Genocide, travel back home After an early breakfast, check out from your lodge and bid farewell to the misty slopes of Bwindi. You will then cross into Rwanda through the nearby border post and continue your scenic drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. The journey offers rolling hills and panoramic views, giving you one last taste of the Great Lakes region’s beauty. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profoundly moving and educational site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide and honors Rwanda’s remarkable journey of reconciliation and resilience. This experience provides powerful context to the nation’s history and its inspiring progress toward unity and healing. Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy a late lunch or a short city tour before your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey—whether returning home or continuing to your next destination. Main Destination: Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Requ
What's covered
Included & Excluded
Included
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- What is included in this tour
Not Included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
What travellers say
Verified Reviews
Top notch experience and would recommend highly if you wish to book a safari in East Africa. Living, from the initial contact and throughout was very knowledgeable and helpful planning our customized itinerary and then furthermore...
We did a 15 day tailor made journey through Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda created together with Nyumbu Journeys with some of our bucket list must do experiences and great tips from Living at Nyumbu. And the itinerary created was much better...
Living and Adam were both excellent guides. They knew all the roads very well, where to stop for great food. I was part of a group of 4 people and we never stopped laughing for the few days we were with them. If you’re worried about...
My small group of 4 started in Washington DC and traveled to Kigali, where we met our NBJ guides for the gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our trip included travel from Kigali to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Center, a beautiful...
For those who value their time and seek experiences with a personal touch, Nyumbu Beyond Journeys takes you beyond the ordinary
Frequently Asked Questions