5-Day Discounted Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari

The safari is designed to combine chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your selected package, inclusions may cover both trekking permits, private ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, an experienced driver-guide, four nights of accommodation, meals specified in the itinerary, fuel, and bottled drinking water. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses are generally excluded. Your final quotation will confirm the exact inclusions, accommodation category, and applicable discounted rates for your travel dates.

This discounted safari is planned for travel in April, May, and November. These months fall within Uganda’s wetter seasons, when forest trails can become muddy and trekking conditions may be more challenging. However, the forests remain beautiful, and you can still enjoy rewarding encounters with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Discount eligibility, permit availability, and the final package price depend on the applicable booking conditions and your selected dates. Contact Iconic Africa Safaris before making travel arrangements to confirm the current offer.

Day one begins with pickup in Entebbe and a drive to Kibale Forest National Park, with an overnight stay near the forest. On day two, you participate in guided chimpanzee trekking, with an optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary if time permits. Day three involves travelling from Kibale to the Bwindi area, where you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek. On day four, you track mountain gorillas with park rangers and spend one hour observing the gorilla family once located. Day five is reserved for your return journey to Entebbe or, where arranged, Kigali.

The total cost depends on your travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation category, transport arrangements, and the permits available for your selected dates. The discounted travel period is April, May, and November, but the applicable savings must be confirmed when checking current permit rates and package availability. Private safaris generally cost more per person when travelling alone than when two or more guests share the vehicle and accommodation costs. Request a personalised quotation from Iconic Africa Safaris to receive the current price and a clear breakdown of inclusions and exclusions.

The safari is planned around both chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether both permits are included in your quoted price must be confirmed in the package inclusions. Permit availability is limited, and the applicable rates depend on the activity, visitor category, and travel date. We recommend checking both permits before confirming flights or making non-refundable arrangements. Once your dates are agreed, our team can help coordinate the permit bookings and the rest of your safari.

Chimpanzee trekking usually involves a ranger briefing followed by a guided walk through Kibale Forest to locate a habituated chimpanzee community. The search can take different amounts of time depending on where the chimpanzees are moving and the conditions in the forest. Once the group is located, visitors generally spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees under the applicable park rules. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, follow your ranger’s instructions, and prepare for uneven ground, humidity, and occasional rain during the walk.

Once the ranger-guides locate your assigned mountain gorilla family, visitors are generally allowed one hour with the gorillas. You can observe their behaviour, watch younger gorillas play, and take photographs without flash while following the ranger’s instructions. The trek itself may take several hours, depending on where the gorillas have moved and the terrain you need to cross. Gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed absolutely because these are wild animals, but experienced trackers and ranger-guides work to locate the habituated families safely.

The minimum age for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is generally 15 years, while chimpanzee trekking in Kibale generally requires visitors to be at least 12 years old. Because this itinerary includes both activities, travellers should meet the age requirement for each experience. If you are planning a family safari, share the ages of everyone travelling before booking so that eligibility can be checked. Park authorities apply these requirements to protect visitors and wildlife, and exceptions should never be assumed.

Accommodation can be arranged in budget, mid-range, or luxury properties, depending on your preferences and the available options. Near Kibale Forest, choices may include lodges and guesthouses around the Fort Portal and Kibale areas. Near Bwindi, options depend on the gorilla trekking sector assigned for your permit. Selecting accommodation close to the relevant park entrance helps reduce early morning transfers on trekking days. Your quotation will identify the proposed properties, room arrangements, meal plans, and any additional cost for upgrades.

April, May, and November are generally wetter months in much of Uganda. Rain can make forest paths slippery and increase the effort required during chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. However, these months can also offer lush vegetation and quieter conditions at some properties compared with busier travel periods. Rainfall varies, and showers can occur throughout the year in these rainforest environments. Bring waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, and clothing that dries easily, and allow flexibility in your expectations for each trekking day.

Pack waterproof hiking boots with good grip, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, a lightweight rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a small daypack. A reusable water bottle, camera with spare batteries, personal medication, a hat, and a face mask for the gorilla encounter are also useful. Gaiters can help protect your legs from mud and vegetation. Keep your belongings manageable for the long road transfers, and carry essential trekking items where you can reach them easily. Follow your ranger’s instructions regarding protective equipment and health precautions.

Yes. Hiring a porter can make your gorilla trek more comfortable, even if you are reasonably fit. Porters can carry your daypack, offer support on steep or slippery sections, and help you manage difficult terrain. Hiring a local porter also provides income to communities living near the national park. Porter services may cost extra unless your quotation specifically includes them. Ask your safari consultant to confirm the arrangements and any expected payment before your trekking day.

Follow your ranger’s instructions throughout both trekking experiences. Keep the distance specified by park authorities, speak quietly, avoid flash photography, and never touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas, and avoid sudden movements if an animal approaches. Chimpanzees and gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases, so visitors must follow the health and hygiene rules provided during the briefings. If you feel unwell before either activity, tell your guide and park staff before joining the trek.

Yes, a Kigali finish may be possible if the route, border crossing, and your travel schedule are arranged in advance. The standard itinerary begins in Entebbe, travels to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking, continues to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, and then returns toward Entebbe or proceeds to Kigali by road. The Kigali option changes the final transfer and may affect the overall price and driving time. Share your international flight details and preferred drop-off point when requesting your quotation so that the route can be planned appropriately.

Yes. You can request budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation, subject to availability and the final package price. The safari can also be discussed around your travel dates, preferred pickup and drop-off arrangements, and optional activities such as a Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary visit. However, the five-day schedule must allow enough time for the transfers and both trekking experiences. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are date-specific and subject to availability, so confirm your preferred dates before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

To start your booking, send Iconic Africa Safaris your preferred travel dates in April, May, or November, the number of travellers, your accommodation preference, and whether you would like to finish in Entebbe or Kigali. Our team can check permit availability, discuss the discounted package conditions, and prepare a quotation showing the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and payment terms. Review the details carefully before confirming. Early enquiries are recommended because gorilla permits are limited and availability cannot be guaranteed until the required arrangements are confirmed.