How much do the gorilla and chimpanzee permits cost?

In 2026, Uganda’s standard gorilla permit costs USD 800 for a foreign non-resident, while a Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 250 for a foreign non-resident. Both permits are included in the safari price unless stated otherwise.

How much time will I spend with the primates?

Standard gorilla trekking permits allow one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Chimpanzee trekking also normally allows one hour with the chimpanzees after they have been located.

How difficult is this safari?

Game drives and the Kazinga Channel cruise require minimal physical effort. Chimpanzee trekking involves walking on forest trails, while gorilla trekking can be more demanding because of steep, muddy and uneven terrain. Porters can be arranged in Bwindi.

What wildlife can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Possible sightings include elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and numerous bird species. Tree-climbing lions may be seen in Ishasha, although sightings are not guaranteed.

Can this itinerary start or finish in Kigali?

Yes. The itinerary can be modified to start or finish in Kigali. This can reduce the driving time associated with Bwindi, although border-crossing requirements and the order of destinations must be considered. Optional Safari Additions Chimpanzee habituation experience Gorilla habituation experience Extra gorilla trek Batwa cultural experience Lion experiential tourism Night game drive Lake Bunyonyi relaxation Crater-lake walk near Kibale Domestic flight from Kihihi or Kisoro to Entebbe

6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

Overview

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Map

6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

The 6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari combines Uganda’s three leading wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Beginning and ending in Entebbe or Kampala, this private safari travels through western Uganda’s forests, crater lakes, savannah plains and highlands. Activities include chimpanzee trekking, a Kasenyi Plains game drive, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, wildlife viewing through Ishasha and gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

The 6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari can be organised with budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.

Trip Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Game drive across the Kasenyi Plains
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Search for Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Private 4×4 safari transportation

6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari Overview

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This 6Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari combines some of Uganda’s most rewarding primate and wildlife experiences in one carefully planned journey. The safari takes you through Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, giving you the opportunity to track chimpanzees, enjoy classic wildlife viewing and encounter endangered mountain gorillas.

Your adventure includes chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, where you explore the tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. You then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife game drive and a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and abundant birdlife.

The journey continues through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, the highlight of the safari is an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

This safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s primates, wildlife, forests and savannah landscapes within a relatively short itinerary.

Day 01 :

Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale Forest

Your professional driver-guide will collect you from Entebbe, Kampala or another agreed location after breakfast. Begin the journey westwards through Uganda’s green countryside, traditional villages and productive farmland.

Stop for lunch along the way before continuing towards Fort Portal, a scenic tourism town situated near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The surrounding region is characterised by tea plantations, forests and beautiful crater lakes.

Continue to your lodge near Kibale National Park for check-in, dinner and an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short walk around the lodge or relax in preparation for chimpanzee trekking.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Driving time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge( budget)

Turaco Treetops( midrange)

Chimpundu Lodge( Luxury)

Day 02 :

Chimpanzee Trekking, Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

After breakfast, proceed to the Kibale National Park visitor centre for registration and a compulsory briefing. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the trekking procedures and appropriate behaviour around the chimpanzees.

Enter the rainforest with an experienced ranger-guide and search for a habituated chimpanzee community. The forest also supports black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and numerous bird species.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you will normally spend one hour observing their behaviour, interactions and movements through the forest.

After lunch, take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The community-managed wetland supports primates, butterflies and forest birds while providing insight into local conservation initiatives.

Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge ( budget),

Buffalo Safari Lodge (Midrange)

Elephant Plains( luxury)

Day 03 :

Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early breakfast before entering the Kasenyi Plains for a morning game drive. The open grasslands support Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks and bushbucks.

Lions are sometimes found near herds of Uganda kobs, while leopards and spotted hyenas may also be encountered. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before travelling to the Mweya Peninsula. In the afternoon, join a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

The channel attracts hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous waterbirds. The cruise offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography from the water.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Kasenyi game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Accommodation:

Enshama Game Lodge ( budget),

Buffalo Safari Lodge (Midrange)

Elephant Plains( luxury)

Day 04 :

Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, travel through the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The region is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally seen resting on the branches of large fig trees.

Explore the Ishasha plains while looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs and other savannah wildlife. Continue towards Bwindi after the game drive and lunch.

The landscape gradually changes from open savannah to cultivated hills and dense rainforest. Arrive at your selected lodge near the assigned gorilla-trekking sector for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Ishasha game drive and transfer to Bwindi
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge ( Budget), Gorilla Leisure Lodge( Midrange), Burunga Gorilla Lodge(Luxury)

Day 05 :

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the appropriate Bwindi park headquarters. Attend a compulsory briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and receive your gorilla-family assignment.

Enter the rainforest with professional guides, trackers and armed rangers. Gorilla trekking can take between one and six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, the terrain and weather conditions.

Once the gorillas are located, you will normally spend one hour observing and photographing them. You may see a dominant silverback, adult females and playful juveniles interacting within their natural forest habitat.

Return to the park headquarters after the trek and receive your gorilla-trekking certificate. Your driver-guide will then transfer you back to the lodge.

An optional Batwa or community experience can be arranged if time and energy permit.

Meal plan: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Activity: Gorilla trekking
Accommodation:

Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge ( Budget),

Gorilla Leisure Lodge( Midrange),

Burunga Gorilla Lodge(Luxury)

Day 06 :

Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After an early breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Travel through the terraced hills and rural communities of southwestern Uganda before stopping for lunch in Mbarara or another suitable town.

Continue through Masaka and stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photographs, souvenir shopping or refreshments.

Your driver-guide will drop you at your hotel, residence or Entebbe International Airport. A late-evening departure flight or an additional night in Entebbe is recommended.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Driving time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Destination: Kampala, Entebbe or Entebbe International Airport