6 Days Primate Safari Bwindi & Kibale National Parks
Two iconic forests. Two unforgettable primate encounters. One perfectly balanced Uganda safari.
- Uganda
- 5 Days
- From $3291 Per Person
Overview
This 6-day primate safari is designed for travelers who want meaningful wildlife experiences without rushing. You journey deep into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a life-changing gorilla trek, then continue to Kibale National Park, home to Africa’s best chimpanzee tracking.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic drives, forest walks, relaxed lodge stays, and expert guiding from Safari Vibes Africa. It’s immersive, well-paced, and focused on authentic encounters with Uganda’s most fascinating primates.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, the “Primate Capital of Africa”
- Small-group or private safari experience
- Experienced local safari guide throughout
- Comfortable lodges close to trekking points
- Scenic drives through rural Uganda landscapes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Safari Vibes Africa guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, relax or take a gentle walk around Entebbe.
Overnight: Entebbe hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey southwest to Bwindi. The drive is long but rewarding, with changing scenery, local villages, and countryside views. Lunch en route.
Arrive in Bwindi in the evening and settle into your forest lodge.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of the safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with expert rangers.
The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements. Once found, you spend one unforgettable hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for rest and reflection.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Bwindi to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, drive north to Kibale National Park. This scenic route passes tea plantations, crater lakes, and rolling hills.
Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge or enjoy a nature walk.
Overnight: Lodge near Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and several other primate species.
Watch chimps as they feed, groom, play, and call through the forest canopy. The experience is lively, educational, and deeply engaging.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Lodge near Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Kibale to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Lunch en route.
Drop-off at the airport for your outbound flight or at your hotel if extending your stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private safari vehicle with fuel
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale)
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Excludes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Travel insurance & medical coverage
- Visa fees and personal travel documents
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guide (customary but discretionary)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
FAQ
How difficult is gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding due to steep terrain, dense vegetation, and varying trek durations. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but porters are available to assist if needed.
What is the minimum age for trekking?
The minimum age for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is 15 years, as set by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
How close do we get to the gorillas?
You may be as close as 7 meters. Gorillas are habituated to human presence, but strict rules are followed to ensure both visitor safety and gorilla conservation.
Is this safari suitable for limited time travelers?
Absolutely. This express itinerary is specifically designed for travelers who want a genuine gorilla experience within a short timeframe, without compromising quality.
What is the best time to do this safari?
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round. The drier months (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions, while wetter months provide lush scenery and fewer visitors.
Are gorilla permits guaranteed?
Permits are limited and issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We strongly recommend booking well in advance. Safari Vibes Africa will handle the permit process on your behalf.
