Classic GorillaS & Chimpanzees

Classic Gorillas & Chimpanzees – 6 Days

Experience the magnificence of both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest National Parks whilst staying in some of Uganda’s best placed lodges for trekking both the majestic Mountain Gorillas and the lively Chimpanzees.

This trip is perfect for those on a shorter time-frame who wish to experience Uganda’s primates and their unique forest environments.

This itinerary is written based on the lodges we suggest in each area – see the links in the descriptions below for individual lodge websites as well as alternative properties that will also work on this route.

Day 1: Entebbe

Our VIP meet and greet service will welcome you off the plane then transfer you to our very own boutique hotel, Karibu Entebbe, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport.

 

Here you’ll have time to relax and decompress after your flight in the tropical surroundings before going through your itinerary with one of our team. Relax with a signature cocktail, or take a dip in the palm and bougainvillea-bordered pool, preparing for your flight the next day.

 

If you arrive during the day, we can recommend a relaxing sunset cruise along the papyrus shore-line of Lake Victoria

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Entebbe: Number 5 Boutique Hotel | The Boma

 

Days 2 & 3: Kibale Forest

Your private transfer will drive you back to Entebbe Airport where you’ll take a short flight to Kasese in Western Uganda. Meet your private Experience Uganda guide who will drive you to Primate Lodge, located in the heart of Kibale Forest. You can choose to relax for the rest of the day in the forest surroundings of the lodge or explore the area with your guide.

 

The following morning, visit the Bigodi Wetlands on the outskirts of Kibale Forest. You’ll take a community guided walk, a great chance to spot a plethora of birdlife, rare monkey species and diverse indigenous vegetation.

 

After some lunch you will set off a short distance to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point then enter the forest in search of the chimpanzees, spending an hour with these incredible primates once your guides have located them.

 

Once you have completed your activities for the day, you will return to the lodge where you can enjoy a sundowner in the forest, followed by dinner before retiring to the comfort of your private cottage.

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Kibale Forest: Ndali Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Papaya Lodge

 

Days 4 & 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

In the morning you’ll drive back to Kasese Airport from where you will fly south for just under an hour to Kisoro Airport, located close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Meet your other Experience Uganda private guide who will drive you to Nkuringo Lodge, the journey taking roughly an hour and a half.

 

Perched high on top a hill, the lodge offers both tremendous views of the jungle below as well as the imposing Virunga Volcanoes Range. Here you can enjoy all that the lodge has to offer before exploring the local area or visiting the nearby “Top of the World” for an often spectacular sundowner.

 

After breakfast the following morning, a short drive will bring you to the trekking headquarters and the start point of your gorilla trek. Here, experienced rangers and guides will go over the details of the trek with you before you set off in search of the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Finding the gorillas can take anywhere between 1 to 4 hours (sometimes longer), your lodge will provide you with plenty of drinking water and a packed lunch to keep you going during your hike.

 

Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend an hour with these magnificent primates, observing the family in their completely wild and natural habitat. The guides and rangers will provide detailed information on the gorilla family’s history and dynamics, giving a rich and informed wildlife experience. Once you have returned from your trek, your private guide will take you back to the lodge, where you will be able to relax and reminisce on your gorilla encounter.

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Bwindi Forest (Southern Side): Clouds Lodge | Chameleon Hill

 

Day 6: Depart Uganda

Your guide will drive you back to Kisoro Airport after breakfast. After an approximately hour-long flight you will land back in Entebbe.

 

You can connect onto an international flight from here, or we can arrange accommodation, either for the day or overnight before your international flight departure.