How much does this tour cost?

Mid-range: $1,800–2,300 per person (excluding permits). Luxury: $2,800–3,800. Budget: $1,400–1,700. Plus gorilla permit ($800) and chimp permit ($200) per person. Based on 2 travelers sharing.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and chimp trekking?

Gorilla trekking is in Bwindi's dense rainforest, usually 2–8 hours of hiking to find a family. You spend one hour at close range — it is quiet, intimate and deeply moving. Chimp trekking in Kibale is faster-paced (2–4 hours), noisier and more dynamic — chimps swing through trees, call loudly and move quickly. Both are extraordinary but very different experiences.

Can I do this tour starting from Kigali?

Yes. We can arrange a Kigali start with a border crossing. The route would be reversed: Bwindi first, then Kibale, finishing near Fort Portal. Contact us for the Kigali-start version.

Is Kalinzu Forest an alternative to Kibale for chimps?

Yes. Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth NP offers chimpanzee tracking at a lower permit cost. However, Kibale has the largest chimp population and the most habituated groups, giving you the best trekking experience. We recommend Kibale for the full primate experience.

4 days / 3 nights

Gorillas & Chimps — 4 Days

Uganda's two greatest primate encounters in four days: mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Plus a HopeKitchen visit and wetland walk.

Route

EntebbeKibale ForestBwindi / BuhomaEntebbe

Quick Facts

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Gorilla Trekking

Included (permit $800 extra)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Included (permit $200 extra)

Accommodation

Mid-Range or Luxury

Start Location

Entebbe

End Location

Entebbe

Private Safari

Yes

Best For

Primate lovers, nature enthusiasts

Community Visit

HopeKitchen, Buhoma

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days.Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct operator information.

About This Tour

Uganda is the only country where you can trek to see both mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees on a single trip. This four-day tour brings together both experiences, along with the Bigodi Wetland Walk — one of East Africa's best community-run nature trails.

You start in Kibale National Park, known as the 'primate capital of the world', where 13 different primate species live in the forest canopy. After tracking habituated chimpanzees for up to an hour, walk through Bigodi Wetland to spot red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and over 200 bird species.

From there, travel south through scenic rural Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the highlight: one hour face to face with a mountain gorilla family. Visit HopeKitchen in Buhoma to see how your trip supports local community development.

This is the second most popular tour type in Uganda — and for good reason. Two primates, two forests, one unforgettable trip.

Included

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
3 nights mid-range or luxury accommodation
All meals throughout
Drinking water in vehicle
All park entry fees
Gorilla trekking permit arrangement (permit fee extra)
Chimpanzee trekking permit arrangement (permit fee extra)
Porter hire for gorilla trek
Bigodi Wetland Walk
HopeKitchen community visit in Buhoma
Airport/hotel transfers

Not Included

Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person)
Chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person)
International flights
Uganda visa ($50)
Travel insurance
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses

Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Browse lodges along this route on lodgesofuganda.com

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Kibale Forest

Pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala. Drive to the Fort Portal area near Kibale National Park (approximately 5–6 hours). Pass through lush tea plantations and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Check in to your lodge surrounded by tropical forest. Briefing and dinner.

Day 2

Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland

Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Follow habituated chimp communities through the canopy — listen for their calls, watch them feed, groom and play. The trek takes 2–4 hours. After lunch, walk the Bigodi Wetland Trail — a community-managed nature trail with excellent birding and chances to spot red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey and L'Hoest's monkeys. Drive south towards Bwindi in the late afternoon.

Day 3

Gorilla Trekking & HopeKitchen

The highlight of your trip. Briefing at UWA headquarters, then trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The hike takes 2–8 hours through dense vegetation, river crossings and misty hills. When you find the gorilla family, spend one unforgettable hour observing them at close range. Return to Buhoma for lunch. Afternoon visit to HopeKitchen — coffee, conversation and community. Dinner at your lodge.

Day 4

Departure

Breakfast with forest views. Depart for your next destination. Options: Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation (1.5 hours), Queen Elizabeth National Park for safari (4–5 hours via Ishasha), or return to Entebbe/Kampala. We are happy to extend your trip in any direction.

Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

“Seeing chimps in Kibale was wild and exciting — they were swinging above our heads and calling to each other. Then meeting the gorillas in Bwindi two days later was a completely different, almost spiritual experience. Two highlights in one trip.”

Anna L.Netherlands

“Four days, two incredible forests, and two unforgettable primate encounters. Duncan organized everything perfectly. The HopeKitchen visit in Buhoma gave the trip even more meaning.”

Marc & Julie D.France