Uganda's two flagship primate experiences in one short trip. You track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, drive south through the lion country of Ishasha and trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, without doubling back over the same roads.
The two encounters are very different. Chimpanzees are fast, loud and constantly moving, while gorillas are calm and slow, so doing both in one trip shows how varied primate tracking in Uganda can be.
Trip overview
The route runs west from Entebbe to Kibale, south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and on to Bwindi, so each day covers a new area. You need a chimpanzee permit for Kibale and a gorilla permit for Bwindi, and both are booked before anything else. Read our permit guide and the destinations guide for how the parks fit together.
Day by day
Day 1Entebbe to Kibale
You are met at Entebbe airport and drive west through the Rift Valley and past tea plantations, usually six to seven hours. It is a long first day, but the scenery is a good introduction. You arrive at Kibale in the afternoon, check in and have dinner ahead of the early start.
Day 2Chimpanzees, then Ishasha and Bwindi
After an early breakfast you go into Kibale Forest, one of the best places in Africa for primates, to track a habituated chimpanzee community. Once you find them, you usually spend up to an hour with the chimps, and the whole trek takes about two to four hours.
You then drive south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions that rest in fig trees, with a game drive on the way. You continue to Bwindi and arrive in the evening.
Day 3Gorilla trek and Batwa visit
After the ranger briefing at the park office, you trek with rangers and trackers to a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with them. In the afternoon you can join a Batwa cultural experience, where the Batwa share their forest traditions and history. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 4Return to Entebbe
After breakfast you begin the journey back, by road in about eight to nine hours or with a domestic flight from Kihihi or Kisoro, which cuts the day considerably. We drop you at Entebbe airport in time for your flight.
Where you stay
| Stop | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibale | Kibale Forest Camp | Kyaninga Lodge | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| Bwindi (Buhoma) | Ride 4 a Woman | Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge |
These are the lodges we commonly use, and availability depends on your dates. See our lodges guide.
What is included
- Chimpanzee trekking permit and gorilla trekking permit
- Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
- Three nights of accommodation with meals as listed
- Park entry fees, the Batwa cultural experience and bottled water
What is not included
- International flights, domestic flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Porters, tips and personal spending
Planning notes
This is a driving-heavy trip: you spend a large part of days one, two and four in the vehicle. If you would like less road time, fly between Entebbe and the Bwindi area at the end. The chimpanzee trek is shorter than a gorilla trek, but the animals move fast and the forest floor is uneven. Bring the same kit as for gorillas, with waterproofs and good boots. Our packing guide has the full list, and the best time to go explains how the seasons affect the roads.
Who this suits
Travellers with about four days who want to see chimpanzees and gorillas and do not mind long drives. If you would like more time for game viewing, see the six-day gorilla and wildlife safari, or browse all itineraries.