Moderately Priced Combined Gorilla – Chimpanzee Primate Safari in Uganda
Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale Forest and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Immerse in Primate Paradise: 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Delve into the captivating world of primates with our Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Experience the ultimate primate adventure in East Africa, combining the finest treks. Brace yourself for the awe-inspiring beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, CNN’s most stunning destination for Gorilla Trekking.
Prepare to be captivated by the incredible Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest, East Africa’s premier primate park. Encounter 13 primate species and immerse yourself in their diverse and fascinating world. Trek through lush forests, marvel at their calls, and witness playful behavior that deepens your appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Seek an immersive encounter? Choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience (subject to availability). Spend a full day trekking in Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and up to four hours with a Gorilla Family. It’s an unparalleled adventure for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into their remarkable lives.
Embark on our Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking. Let us curate an unforgettable primate paradise, leaving you with cherished memories of East Africa’s remarkable wildlife. Contact us now for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Your Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Highlights:
Highlights of our Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari:
- Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a thrilling gorilla trek in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Trek through Kibale Forest to encounter and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
- Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: Explore the enchanting jungle swamp adjacent to Kibale Forest.
- Nocturnal Forest Walk: Experience the captivating creatures of the night during a guided walk in Kibale Forest.
- Top of the World Hike: Immerse yourself in breathtaking views as you hike through crater lakes, tea plantations, and charming hamlets.
- Village Walk or Batwa Experience: Choose between a guided Village Walk in the Buhoma area or spend time with the Batwa people, engaging in their unique cultural experience.
Unforgettable encounters, stunning landscapes, and immersive experiences await you on our Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Get ready to create cherished memories in the heart of Uganda’s remarkable wildlife.
Your Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Detail:
Arrival Day in Uganda:
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, our team will eagerly await to welcome you warmly. It’s important to note that you must obtain an Uganda Tourist Visa before your arrival.
Additionally, make sure to have your Yellow Fever Certificate and proof of COVID-19 vaccination readily available for the necessary checks.
The arrival process, including immigration and customs, typically takes around 45 minutes. The officials are known to be helpful, ensuring a smooth entry into the Country without significant hassles.
Once you have completed the arrival procedures, we will provide comfortable transportation to the 2-Friends Beach Hotel, where you will spend your first night in Uganda.
Pertinent Entebbe Airport Arrivals Information:
2-Friends Beach Hotel:
The 2-Friends Beach Hotel in Entebbe is a delightful hotel overlooking Lake Victoria. Its serene setting and tropical ambiance offer a tranquil first night in Uganda for guests seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
This charming hotel features a private sandy beach, an inviting treehouse bar, and a refreshing swimming pool. The beach provides a perfect spot to unwind, with comfortable loungers and breathtaking views. The unique treehouse bar offers a charming setting in which to appreciate the scenery while enjoying refreshing beverages.
The hotel’s rooms are designed for comfort and tranquility and have modern amenities, including air conditioning. With splendid views of Lake Victoria, guests can wake up to the beauty of the surroundings and feel connected to nature.
A restaurant on-site offers delicious meals showcasing local and international flavors, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, satisfying Lunch, or romantic dinner, the restaurant caters to diverse tastes.
Overall, the 2-Friends Beach Hotel in Entebbe provides a serene retreat for guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Lake Victoria. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and enjoyment with comfortable accommodations and amenities.
2-Friends Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: The meal plan for your arrival day will be tailored to your specific arrival time.
Day 1 – Drive to Kibale Forest:
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Value+ Midrange 5-Day Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Your journey commences with a refreshing morning drive to Isunga Lodge, nestled on the edge of Kibale Forest.
Departure time is scheduled for 7:00 a.m., allowing for a scenic four-hour drive through captivating landscapes. Once you arrive at Isunga Lodge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views overlooking the lush expanse of Kibale Forest.
Isunga Lodge:
Experience the exceptional value and comfort at Isunga Lodge, an excellent choice for moderately priced accommodation. This Lodge has consistently impressed our clients on previous safaris, leaving them more than satisfied with their stay.
With four well-appointed cottages, each featuring ensuite baths, Isunga Lodge offers a tranquil and secluded setting for a peaceful retreat. The Lodge’s attention to detail is evident in the thoughtful preparation of delicious meals and excellent service throughout your stay.
Compared to other moderately priced lodges in Uganda, Isunga Lodge is a remarkable choice. Its commitment to delivering exceptional service, value for money, and delectable cuisine sets it apart.
Our clients have expressed their enthusiasm and high praise for Isunga Lodge, making it a preferred midrange option near the park. Your experience at Isunga Lodge will exceed your service, value, and delightful meal expectations. Read more here.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary as we embark on a guided hike. This captivating 3-hour journey takes you through a jungle swamp, with much of the trail consisting of elevated planks that act as a boardwalk above the wetlands.
Your experienced guide hails from the local community, which has been preserving and maintaining the wetlands for many years. Their expertise and knowledge will enrich your exploration of this unique ecosystem, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
As you traverse the sanctuary, keep your eyes peeled for captivating wildlife encounters. The area is renowned for its diverse primate population, including chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and baboons. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the vast array of avian species, with the Blue Turaco being a chief highlight among many other feathered residents.
The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a haven for birds and primates and home to various mammals. You may have the opportunity to spot otters, bush pigs, mongooses, and even the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, among other fascinating creatures.
It’s worth mentioning that the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a UNESCO-designated self-sustaining eco-tourism project initiated and managed by the local community. By visiting and supporting this sanctuary, you contribute directly to the conservation efforts and sustainable development of the area, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Nocturnal Forest Walk:
Go on a captivating Nocturnal Forest Walk to witness the enchanting world of Kibale Rainforest after dark. As the Sun sets and the forest undergoes a remarkable transformation, you’ll discover a new realm to explore.
Guided by knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers equipped with powerful spotlights, you’ll venture into the forest’s depths. The night air comes alive with nocturnal creatures’ distinctive calls and sounds. Listen closely, and you’ll be greeted by the eerie shrieks of hyraxes and the gentle hoots of owls gracefully gliding through the trees.
Prepare to be amazed as you delve into this nocturnal adventure. You’ll encounter fascinating creatures such as Pottos, Bushbabies, nightjars, and even the elusive tree-climbing Pangolins along the way. These unique sightings will leave you delighted and in awe of the forest’s hidden treasures.
While this 90-minute nature walk offers a different perspective, adjusting your dinner plans may require changing. However, the extraordinary experience of exploring the nocturnal forest is one that you won’t want to miss. So, embrace the opportunity to delve into this mystical world and create lasting memories of your journey through the Kibale Rainforest after dark.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 2 – Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking:
What to wear and bring for Chimpanzee Trekking:
The clothing and gear are a daypack, hiking boots, wool socks, long trousers like jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, a shawl or light rain jacket, sunglasses, binoculars, camera equipment, one liter of bottled water. Additionally, apply sunblock and insect repellent.
Chimpanzee Trekking Orientation:
The chimpanzee trek begins with an orientation where a ranger goes over the guidelines for the Trek.
The Encounter with a Chimpanzee Troop:
Embark on an extraordinary Encounter with a Chimpanzee Troop, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of these intelligent primates. The adventure begins with an orientation at 8 a.m., where you’ll receive critical information about the Trek ahead. Guided by experienced trackers, you’ll venture into the dense forest, following the footsteps of the pre-trackers who have scouted the location of the chimpanzee group at dawn.
Kibale Forest is home to a remarkable population of nearly 1,500 chimpanzees, whose diet primarily consists of fruit. These clever creatures showcase their resourcefulness by using sticks to extract ants, leading to a significant decline in the red-tailed monkey population as they are hunted down in coordinated packs.
As you approach the chimpanzee community, their hooting calls echo through the forest, signaling their presence. It’s an exhilarating moment as you meet with these remarkable beings, spending an hour observing their behaviors, interactions, and unique habits. Witness the intricate social structure of the troop, with alpha males protecting their territory from intruders while females nurture their young within smaller family groups.
During the Trek, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter not only chimpanzees but also a variety of other primates, colorful birds, vibrant butterflies, and diverse mammals that call this forest their home. The Chimpanzee Trek typically lasts around 3 1/2 hours, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the forest, its captivating wildlife, and the unique vegetation surrounding you.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you explore the world of chimpanzees, gaining insights into their lives while being surrounded by the natural beauty of Kibale Forest.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth Park:
Leave Kibale Forest after Lunch and head towards Queen Elizabeth Park. This scenic drive offers picturesque countryside views and a transition between ecosystems.
Queen Elizabeth Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Experience the park’s majestic ambiance as you arrive, surrounded by diverse habitats, including savannahs, forests, and lakes.
Prepare for captivating wildlife encounters. Spot majestic elephants, graceful antelopes, and elusive predators like lions and leopards. Keep your camera at the ready to capture these awe-inspiring moments.
Katwe Explosion Crater Drive:
Before checking into Enganzi Game Lodge, see the breathtaking Katwe Explosion Crater Drive within the picturesque surroundings of Queen Elizabeth Park. This exhilarating adventure will leave you in awe of the park’s geological wonders. The drive is at the highest point with stunning views of the Albertine Western Rift escarpment and the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon.
Take the scenic drive through the Katwe area, where you’ll witness a landscape dotted with numerous volcanic craters. These craters, formed by ancient volcanic activity, create a stunning and unique topography that is truly mesmerizing.
On the drive, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the expansive craters, each with its distinct shape and character. The contrasting colors and textures of the crater walls, combined with the surrounding vegetation, create a striking visual spectacle.
In addition, the Katwe Explosion Crater Drive offers an opportunity to spot various wildlife species that inhabit the area. Please keep your eyes peeled for grazing antelopes, vibrant birdlife, and other fascinating creatures that call this volcanic landscape their home.
Enganzi Game Lodge:
Upon arrival at Enganzi Game Lodge, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a seamless check-in process. The lodge staff will be ready to assist you with any inquiries or requests, ensuring that your stay begins positively.
As you step into the Lodge, you’ll immediately be captivated by its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking surroundings. The Lodge’s architecture and design blend harmoniously with the natural environment, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation and rejuvenation.
Make your way to your well-appointed accommodation, where comfort and luxury await. Each room or suite at Enganzi Game Lodge is thoughtfully furnished, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. Enjoy modern amenities, a private bathroom, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness from your room.
After a day of adventure, return to Enganzi Game Lodge, where the peaceful surroundings and attentive service ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Relax, immerse yourself in nature, and cherish the unique experiences that await you in this extraordinary Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 3 – Drive to the Buhoma Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
From Enganzi Game Lodge, you’ll go on an exciting drive to Buhoma, with a memorable stop at Ishasha for a unique tree-climbing lion game drive. This journey will take you through the captivating landscapes of Queen Elizabeth Park, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife along the way.
As you leave Enganzi Game Lodge, enjoy the scenic drive through Queen Elizabeth Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and various bird species. Your experienced guide will provide insights and help you spot these incredible creatures.
Upon reaching Ishasha, you’ll have the chance to witness a remarkable sight: tree-climbing lions. Ishasha is famous for its lion population that has adapted to climb trees, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. Keep your camera ready to capture these majestic creatures as they laze and rest on the branches.
After the thrilling game drive, it’s time to satisfy your appetite with a delicious lunch at Savanna Lodge. This Lodge offers a tranquil setting and a comfortable dining experience amidst the wilderness. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights while surrounded by the sounds of nature.
After Lunch, continue the drive to Buhoma and enjoy a day filled with adventure, wildlife, and culinary delights. Embrace the excitement and anticipation as you embark on this unforgettable leg of your journey, ready to create lasting memories in the heart of Uganda’s natural wonders.
Check into the Haven Lodge in Buhoma:
Upon your arrival in Buhoma, you’ll have the opportunity to check into the Haven Lodge, a charming mid-range accommodation option that offers a unique community-owned and managed experience. Nestled on the outskirts of the Buhoma Village and overlooking the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Haven Lodge is a top choice for those seeking comfortable lodging in the area.
The Lodge features private cottages, including a family cottage, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere for your stay. Each house has been thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with the surroundings, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing retreat after an exciting day of gorilla trekking or exploring the national park.
As a community-owned Lodge, the Haven Lodge offers a special touch of local authenticity and a chance to contribute directly to the community’s well-being. By staying here, you support the Buhoma Community Organization and its sustainable tourism initiatives.
Given the popularity of Buhoma as a gorilla trekking destination, it’s advisable to book your stay at the Haven Lodge well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during Uganda’s peak seasons from June to October and December through March. By securing your reservation early, you can ensure availability and maximize your mid-range lodge experience.
Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and community spirit of the Haven Lodge, where you can enjoy the comfort of private cottages, breathtaking forest views, and the satisfaction of knowing that your stay directly benefits the local community.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Buhoma Area:
What Should I wear tracking Gorillas?
Here is practical advice about what to wear while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Often, Trekkers are not dressed right for the occasion, which can spoil your day, and your focus might not be on the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
Gorilla Wear and Gear you will need:
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside the daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your Lunch from the Lodge and two liters of bottled water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun blocker cream and sunglasses.
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and a local walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with both.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
Have an early breakfast, and take your packed Lunch from the Lodge for Gorilla Trekking Gear. Having the right gear and wearing the right clothes and boots make a difference in the quality of a Trek that you will have.
The Gorilla Trekking Orientation:
Here, you receive instructions about the Gorilla Trek. You are assigned your Gorilla Family based on your input, and your age and fitness level are also considered.
You often track the Gorilla Groups you like, and we will help you with the Park Staff. Trekking times vary between three and six hours depending on the gorilla group you will be trekking on your day. We strongly suggest you read the Rules and Guidelines before going on a Trek.
If you have physical limitations, you can still visit a gorilla family. Let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements, such as a sedan chair carried by a team of porters.
The Gorilla Trek 
The Trek begins with an orientation. This is where you are assigned your Gorilla Family to be trekking. The Uganda Wildlife Ranger appoints the group. The decision is based on your age, fitness level, and the preferences you give.
You cannot trek the gorillas if you have a cold, cough, flu, or other infectious ailments.
The Trek in the Buhoma area is at a lower elevation, and there are no problems with the altitude here. The Trek is three to five hours long. Pre-Trackers are out in the forest, locating the gorilla family you will visit.
The encounter with a Gorilla Family is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. Mountain Gorillas can only be seen in the Wild and do not survive captivity.
After the Gorilla Trek Options:
- Relax at the Lodge
- Take the Buhoma Village Walk
- Do the Batwa Experience with the First People of the Forest
- Bike around or into Bwindi Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5 – Return Drive to Entebbe:
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it’s time to embark on the return drive to Entebbe. This scenic journey spans approximately nine hours, with a planned stop for Lunch halfway to Entebbe or Kampala, ensuring you can refuel and relax.
During the drive, a must-see and do stop awaits you at the Equator. Here, you can capture the classic photo of yourself straddling the equator line and take the unique standing experience in the northern and southern hemispheres. Indulge in a meal, snack, or refreshing drink at the Equator, and browse through the selection of souvenirs available, allowing you to bring home a memento of your time in Uganda.
As the drive continues, you’ll arrive in Entebbe late afternoon. If necessary, our team can assist you in arranging a hotel for your stay. Many travelers find a dayroom the perfect option for freshening up before their departure flight. This allows you to relax, have a leisurely dinner, and prepare for your journey home.
As your safari adventure ends, we at Kabiza Wilderness Safaris express our gratitude for choosing us to guide you through the wonders of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. We hope your experiences will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and wildlife of this remarkable Country.
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch
What is included in your Value+ Midrange 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari?
- Full-Board stays at safe, secure quality Lodges: We choose welcoming, friendly, and hospitable quality lodges for your Safari, including the
incoming hotel in Entebbe or Kigali, Rwanda.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Meals: We can accommodate vegetarians and vegans on a safari. Additionally, there are kid-friendly meals for families with children. Kosher Friendly meals can also be provided. Other dietary needs, such as gluten- and sugar-free, can be met if notified.
- Gorilla – Chimpanzee Permits: Permits are included in the Safari.
- Porter Services for Gorilla Treks: Porter Services are automatically included in your Safari. You are walking sticks; we supply bottled water for your treks, volcano climbs, and hikes.
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle equipped with Pop-Up Roof: You have an experienced driver-guide that will guide you on a Safari through the Pearl of Africa. The vehicle has a refrigerated unit, and bottled water and fruit snacks are available on longer drives. WiFi is available. We can arrange a MiFi Router for you, which would give you access to the internet even in your cottage since, at most lodges, WiFi is available only in the leading club. You would incur a small charge for the use and data of a MiFi Router.
- AMREF-Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance: Your Well-being is foremost on our mind, and we automatically include emergency air-evac insurance on your Safari.
- I have not included Visas, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Tips, drinks at lodges such as Alcoholic drinks and sodas, and optional listed activities.
This is a Value+ Midrange Safari? Experience Uganda’s Best with our Value+ Midrange Safari! Enjoy comfort, adventure, and exceptional service. Stay in handpicked midrange lodges with ensuite rooms or charming cottages, immersing yourself in nature without compromising comfort. Our Hakuna Matata Safaris provide worry-free journeys, including a full-board meal plan. With a private safari vehicle and an experienced guide, discover Uganda’s primates, wildlife, and rich culture—no need to compromise on quality or comfort. Choose our Value+ Midrange Safari for incredible encounters and lifelong memories. Embrace Hakuna Matata—contact us today to plan your dream safari in Uganda.
For over a Decade since 2008, we have offered Midrange Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris in Uganda.
Our private Value+ Midrange Gorilla-Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris in Uganda are full-service Safaris with all that is needed for a successful Safari in Uganda.
You have your own Safari Vehicle with an experienced driver, you stay at a quality midrange or luxury lodge, and all the activities listed are included. The outcome of your Safari is more important to us than income.
