9-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking.
Overview
Tour Itinerary
Overview
Overview
The 9-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Expedition unveils a remarkable journey across Uganda’s diverse landscapes, offering captivating encounters with primates and immersive experiences in nature and local culture. Beginning at Entebbe International Airport, the adventure starts with an exhilarating canopy zip-line experience in Mabira Forest, followed by chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest.
The expedition continues with visits to Kibale National Park, renowned as a primate paradise, providing opportunities for chimpanzee encounters and explorations in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Transitioning to Queen Elizabeth National Park unveils a diverse tapestry of wildlife, including visits to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee sightings.
Moving onwards to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, participants engage in cultural experiences with local communities, gaining insights into their traditions while residing within the park’s lush surroundings.
The expedition’s pinnacle lies in Bwindi, offering an awe-inspiring gorilla trekking encounter—an intimate interaction with these majestic creatures amidst the rainforest’s mist-covered terrain.
The journey further unfolds with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park, complemented by an immersion into the Batwa Pygmies’ culture. Participants gain profound insights into their traditional way of life and their harmonious relationship with the environment.
The 9-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking tour package encompasses personalized services, eco-conscious accommodations, inclusive meals, park fees, expert guiding, specialized safari vehicles, and essential hydration provisions. However, exclusions cover international flight expenses, visa fees, travel insurance, personal costs, gratuities, and additional excursions beyond the set itinerary.
Crucial reminders emphasize the significance of early primate permit bookings, consultation with healthcare professionals for required vaccinations, and the option to tailor the itinerary to suit individual preferences and physical capabilities.
This9-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking promises an unforgettable fusion of wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, and breathtaking natural beauty—a true testament to Uganda’s captivating allure.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda – Mabira Forest Arrival
- Airport Greeting: Your adventure begins upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide awaits. A comfortable drive will take you to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest surviving natural forests teeming with biodiversity. Experience the forest from a unique perspective with a canopy zip-line adventure. You will have your lunch from Kampala or en route along the Jinja highway.
- Reaching in the afternoon, you will settle into your eco-lodge and relax amidst the calls of nature. Alternatively, you can take an optional guided forest walk to stretch your legs after the flight. Mabira forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Uganda, a nature walk through provides an opportunity for a wide range of bird species, monkeys, lizards, and other forest inhabitants. In the evening You will spend your first night at an eco-lodge, with dinner included.
Day 2: Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Quest
- The journey begins in the early morning after breakfast for the renowned Budongo Forest in the heart of the Murchison Falls area. it is a long drive via luwero Masindi road, a journey of about 4:30hr drive, depending on the traffic jam.
- Being a short ride, you will reach budongo forest via kaniyo pabidi in the mid-morning. From there you will embark on your journey into budingo forest with guidance from the conservationist or forest ranger to seek out the chimpanzees.
- Spend the afternoon tracking chimpanzees, with guidance from seasoned conservationists, and then after, check into your Eco-Lodge, Dine, and rest for the night.
Day 3: En Route to Kibale – Primate Paradise
- Drive to Kibale: at your lodge in Budongo Forest, you will Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on the journey to Kibale National Park. the distance along the way is shrunk with scenic views of the forests, hills and valleys, terraces, and the beauty of mountain Rwenzori backdrop and you reach Kibale National Park.
- You will have lunch en route in fortportal and then continue to Kibale National Park. Reaching in the afternoon, you will check into your lodge in the tranquil environment of the forest vistas and the sounds of monkeys and birds. If time allows, explore the biodiversity of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, for birders, and also cultural immersions within the community. You will have an Overnight at a charming lodge bordering the park.
Day 4: Kibale Chimpanzee Encounters
- On the fourth day of your Ugandan safari, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of Kibale Forest, a lush haven known as the primate capital of the world. Your experienced guides will lead you through the undergrowth, pointing out an array of flora and fauna as you go, before you encounter our closest genetic relatives. The intimacy of the trek ensures a connection with the wild that is both moving and memorable, leaving you with a deep sense of kinship and wonder.
- In the afternoon, you will head back to the lodge where you will have lunch and get back your adventure with a stroll through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Here, walking along the well-maintained boardwalks and trails, you’ll engage in birdwatching, seeking out some of the 200 species, and spot other primates, and rare creatures.
- After an enriching day filled with natural discoveries, you will retreat to the comfort of your Kibale Forest accommodation. Here, you can reflect on the day’s adventures, surrounded by the peaceful embrace of the forest, as you rejuvenate for another day of your Ugandan safari experience.
Day 5: From Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Gorge Discovery
- On day five, after an energizing breakfast in Kibale, your safari heads to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This biodiverse sanctuary features open savannahs, tropical forests, and teeming wetlands. Upon arrival, the park’s rich tapestry of life, from lumbering elephants to swift antelopes, offers a preview of the natural splendors to come.
- You will have lunch en route before proceeding to Kyambura Gorge, you’ll descend into a verdant world apart, seeking out the resident chimpanzees. The trek is as educational as it is enchanting, highlighting the critical need for conservation.
- Your day concludes at a lodge where the landscape stretches to meet the horizon. Witness a classic African sunset painting the sky in fiery hues. As night falls, the lodge offers a tranquil space to relax, its silence punctuated by the distant calls of the wild, a fitting end to a day of exploration and discovery.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi’s Ancient Rainforest
- Day six begins with a sunrise game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where early risers have the best chance to see animals in their natural habitat. The morning light provides excellent opportunities to spot tree-climbing lions, leopards, and other predators returning from their nocturnal hunts, while elephants and buffalo graze in the cool temperatures. You will have lunch en route before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- In the afternoon, you’ll reach to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its gorilla populations and diverse ecosystem. After settling in, you’ll have the chance to engage with the surrounding communities, offering a window into the culture and traditions of those who live in harmony with this dense forest.
- As dusk falls, you’ll retire to a lodge poised on the fringe of Bwindi’s impenetrable foliage. The accommodations blend with the surroundings, allowing you to rest in comfort while the sounds of the forest envelop you, setting the stage for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.
Day 7: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience
- On day seven, you’ll be immersed in the highlight of your Ugandan adventure—the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience. With the first light of dawn, you’ll be briefed on the trekking etiquette before venturing into the dense, mist-covered rainforest. Trekking through Bwindi’s lush terrain to meet the mountain gorillas is an exhilarating journey. Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close, watching them interact, play, and go about their daily lives—an unforgettable encounter that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
- After returning from the trek, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at a more relaxed pace. You can choose to unwind at the lodge, reflecting on the morning’s profound experience, or take a gentle walk through the nearby village. This is a chance to engage with the local community, understand their way of life, and see how they coexist with the mighty gorillas of the forest.
- As evening settles, the tranquil ambiance of your rainforest lodge offers a serene backdrop for rest and rejuvenation. Nestled within the forest’s embrace, you can soak in the peaceful sounds and cool air of the rainforest, allowing the day’s experiences to resonate as you prepare for the adventures that await.
Day 8: Cultural Immersion in Mgahinga National Park
- Golden Monkey Trekking: In the bamboo forests of Mgahinga, track the elusive golden monkeys. Day 8 of your Ugandan adventure takes you to the verdant slopes of Mgahinga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the elusive golden monkeys. Embark on an exhilarating trekking expedition through the park’s bamboo forests, where you’ll have the chance to glimpse these vibrant primates in their natural habitat.
- After your monkey trek, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa Pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants. Delve into their traditional way of life, their customs, and their deep connection to the environment. Learn about their unique hunting techniques, their knowledge of medicinal plants, and their spiritual beliefs. Experience a traditional Batwa dance, a vibrant expression of their culture and the beauty of their connection to nature.
- As you spend your last night at Mgahinga Lodge, nestled amidst the park’s breathtaking scenery, reflect on the extraordinary experiences you’ve had. The memories of golden monkeys frolicking in the forest, the sharing of stories with the Batwa community, and the serenity of the natural surroundings will stay with you long after you’ve left Mgahinga National Park.
Day 9: Scenic Return to Entebbe – Journey Home
- Scenic Drive: On the final day of your primate odyssey, bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Uganda as you embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe. The picturesque scenery unfolds as you make your way along the winding roads, immersing you in the vibrant greenery and the breathtaking views of the African countryside.
- As you approach Entebbe, the excitement of returning home mingles with the bittersweet nostalgia of leaving behind the wonders of Uganda. Savor the last moments of your primate adventure, cherishing the memories of gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, and the rich cultural immersions you have experienced.
- Farewell Uganda, is a land of captivating natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality. The memories you have created will forever be cherished, a testament to the extraordinary primate odyssey you have embarked upon in this captivating East African nation.
Chat to an Expert
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
Or call us on +256 (0) 742 796708
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Park fees
- Gorilla permits
- Chimp permits
- All activities as stated in the day by day
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All Transportations
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals
- Drinking water
Excluded
- International Fligths (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Personal expenses such as beverages and laundry
Related Tours
