5 Days Uganda Primates Safari: Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Uganda Primates Safari

Gorillas and Chimps Trekking Safari takes you exploring the Kibale Forest National Park

Tour Highlights

Grade

5 Days

Accommodation

Hotel

Transportation

Jeep

Food

Full Board

Area to Visit

Kibale National park, Fort Portal City, King of Toro, King of Toro, Bwindi National park, Batwa Pygmies, Buganda

Price on request

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5 Days Uganda primates safari is designed for travelers who are only interested in observing wild primates. The package includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. While searching for the two big primates, visitors also have a chance of spotting baboons, vervet monkeys, pottos, red-tailed monkeys, Colobus monkeys and many of the smaller primates/monkeys. We have included a nature walk around the Bigodi swamp to spot even more species of primates.

Safari Highlights

Gorilla tracking
Chimpanzee tracking
Bigodi swamp walk
Batwa cultural visit

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Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

A guide/driver will pick you from your hotel after breakfast and head for Kibale National park. The journey takes between 4 to 5 hours through amazing countryside. You will have a stop at Fort Portal City for lunch and then go for a city tour.

Fort Portal is an extremely beautiful town and one of the best places to live in Uganda for its great weather and green landscape. It has now been turned into Uganda’s tourism city because of its proximity to some of the best tourist attractions in the country. Expect to visit the palace of the King of Toro where you learn about the kingdom, current young ruler and cultural practices.

Accommodation at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and visiting the Bigodi Swamp

After waking up, take a quick cup of coffee and then set off to the Kibale National Park headquarters for briefing. The park Warden/Guides will share important information about chimpanzee trekking and how to conduct yourself during the activity.

Chimpanzee trekking is different from gorilla tracking in many ways. One is that chimps are very mobile and rarely stay in one place for too long. Chimps are also very vocal with groups that are very dramatic. The dominant chimp has to always be vigilant against stubborn members of the group while a silverback only needs to show charisma to win the respect of his family.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park usually takes between 3-5 hours but you will only be allowed one hour with them. After the one hour, you will return to your hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, you will head out for a nature walk along the Bigodi swamp were you will spot more of the 13 primates in the park but also a great collection of birds.

Accommodation at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi National park – Nature Walk and Relaxation around your hotel

After tracking the chimps and visiting the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, you will wake up at your own time. Take breakfast and check out as you also wait for the driver. The driver will start the journey to Bwindi at around mid-day and reach in the evening.

Once you reach your hotel, check in, shower and relax by the hotel premises as you take a drink as you chat with other travelers.

Accommodation at Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking – Batwa Pygmies visit

You will wake up early to take your breakfast and then wait for the driver to take you to the park offices for the briefing. Briefing for gorilla trekking starts at 7:00 am. During the briefing, you will learn about the history of the park, the gorilla groups and other creatures in the forest. The Rangers will also let you know about how to act around mountain gorillas and what to carry along.

Gorilla families are assigned based on the overall fitness and age of participants. This is because some of groups are located deep into the forest requiring extra hours of tracking. If you wish to visit a certain group, let your tour company know in advance. You can also talk to the Rangers during the time for briefing and let them know of your preferences. If you have extra luggage/camera equipment, hire a porter to help out after the briefing.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest involves passing through thick forests, steep and sometimes muddy terrain. Once you spot the gorilla family, take as many photos as possible. Listen to what the Rangers tell you. You will have one hour with the gorilla family. Ensure that you complete the activity with great photos.

After the one hour has elapsed, you will go back to the starting point where our guide will be waiting to take you to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later in the evening, you will go to visit the Batwa Pygmy community. The Batwa pygmies lived in Bwindi Impenetrable forest for thousands of years before they were relocated to their current home. The government thought that their continued presence in the forest hampered gorilla conservation efforts.

Unfortunately, the Batwa have never completely adjusted to a modern life. You will find out why during the visit but also be entertained through traditional dance performances.

Accommodation at Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

After yesterday’s demanding activities, wake up at your own time and take breakfast as you wait for the company Guide/Driver. The driver will start the 8-hour journey back to Kampala using another route.

This time you will pass through Mbarara town and finally to Masaka. The journey will not be boring as there is so much to see along the way. You will have a stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre, the equator crossing in Kayabwe and also to visit the Buganda Royal drum makers as you approach Kampala.

Lunch will be taken either at the Igongo Cultural Centre or at the equator crossing. The Driver will take you to the airport for your flight or to a hotel if you are still in the country.

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