A gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda combines the thrill of searching for chimpanzees in the ancient forests of Kibale with the unforgettable experience of tracking mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi.

Superfine Safaris Limited specializes in creating private Uganda safaris that bring these two extraordinary experiences together in one carefully planned journey. Whether you are planning a short 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee safari or a longer Uganda wildlife and primate holiday, we can tailor your itinerary around your travel dates, budget, accommodation preference and interests.

The combination of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi is particularly attractive because the two destinations offer completely different forest experiences. Kibale takes you into a lush tropical rainforest famous for its chimpanzees and diverse primate population, while Bwindi takes you into a mountainous, ancient forest where you can spend time with habituated mountain gorilla families.

Why Combine Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

If you are travelling to Uganda specifically to see great apes, combining the two experiences makes excellent sense. Chimpanzee trekking gives you the opportunity to watch one of our closest living relatives in an active forest environment. Chimpanzees are highly social, vocal and energetic, and your experience may include watching them feed, groom, communicate, climb through the trees or move across the forest floor.

Gorilla trekking is different is generally slower and more intimate. You hike through Bwindi’s dense vegetation with experienced trackers until you locate your assigned gorilla family. Sitting quietly among the forest vegetation while a mountain gorilla family feeds, rests or interacts is an experience that remains with many travellers long after they leave Uganda.

Combining both means that one safari gives you two great-ape encounters in two very different Ugandan forests.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

The first part of your Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari can take you to Kibale National Park, widely recognized as one of Uganda’s leading chimpanzee destinations.

Kibale is located in western Uganda, close to Fort Portal, and its extensive tropical forest provides an important habitat for chimpanzees and numerous other primates.

Chimpanzee trekking normally starts in the morning with a briefing before you enter the forest with trained ranger guides and trackers.

The forest itself becomes part of the experience. You walk beneath tall trees, listen to the sounds of birds and insects and watch for movement in the canopy. Sometimes you may hear chimpanzees calling before you see them.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you can observe their natural behaviour from a respectful distance. Their behaviour can be fascinating to watch because they are constantly communicating and interacting with one another. You may see chimpanzees:

• Feeding on fruit
• Grooming each other
• Calling from the canopy
• Moving through the forest
• Playing with one another
• Resting in trees
• Travelling across the forest floor

Kibale is also home to other primates, making the forest particularly rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After your chimpanzee experience in Kibale, the safari continues towards southwestern Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is famous for its mountain gorillas and is one of the world’s most important destinations for gorilla trekking.

The forest is mountainous, thick and sometimes challenging to navigate. This is part of what makes the experience so special.

Your gorilla trekking day begins with an early breakfast before travelling to the designated park headquarters for briefing. You are then allocated a gorilla family and enter the forest with ranger guides.

There is no guaranteed trekking duration because gorillas move naturally through the forest. Your trek could take a few hours or considerably longer depending on where the family is located.

The effort is rewarded when you finally encounter the gorillas.

You might find a large silverback resting beneath the vegetation, young gorillas playing around their mothers or members of the family feeding and grooming.

For many visitors, this is the highlight of their Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari.

Kibale to Bwindi: Combining the Two Primate Destinations

One of the most important aspects of planning a gorilla and chimpanzee safari is choosing an efficient route.

A popular journey is:

Entebbe/Kampala → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Entebbe/Kampala

This route allows you to experience several of western Uganda’s most attractive destinations without unnecessarily retracing your route.

At Superfine Safaris Limited, we can adjust the route depending on your flight schedule and the particular Bwindi sector where your gorilla permit is booked.

This is particularly important because Bwindi has several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo

Your accommodation and driving route should ideally be planned around your gorilla trekking sector.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking from Kampala or Entebbe

For international travellers arriving in Uganda, most safaris begin from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala. Superfine Safaris arranges airport pickup and begin your private safari from there.

From Kampala or Entebbe, the journey to Kibale takes you through Uganda’s countryside and towards the western region. After chimpanzee trekking, you continue towards southwestern Uganda for your gorilla trek.

For travellers arriving on international flights, we normally recommend allowing enough time between your arrival and the first trekking activity rather than scheduling a demanding trek immediately after landing. This gives you time to rest and reduces the pressure of delays.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking with Queen Elizabeth National Park

If your schedule allows, adding Queen Elizabeth National Park between Kibale and Bwindi can make your safari even more rewarding. Instead of having a purely primate-focused trip, you can combine:

Chimpanzees + wildlife + gorillas. Our customized 7 Days Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari offers you the best of Ugandas primates and game.

A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park can introduce you to elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos and numerous bird species. You can also take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the park’s best-known wildlife experiences.

For travellers coming to Uganda for the first time, this combination provides a broader introduction to the country’s wildlife.

Lake Bunyonyi After Gorilla Trekking

After the physical challenge of gorilla trekking, Lake Bunyonyi is an excellent place to slow down. Located in southwestern Uganda, the lake is surrounded by rolling hills and numerous small islands.

Superfine Safaris can add Lake Bunyonyi to your itinerary as either a short stop or an overnight extension. You can spend time relaxing at your lodge, take a boat ride or simply enjoy the scenery before continuing your journey.

For couples and honeymoon travelers, combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with Lake Bunyonyi creates a particularly attractive Uganda safari. The 6 Days Uganda safari combining  Gorillas, game and Lake Bunyonyi safari is the ebst for you.

5-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

For travellers with limited time, a five-day private itinerary can focus almost entirely on the two great ape experiences.

Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Kibale

Depart Kampala or Entebbe and travel towards Kibale National Park.

Overnight in Kibale.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Enjoy your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.

Depending on your schedule, you can also visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Overnight in Kibale.

Day 3: Kibale – Bwindi

Travel towards southwestern Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes you through changing landscapes and rural communities.

Overnight near your selected Bwindi sector.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Enjoy your gorilla trekking experience.

After locating your assigned gorilla family, spend the permitted viewing time observing them before returning to your lodge.

Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 5: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi – Departure/Continuation

Travel towards Lake Bunyonyi or continue towards your next destination, depending on your flight and safari plans.

7-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari

If you have more time, we recommend expanding the safari rather than rushing between the two forests.

A seven-day itinerary could include:

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala – Kibale

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking – Kibale

Day 3: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth wildlife experience – Bwindi

Day 5: Gorilla trekking – Bwindi

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi relaxation and cultural experience

Day 7: Return journey to Kampala/Entebbe

This gives you three different experiences: chimpanzees, gorillas and Uganda’s savannah wildlife.

Best Time for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are available throughout the year. However, many travellers prefer the relatively drier periods because forest trails can be easier to navigate. Uganda’s forests remain green throughout the year, and rainfall can occur even during traditionally drier months. This means you should always prepare for wet conditions when trekking.

When planning with Superfine Safaris, we consider:

• Gorilla permit availability
• Chimpanzee permit availability
• Your preferred travel dates
• Accommodation availability
• Flight schedules
• Your budget
• Desired safari duration
• Additional destinations

This allows us to recommend the most practical itinerary rather than simply selling you a fixed package.

How Much Does Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Uganda depends on the style and duration of your trip.

Important factors include:

Gorilla trekking permit: This is one of the major costs of a Uganda gorilla safari.

Chimpanzee trekking permit: A separate permit is required for chimpanzee trekking.

Accommodation: You can choose from budget, midrange and luxury accommodation depending on your preferences.

Safari vehicle: Private 4×4 transportation and professional driver-guide services are normally included in private safari packages.

Number of travellers: The cost per person can change depending on whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or in a private group.

Additional activities: Game drives, boat cruises, cultural activities and nature walks can be added to the itinerary.

At Superfine Safaris Limited, we prepare quotations according to your actual travel requirements instead of applying one price to every traveller.

What to Pack for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Because you will be walking through rainforest environments, proper clothing is important.

We recommend bringing:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Gardening or trekking gloves
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Small day backpack
• Camera
• Extra batteries or power bank
• Binoculars
• Personal toiletries
• Necessary medication

A pair of trekking poles can also be useful, particularly during the steeper sections of Bwindi.

You can also hire a porter during your gorilla trek. Apart from making the hike easier, hiring a porter provides direct support to people living around the national park.

Why Choose Superfine Safaris for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking?

Superfine Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based safari company specialising in personalised safaris across Uganda and the wider East African region. For a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, we coordinate the major elements of your journey, including:

• Gorilla trekking permits
• Chimpanzee trekking permits
• Private safari vehicles
• Professional driver-guides
• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Safari transportation
• Game drives
• Boat cruises
• Cultural experiences
• Birding experiences
• Lake Bunyonyi extensions
• Queen Elizabeth National Park safaris

If your main objective is gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, we can keep the safari focused on the two great apes. If you have more time, we can add wildlife, birding, culture and scenic destinations.

Book Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda

A gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda brings together two of the country’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. From listening to chimpanzees calling through the forest canopy in Kibale National Park to standing quietly among mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is a safari designed around some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.

With Superfine Safaris Limited, your trip can be organised as a 5-day, 6-day, 7-day or longer private Uganda safari, depending on your available time and interests.

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Planning a Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

Uganda is the only country in the world where you can combine mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking on a single safari without crossing a border. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the southwest holds over 20 habituated gorilla families. Kibale Forest in the west holds over 1,500 chimpanzees. The two parks are approximately five hours apart by road — a distance that fits naturally into a 7 to 10-day Uganda safari itinerary.

Suggested Gorilla and Chimp Itinerary

A classic Uganda primate circuit runs roughly as follows: arrive Entebbe, drive to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal (Day 1), chimp trekking at Kanyanchu (Day 2), Bigodi Wetland walk (Day 3 morning), drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Kyambura Gorge (Day 3 afternoon), game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise (Day 4), drive to Bwindi via Ishasha (Day 5), gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Day 6), optional second gorilla trek or habituation experience (Day 7), return to Entebbe (Day 8). This eight-day circuit is the most popular Uganda primate safari and can be extended to include Murchison Falls and Budongo Forest.

Permit Costs for a Combined Safari

A Uganda gorilla and chimp safari involves two key permit costs. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 700 per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale costs USD 200 per person. For a more immersive experience, the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale costs USD 1,500 per person for a four-hour encounter with a semi-habituated community. All permits must be booked through a licensed Uganda safari operator.

Why Uganda for Both Gorillas and Chimpanzees?

Rwanda offers gorilla trekking but chimpanzee trekking is only available in Nyungwe in the far southwest — requiring a significant detour from Volcanoes NP. Uganda’s western corridor places Kibale (chimps) and Bwindi (gorillas) on the same route, making a combined primate safari efficient and logistically simple. Uganda’s gorilla permit is also USD 800 cheaper than Rwanda’s, which makes it the more cost-effective destination for combining both primate experiences on a single trip.