6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a professional 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari guide from Otter African Safaris will warmly welcome you and provide a detailed briefing about the 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari. Shortly after, you will embark on a scenic road journey to Kibale Forest National Park, a drive of approximately five to six hours that passes through Uganda’s lush countryside, colorful roadside markets, and rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. The route provides a rich introduction to Uganda’s rural life and natural beauty, with chances to pause for photographs or refreshments along the way.

Arriving at Turaco Treetops Lodge in the afternoon, you will check into a comfortable and eco-friendly lodge set close to the forest. The lodge combines modern comfort with a natural ambiance, allowing you to relax as you listen to the soothing sounds of the forest. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a short nature walk around the lodge or simply enjoy the scenery from your balcony.

Lunch will be served en route or at the lodge, while dinner in the evening will feature a variety of local and international cuisines. This first day offers the perfect transition from your international journey into Uganda’s pristine wilderness, setting the stage for the exciting primate adventure that begins the following morning.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

The day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest National Park Headquarters, where experienced rangers will brief you about chimpanzee tracking. Kibale is home to an estimated 1,500 chimpanzees, and it offers the best chance in Uganda to track and observe them in their natural environment. The trek through the forest is not only thrilling but also rewarding, as you may encounter other primates such as the red colobus monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, and vervet monkey, along with an impressive variety of bird species and butterflies.

When the chimpanzees are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their fascinating behavior. You may watch them feed, groom, or swing effortlessly from tree to tree. The experience creates a deeper appreciation of their intelligence and social bonds, which closely mirror those of humans.

In the afternoon, you will take part in a guided walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project renowned for its biodiversity. The swamp walk often reveals sightings of more primates, rare birds such as the great blue turaco, and an array of colorful plants. It also provides opportunities to meet local community members who share insights into their way of life and conservation efforts.

Returning to Turaco Treetops Lodge in the evening, you can relax over dinner while reflecting on an action-packed day filled with memorable encounters.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise)

After an early breakfast, you will set out on a road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations. The drive takes approximately four hours and offers spectacular scenery, including views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, and sprawling savannah. Upon arrival, you will proceed for a mid-morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains. This part of the park is known for its large populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and Uganda kobs grazing on the open savannah. With luck, you might also spot leopards and hyenas.

After lunch, the highlight of the day awaits: a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise is a unique experience, bringing you close to schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and large herds of elephants coming down to drink. The channel is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to hundreds of species including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.

In the evening, you will check into Aardvark Safari Lodge, a comfortable lodge with beautiful views and an ideal location near the park. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere after a thrilling day of game drives and river adventures.

• Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector) and Relaxation

Following breakfast, you will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin a scenic drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, specifically the Rushaga Sector. This 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari journey takes about six to seven hours but rewards you with breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, terraced farms, and the dramatic scenery of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” The drive also provides opportunities to interact with local communities and appreciate Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage.

You will arrive at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in the afternoon, where you will check in and enjoy lunch or a refreshing drink while admiring the forest views. The lodge offers a blend of comfort and proximity to Bwindi, making it an excellent base for gorilla trekking. The afternoon will be dedicated to rest and relaxation in preparation for the gorilla trek the next day.

Guests can choose to unwind at the lodge, take a leisurely nature walk around the property, or engage with the staff to learn more about the region. Dinner will be served in the evening, allowing you to relax under the star-filled skies while listening to the forest’s night sounds.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience

This day marks the pinnacle of your 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by rangers on trekking guidelines and safety. Trekking can last from two to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned to, but every step is worth the effort. The trek winds through dense forest, steep terrain, and rich vegetation, offering glimpses of other wildlife and beautiful flora.

Once you encounter the gorilla family, you will spend one remarkable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching the gentle giants feed, interact, and care for their young is a profound experience that creates memories for a lifetime. Rangers will share insights into their behavior, survival challenges, and conservation efforts that protect these endangered primates.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and some rest, you will spend the afternoon with the Batwa community, the indigenous forest dwellers of Bwindi. They will showcase traditional dances, hunting skills, and storytelling that reveal their deep connection to the forest. This cultural interaction enriches the day’s experience, offering an appreciation of both wildlife and human heritage.

In the evening, you will return to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on one of the most rewarding days of your life.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Road Transfer to Entebbe – End of Safari

After breakfast, you will check out from the lodge and begin the return journey to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Entebbe. The drive, which can take approximately eight to nine hours, passes through scenic landscapes of Uganda’s countryside, with opportunities for photography and short breaks along the way. A packed lunch or en route stop will be arranged depending on your departure schedule.

Your 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Gorilla Trekking Safari guide will ensure you arrive in time for your international flight or overnight stay, bringing your 6 Days Uganda Chimps, Wildlife, and Gorilla Trekking Safari with Otter African Safaris to a memorable close. This final leg of the journey gives you time to reflect on the diverse encounters of the past days from playful chimpanzees and dramatic savannah game drives to the life-changing gorilla trek and cultural immersion with the Batwa people.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water