Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Chimps from Kigali
Our 5 day gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali brings you face to face with Africa’s two great apes. Words can hardly describe looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla just a few metres away. On this trip, you track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, one of the richest primate forests in the world. In addition, you relax at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.
Trip overview
The tour starts in Kigali, Rwanda, with a city tour. Next, you cross into Uganda and spend a night at Lake Bunyonyi. Then, you move to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi for two nights and your gorilla trek. Finally, you drive north to Kibale for chimpanzee tracking before you transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali city tour and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
When you arrive, your driver-guide welcomes you and takes you into Kigali for breakfast and a short trip briefing. Then, you set off on a city tour. You visit Kimironko market and the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi.
Afterwards, you have lunch at the historic Hotel des Mille Collines, made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda. Next, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda through the Cyanika border on a very scenic route. Many people call Bunyonyi the most beautiful lake in Uganda.
At the lake, you relax and watch birds at their nests. You also visit some of the islands, such as Punishment Island, which has a rich and moving history. In the evening, you check in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Bunyonyi Overland Camp / Supreme Adventure Park – Budget
Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Midrange
Bunyonyi Bird Nest Lodge – Luxury
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija sector)
After breakfast, you enjoy a morning boat cruise to explore the lake. Then, you travel to Ruhija, the base for gorilla trekking in eastern Bwindi. Along the way, you pass farms, plantations and rolling hills.
On arrival, you check in for lunch. Later, you meet the Batwa people. They share their story as forest hunters and gatherers and perform traditional songs. Finally, you return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge – Luxury
Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp – Midrange
Broadbill Forest Camp – Budget
Day 3: Mountain gorilla trekking
After an early breakfast, you head to the park office for a short briefing. The rangers explain the dos and don’ts of trekking these gentle giants.
Although the trek can be tough, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, bring a walking stick, binoculars, a camera and good trekking shoes. Then, a ranger leads you into the forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek may take three to five hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved. Once you find them, you have one hour to relax and watch them go about their day. Afterwards, you return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge – Luxury
Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp – Midrange
Broadbill Forest Camp – Budget
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, you set off on a five- to six-hour drive to the primate world of Kibale. On the way, you see rolling hills, the Rwenzori Mountains, plateaus, valleys and green plantations.
Kibale is home to many primates. For example, you can find colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bush babies and, of course, chimpanzees. In the evening, you check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Primate Lodge – Luxury
Kibale Forest Camp – Midrange
Rwenzori View Guest House – Budget
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, you set out on a memorable chimpanzee trek in Kibale’s 795 sq km forest. Here, you look for chimpanzees as they play and feed, while monkeys and birds call all around you. In fact, Kibale protects one of the most beautiful stretches of tropical forest in Uganda.
After the trek, you have lunch. Then, you drive to Entebbe International Airport for your flight.
End of safari.
Highlights of this gorillas and chimps tour
This trip packs a lot of variety into five days. Here are the main highlights:
- Mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated family in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Chimpanzees. Track our closest relatives in Kibale, home to 13 primate species.
- Lake Bunyonyi. Cruise among the islands of one of Uganda’s loveliest lakes.
- Batwa culture. Hear the stories of the forest’s first people.
- Kigali city tour. Visit a busy market and the Genocide Memorial.
Who this tour suits
This tour suits primate lovers who fly into Kigali and want to see both great apes in one trip. It also suits photographers and first-time visitors to East Africa. However, both treks involve walking on uneven, sometimes muddy trails. So, you should be reasonably fit. In addition, the drive to Kibale is long, so plan for a full day on the road.
Best time to go
You can track gorillas and chimpanzees all year. Even so, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. At these times, trails are firmer and easier to walk. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush forest and fewer visitors. Read our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking to learn more.
Tips for your trip
A little planning makes your trip smoother. Here are a few tips from our guides:
- Book permits early. Gorilla and chimp permits are limited.
- Pack for the forest. Bring boots, a rain jacket, gloves and long sleeves.
- Hire a porter. Porters help on steep trails and support local families.
- Keep your camera ready. Turn off the flash near the apes.
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rates when you enquire.
Extend or combine your trip
You can easily add more to this itinerary. For example, our 5 day Uganda safari from Kigali swaps chimps for game drives in Queen Elizabeth. Alternatively, explore more primate tours in Uganda, or see our wider gorillas and chimpanzees safaris. Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, tell us your dates and interests, and we will send you a free plan for your 5 day gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
Related Safaris
Uganda Safaris
7-Day Best of Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife
Our 7 day Uganda gorilla safari combines mountain gorillas with classic savannah wildlife in one week. You look for chimpanzees
Uganda Safaris
10 Days Best Uganda Safari
Our 10 day Uganda safari is a relaxed loop through four great national parks, finishing with two easy days at