Uganda · Private or group · Mid-range primate safari
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, in five days.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
This safari links Uganda's three best-known primate and wildlife areas. Kibale Forest is home to a large chimpanzee population. Queen Elizabeth National Park adds savannah wildlife and the Kazinga Channel, known for its hippos and birdlife.
The route then heads south through the park's Ishasha sector, where lions sometimes rest in trees, to Bwindi for a gorilla trek.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
Kazinga Channel boat trip
Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Gorilla trek in Bwindi
The route
Entebbe / Kampala
Kibale
Queen Elizabeth
Ishasha
Bwindi
Entebbe / Kampala
Entebbe / Kampala → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Entebbe / Kampala
Day by day
This is a sample itinerary. We confirm the exact route, timings and lodges with your quote, and your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Entebbe / Kampala → Kibale
Meet your driver-guide at Entebbe or in Kampala and drive west via Fort Portal to Kibale Forest.
Day 2 / Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, then drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 3 / Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi
A morning game drive, then south through the Ishasha sector, where lions are sometimes found resting in fig trees, to Bwindi.
Day 4 / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your gorilla trek, with up to an hour in the company of a habituated family.
Day 5 / Bwindi → Entebbe / Kampala
The long drive back to Entebbe or Kampala, or a flight from a nearby airstrip on request.
Where you stay
Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Kibale · 1 night
Queen Elizabeth National Park · 1 night
Bwindi · 2 nights
Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
This is the usual scope of this safari. Your written quote lists exactly what is included for your trip.
Before you travel
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in limited numbers for each habituated family and day. We confirm availability before you book, and your trekking date is fixed to your permit.
Treks start with a ranger briefing in the morning. Walking time varies from about one hour to most of the day, depending on where the family has moved, over steep and muddy terrain. Once the gorillas are found, your time with them is limited, usually to one hour.
Gorilla trekking has a minimum age set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, currently 15 years. Rules also apply if you are unwell, as gorillas can catch human illnesses. Ask us about current requirements before you book.
Waterproof walking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation, a rain jacket, water and snacks. Local porters can be hired at the trailhead and are a great help on steep ground.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale requires a permit and has a minimum age. Chimpanzees move quickly through the forest, so sightings and viewing conditions vary.
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
Questions travellers ask
No. Rangers track habituated gorilla families daily and most treks find their group, but these are wild animals in dense forest and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Reasonably fit. Treks can involve several hours of steep, muddy walking at altitude. Your group is matched to a family whose likely trek suits you where possible, and porters can carry your daypack.
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
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Price on request
The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
5 days · Uganda
Price on request
