7 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking

Overview:
A 7-day gorilla and chimpanzee trip will take you to Kibale National Park – Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda for an incredible adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Uganda is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and it is one of the few places in the world where you can see both gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Mountain Gorilla (nkuringo sector) silverback in Bwindi

Overall, a 7-day gorilla and chimpanzee trip in Uganda is an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, while also experiencing the local culture and way of life. It’s a perfect trip for those who seek an off-the-beaten-path adventure and want to experience the beauty and diversity of Africa.

7-day itinerary for a gorilla and chimpanzee trip in Uganda:

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. You can relax and unwind from your journey, and if time permits, take a short tour of Entebbe Botanical Gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will depart for Kibale National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, passing through beautiful countryside and traditional villages. On arrival, you will check in at your accommodation, have lunch and then go for a guided nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an important birding area with over 200 species of birds.

Pic: Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking rules and guidelines. You will then set out into the forest with an experienced guide, in search of these intelligent primates. The trek can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, and you may encounter other forest residents such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. In the afternoon, you can take a guided walk through the crater lakes region.

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, passing through stunning scenery and traditional villages. You will arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon, and have some time to relax and prepare for the gorilla trek the next day.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and guidelines. You will then set out into the forest with an experienced guide and trackers, in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 2-8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the encounter with these gentle giants is definitely worth it. You will spend one hour with the gorillas before returning to your accommodation.

Day 6: Batwa Trail and Community Visit
After breakfast, you will take part in the Batwa Trail, a cultural experience that takes you through the forest with Batwa guides, who will show you their traditional hunting and gathering techniques, as well as their way of life. You will also visit a Batwa community and learn about their history and culture.

In the afternoon, you can take a guided nature walk or visit the nearby waterfall.

Pic: Kashasha River Trail in Bwindi

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe, stopping for lunch en route. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to do some last-minute shopping or visit a local craft market before your departure.

Note:This is just a sample itinerary and can be customized according to your preferences and budget. Additionally, it’s important to note that chimpanzee and gorilla tracking permits need to be booked well in advance, so it’s best to plan your trip early.