4-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

This carefully curated 4-day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari is designed to immerse you in the most thrilling and transformative wildlife experiences Uganda has to offer. From the dense tropical jungles of Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the “Primate Capital of the World,” to the mystical, ancient realm of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where endangered mountain gorillas roam, and finally, to the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake dotted with 29 stunning islands—this tour guarantees unforgettable memories at every turn.

This 4-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari is more than just a wildlife excursion; it is a deep dive into the biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural wealth of Uganda. Beginning in Kampala or Entebbe, you’ll journey across scenic countryside dotted with lush plantations, terraced hills, crater lakes, and equatorial forests. You will track wild chimpanzees as they leap between fig trees in Kibale, share a silent moment with a majestic silverback gorilla in Bwindi, and glide peacefully on a canoe across the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi.

Our professional English-speaking guides ensure a safe and educational journey, enriched with local knowledge and tailored attention to your needs. Accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, proximity to park entry points, and environmental sustainability. Meals are fresh, nourishing, and reflective of Ugandan hospitality. The inclusions and exclusions listed at the end ensure full transparency and preparedness for your journey.

This 4-day safari is ideal for travelers who seek meaningful, wildlife-centered experiences within a limited timeframe. It balances adventure, comfort, and culture, offering a perfect snapshot of Uganda’s unique natural heritage.

Detailed: 4-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

The 4-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or residence in Kampala or Entebbe. Upon meeting your professional English-speaking driver-guide, you will be briefed on your itinerary and safari expectations. Set off on a scenic 6-hour drive towards western Uganda, passing through breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional Ugandan homesteads.

Your destination is Kibale Forest National Park, located near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this iconic range provides a majestic backdrop to your adventure. En route, you’ll stop for lunch at a reputable restaurant in Fort Portal town, famed for its cleanliness and location amid crater lakes.

In the afternoon, arrive at Kibale River Camp, your accommodation for the night. This eco-lodge is strategically situated near the park entrance, offering both comfort and easy access to chimpanzee tracking trails. After check-in and a brief rest, embark on a guided walk through the crater lake region. You will explore ancient volcanic formations, interact with local communities, and gain insight into traditional lifestyles and crop cultivation in the region.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, featuring a blend of local and international dishes. As night falls, enjoy the tranquil forest sounds and prepare for your first trekking adventure the next day.

Main Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation: Kibale River Camp (Mid-range Lodge)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking protocols. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you will venture into the moist, tropical rainforest of Kibale in search of chimpanzees. With over 500 individuals, Kibale is home to one of the largest populations of habituated chimps in Africa.

The trek lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzee community. Once found, you will have the rare opportunity to spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. Watch as they swing through the treetops, groom one another, feed on fruits, and display social behaviors strikingly similar to humans.

Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale is home to 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. You may also encounter various birds, butterflies, and rare tree species during your trek.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This route offers the chance to spot tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

Arrive in Bwindi by evening and check in to Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse. This community-run lodge supports women’s empowerment initiatives in the area, making your stay both meaningful and impactful.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (Budget Lodge)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

This is the highlight of your entire 4-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bwindi National Park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Your guide will take you through the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, safety protocols, and how to behave in the presence of gorillas.

Trekking through the dense, misty forest begins at 8:00 AM and may last from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. The terrain is challenging, but your guide and porters (available for hire) will ensure a smooth experience. Once you locate a gorilla family, you will spend a magical hour observing them as they go about their daily routines—feeding, playing, grooming, and occasionally staring back with gentle curiosity.

The moment is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Bwindi‘s gorillas are the world’s last remaining population of mountain gorillas, making this encounter a rare and deeply emotional experience.

After your trek, enjoy a packed lunch before driving to Lake Bunyonyi, about a 2-hour scenic drive through terraced hillsides and vibrant rural villages. On arrival, check in to Itambira Island, a tranquil eco-lodge located on one of the lake’s 29 islands. You can spend your evening relaxing, taking a swim in the bilharzia-free waters, or enjoying birdwatching around the lake.

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Itambira Island
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other drinks not included)

Day 4: Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Entebbe

Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Entebbe

Wake up to the chirping of birds and the sight of the morning mist gently lifting off the lake. After breakfast, head for a traditional dugout canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi. Glide past emerald islands, encounter local fishermen, and learn about the folklore associated with each island, such as Akampene (Punishment Island), where unwed pregnant girls were once abandoned as a cultural punishment.

After the canoe ride, check out and begin your return journey to Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy a lunch stop and make a brief visit to the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe for photography and souvenir shopping. Your driver-guide will ensure you arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your scheduled flight, marking the end of your 4-day Uganda safari.

Main Destination: Entebbe (via Kabale and Masaka)
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water provided (Other drinks not included)