Arrive in Kampala

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including the red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Transfer to Kibale

Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park, but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer, which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travelers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing, and traditional healing up close.

Important to know

• Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Scenic Drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park
• What to See? Kibale Forest, Fort Portal, Primates

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking

The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embark from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08.00 & 15.00 and last 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzees are the most sought-after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey, or the grey-cheeked mangabey. Your 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the traditional plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park, where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland, at times along a boardwalk trail.  Bigodi is a birder’s paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there, including the crowd-pleaser Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species, including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Important to know

• Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Enjoy Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland Walk
• What to See? Chimpanzees, Kibale Forest, Primates in Bigodi Wetland, Bigodi Community

Transfer to Bwindi

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of birds to spot, and a variety of brightly-colored butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Batwa Cultural Village

The Batwa Cultural Village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago, and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists are given to the Batwa project, and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks, and cook.

Important to know

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Visit to Batwa People
• What to See? Rolling Hills of Bwindi Forest, Batwa People

Gorilla Trekking

On the fourth day of your extraordinary adventure, delve into the dense foliage of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Guided by knowledgeable 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari trackers, navigate through the rugged terrain, eagerly anticipating the moment when you encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Witness their grace and familial bonds up close, marveling at their serene presence amidst the ancient trees. After bidding farewell to the gorillas, embark on a scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park, crossing borders into Rwanda. As you journey onward, reflect on the profound connections you’ve forged with Uganda’s iconic primates and the anticipation of further adventures awaiting you in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes.

Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face-to-face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Important to know

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and transfer to Volcanoes, Rwanda
• What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Misty Bwindi Forest, Virunga Volcanoes

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is extremely moving, challenging, educational, and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy, and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational, but very sombre and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

RDB Golden Monkey Tracking

Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, RDB Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting with the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains are a photographer’s dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colors, energetic demeanor, and sizeable troops of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.

Important to know

• Destination: Kigali Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Activities: Enjoy golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes, Rwanda, Kigali City tour, and Departure
• What to See? Golden Monkeys, Misty Volcanoes Forest, Virunga Volcanoes, Kigali City

End of 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari