This exclusive 6-day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation Safari is crafted for photographers and wildlife lovers seeking a deeper, more immersive experience with Uganda’s great apes. Unlike standard treks, this itinerary offers an exceptional 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a small group limited to just four people. This extended time allows for unrushed observation and unique photographic opportunities of the mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Additionally, you’ll participate in a 4-hour Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest, providing a rare chance to follow and photograph chimpanzees as they go about their daily routines—perfect for capturing dynamic, close-up moments that standard treks can’t offer.
To further enrich your safari, we’ve included an extra night in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famed tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. You’ll also enjoy the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a must for wildlife photographers, where you can photograph large pods of hippos, herds of elephants, and a variety of birdlife up close. This itinerary is tailored for those who want more than just a glimpse of Uganda’s primates—it’s designed for those who want the time, space, and access to truly connect with nature through their lens and leave with a portfolio full of unforgettable encounters.
Highlights
- Explore the pearl on scenic road trips
- Unforgettable Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Community encounters in Bwindi and Kibale rain forest
- Tree Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Kibale Forest with optional evening Bigodi community Walk
We will pick you up from your guest house in Entebbe and transfer to Kibale national park the home of chimpanzees and the primate capital of the world. The transfer is about 6 hours through the rural areas of central and western Uganda, look out for open market, grocery stores along the road. The drive is scenic and active meaning that you will be arriving late afternoon at the lodges that’s at located near the park.
Time allowing, you can organize with your guide for Bigodi community walk or Bigodi swamp walk which is managed by the community and the walk boosts consecration of the wetland the Kibale forest the home of chimpanzees. On this walk, you will have a chance to interact with local communities and understand how they live socially, economically. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodations: Isunga Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Chimpanzee Habituation and Private Kazinga Boat cruise
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Kanyanchu for a briefing before heading into the forest with experienced rangers to track chimpanzees. Following their calls and tracks, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure to locate the chimps, where you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them and learning about their behavior and social structures. After a delicious hot lunch at the lodge, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we check in and prepare for an afternoon game drive. We’ll head to the famous Kasenyi Plains, renowned for its rich wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. While on our game drive, keep your eyes peeled for the “Big Four” (excluding white rhinos), as this area is known for frequent sightings of these iconic animals. In the evening, we return to the park lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodations: Marafiki safari lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Morning Game drive and Transfer to Ishasha Sector (Home of tree climbing lions)
After breakfast, we’ll set off for a thrilling morning game drive across the vast Kasenyi Plains, renowned for its rich wildlife. Our journey then takes us to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Spending the night here provides a fantastic opportunity to witness these incredible lions lounging in the trees—a rare and unforgettable sight.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner at the lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. For a truly magical experience, we can arrange an evening sundowner at an additional cost, offering stunning views of the park as the sun sets over the savannah. Your overnight stay will be in Ishasha, where you’ll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Embogo Lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, enjoy one final game drive through the Ishasha sector, where you’ll search for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, herds of topi, Cape buffaloes, and lions, among others. This is a fantastic opportunity to capture those last memorable moments in the wild.
Following the game drive, we’ll transfer to Bwindi, with lunch en route, depending on where your gorilla permits have been booked. Upon arrival, check into your lodge at the edge of the forest, where you’ll unwind and prepare for the incredible gorilla trekking experience ahead. Spend the evening relaxing in this peaceful setting, surrounded by the sounds of the forest, as you look forward to the adventure that awaits.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 5: Gorilla Habituation Experience
After breakfast, we take a short drive to the UWA briefing center, where you’ll receive an informative session on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Once assigned to a gorilla family, you’ll join a small group of up to 8 people and head into the forest with experienced ranger guides to track down these magnificent creatures. Upon locating the gorillas, you’ll spend a full hour observing them from a respectful distance of 7-10 meters, witnessing their natural behaviors as they go about their daily routines in the wild. It’s an unforgettable experience to watch them interact in their habitat. Later transfer back to Lodge for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meal: Full board
Day 6: Domestic flight from Kisoro to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, you’ll be picked up for your domestic flight from Kisoro to Entebbe, arriving by mid-morning on the only available morning flight. If your international departure is later in the day, we can arrange a day room upon request or organize an optional excursion to the Mabamba wetlands for a chance to spot the rare shoebill stork.
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Included in this itinerary:
- All accommodations listed in the itinerary.
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Gorilla Habituation Permit $1,500
- Chimpanzee Habituation $300 (Kibale)
- All the excursions and activities indicated in the itinerary
- Support of a private 4×4 vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide,
- All transfers
- Government taxes
Excluded:
- Uganda Entry Visa fee
- International air flights
- Any optional activity not indicated in above program
- Laundry Services
- Gratuities and Tips
If you have extra days, please check out our 9 days untamed Uganda tour and 6 days gorillas and wildlife safari.
