5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
Uganda
Safari summary:
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking encounter
Day 3: Drive to Kibale National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland sanctuary walk
Day 5: Drive back to Kampala
The 5 days Uganda Gorilla trekking tour is an exceptional safari journey that will take you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Kibale National Park. You will have a grand opportunity to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees in their natural habitats at a more relaxed pace. It is a blend of rolling hills, trading centers, and rugged landscapes as well as an exceptional forest experience.
Now that you are everywhere you need to be on your 5-day Uganda gorilla trekking tour summary, let us dive into the detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Upon arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, you will meet our professional driver/ guide. He or she will brief you about your 5 days Uganda gorilla trekking tour. On this day, you will be traveling from Kampala to Bwindi National Park. Bwindi is located in southwestern Uganda and is famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The journey from Kampala to Bwindi can take about 8 to 9 hours, depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions.
You will have a stopover at the Uganda Equator – a few kilometers from Kampala city. Your second stopover will be at the Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and an insight into the Ankole culture. You may as well hike to the Eclipse monument. From there, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mbarara city and the surrounding areas.
Once you arrive at Bwindi, you settle into your accommodation and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation
Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge (L) or Buhoma Havens Lodge (M) or Ride for a Woman Lodge (B)
Ruhija Sector: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (L) or Agandi Lodge (M) or Broadbill Forest Camp (B)
Rushaga Sector: Four Gorillas Lodge (L) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (M) or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (B)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla trekking encounter
This is the highlight of your trip! Gorilla trekking is an incredible experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
After your early morning breakfast at your lodge, you will go to the park headquarters for a briefing. The briefing takes about 30 minutes. You will join a guided trekking group and set off on a hike through the dense forest, led by experienced trackers. The duration of the trek takes 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla families. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend a precious hour observing and learning about their behavior while enjoying this unique encounter.
Return to your lodge for relaxation, lunch, and overnight. You may have an optional Batwa Community tour before the day ends.
Accommodation
Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge (L) or Buhoma Havens Lodge (M) or Ride for a Woman Lodge (B)
Ruhija Sector: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (L) or Agandi Lodge (M) or Broadbill Forest Camp (B)
Rushaga Sector: Four Gorillas Lodge (L) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (M) or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (B)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After a delicious morning breakfast at your lodge, check out and embark on the drive to Kibale Forest National Park – the Primate Capital of the World. The drive from Bwindi to Kibale will take you through scenic landscapes, passing through small towns and rural areas. Once you reach Kibale, you check into your accommodation and relax for the evening, preparing for the next day’s activities.
Accommodation:
Papaya Lodge (L) or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (M) or Kibale Forest Lodge (B)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
On this day, you will have the opportunity to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Similar to gorilla trekking, you will join a guided group and venture into the forest to track and observe these intelligent primates. Kibale is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and the chances of encountering them are quite high.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, you can also explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is adjacent to Kibale National Park. The sanctuary is a haven for bird watching, with a variety of bird species to spot. It is also a great place to learn about the local community and its conservation efforts.
Accommodation
Papaya Lodge (L) or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (M) or Kibale Forest Lodge (B)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Drive back to Kampala
On the final day of your trip, you will drive back to Kampala, completing the loop. The drive from Kibale National Park to Kampala usually takes several hours, so it is advisable to start early to allow enough time for the journey. Once you reach Kampala, the driver will drop you at a hotel of your choice in Kampala or at the Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Note: Activities mentioned as “optional” come at an extra pay!
Includes
- All activities/services as per itinerary
- 4WD Vehicle – with a pop–up roof for scenic viewing
- A professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Site entrance fees
- Free Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle
- All ground transportation and fuel
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Excludes
- Visas
- International airfares
- Activities/services not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks/wines
- Laundry and any service of a personal nature
- Travel insurance cover
Safari Activities
- Experience at the Uganda Equator
- Igongo Cultural Center tour
- Optional Hike to the Eclipse Monument
- Gorilla trekking
- Optional Batwa Community Tour
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Bigodi wetland tour
Safari Destinations
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kibale National Park