Detailed Itinerary of 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Day 1: Entebbe – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative – your driver-guide, brief you about the safari and embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with stops at the Equator Crossing in Kayabwe for photography and in Mbarara for lunch.

Proceed to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Rushaga Sector where gorilla habituation experience takes place. This journey is very scenic as you have an opportunity to see the rolling hills of Kigezi and valleys as you travel to Kisoro. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge 

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will wake up early in the morning and head to the park headquarters to join other visitors for briefing about dos and don’ts while with mountain gorillas on your gorilla habituation experience.

After the briefing, you will start your trek into the emerald forest guided by researchers and guides. During your trek, you may encounter several bird species and other primates and animals calling the forest home. Once you have located the semi-habituated gorilla family, you will have an opportunity to listen and observe researchers doing their work of habituating gorillas and if possible you will be called upon to participate by collecting samples, naming of group members, making calls and so much more.

Trek back to the starting point, meet your driver guide and return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, we journey to Kibale National Park with a drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will have chances of spotting some wild games including the rare tree climbing lions as we drive through this savannah dominated national park

Have another stop at the Equator Crossing at Kikolongo. Also, you will enjoy scenic views of Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at the hotel in Kibale, check in at the lodge and spend the rest of the day at relaxation, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast and drive to Kibale National Park Headquarters for briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. You will be divided into small groups of six people led by a guide and armed rangers, then enter into the forest searching for a chimpanzee troop assigned to you. The trek takes approximately 2 to 4 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night, chimpanzees live in communities between 50 – 250 individuals but usually breakup into small groups during the day to reduce competition on food.

Once you have found the chimpanzee troop, you will spend one hour in their presence watching them play, feed and groom each other. You will get to take a number of pictures and videos, later return to the starting point, meet your driver guide and return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Departure

Today is the last day on a safari in Uganda, after breakfast you will check out of your lodge and embark on a journey back to Kampala. It is a journey of 5-6 hours with en-route lunch. You will be dropped off at the airport for your departure flight bringing your safari to an end.

End of 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari