6-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by a representative from Kagera Safaris. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for a restful night as you prepare for your upcoming primate adventure.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
• Meals: Not included
• Drive time: Approximately 20 minutes

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of East Africa

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 species of primates including the endangered chimpanzee. You will journey through Uganda’s beautiful countryside with views of rolling hills, rural villages, tea plantations, and lush tropical greenery.

Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the lodge surroundings or reading a book over a cup of local Ugandan coffee.

• Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drive time: 5–6 hours by road or approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by scheduled domestic flight

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Community Walk

After breakfast, head into the forest with a professional guide for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Hike through the rainforest in search of these playful and intelligent primates, listening to their loud calls echoing through the trees. Once located, you will spend one hour observing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat — watching them feed, groom, and interact.

After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Community, where you will enjoy a guided cultural walk. Engage in local activities such as traditional basket weaving, banana brewing, coffee making, and storytelling with a traditional healer.

Optional Upgrade: Choose a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience to spend more extended time in the forest learning about chimpanzee behavior, social structures, and feeding patterns.

• Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Awaits

Today, continue your journey to the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the scenic southwestern region of Uganda, with lush landscapes, villages, and forested hills.

Arrive at your lodge near the park and relax as you prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience the following day.

• Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi or Mgahinga
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drive time: Approximately 5 hours

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari — gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group and begin your trek through the thick forest, guided by expert trackers.

The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas nested the night before. Once located, you are allowed one magical hour in their presence, observing their interactions and behaviors. These gentle giants are truly captivating, and the encounter is both humbling and unforgettable.

We recommend hiring a local porter to carry your backpack and support you through the steep and slippery forest trails.

• Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi or Mgahinga
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari

After a hearty breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Entebbe. You can travel either by road through Uganda’s countryside or opt for a scheduled domestic flight.

We hope your 6-day primate safari has been enriching, exciting, and unforgettable. You will be dropped off at the airport for your international flight or at your preferred location in Entebbe.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Drive time: Approximately 9 hours by road or 1 hour 50 minutes by flight