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 Primates Expedition
Our 5 day Uganda primate safari brings you close to two of our nearest relatives. First, you walk with wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Then, you trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. On both treks, you get about an hour with the apes to watch them and take photos.
Trip overview
This once-in-a-lifetime trip takes you through the Afro-montane and tropical rainforests of Uganda. Kibale is known for its many primates, with 13 species in the forest. Meanwhile, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places on Earth to see mountain gorillas. In addition, the drives between the parks show you farmland, tea country and the terraced hills of the south-west.
Tour highlights
- Track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
- Look for grey-cheeked mangabeys and colobus monkeys in the canopy.
- Walk the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi.
- Stop at the Equator on your way back to Kampala.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
We pick you up from your hotel in the morning. Then, we begin the drive to Kibale at a relaxed pace. There is no hurry and no strict timetable. Instead, you simply enjoy the drive west as busy city streets give way to rolling farmland and, finally, lush green forest. By late afternoon, you settle into your lodge while the rainforest fills the air with its evening chorus. So, take time to unwind and recharge, because tomorrow brings an unforgettable adventure.
Driving time: ± 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk
After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters. There, you meet the ranger guides for a briefing on the dos and don’ts and where the chimp families were last seen.
The walk follows real forest trails. They are shaded and full of roots, and they can be muddy depending on the season. So, good closed shoes matter more than fashion here. Trekking can take up to 4 hours. Once you find the chimps, you get a full hour at close range. You may watch them groom each other, squabble, nap in the fork of a tree or crash down to the forest floor a few metres away. Along the way, you will almost certainly see grey-cheeked mangabeys and colobus troops moving through the canopy. Meanwhile, birdsong fills the air.
After lunch back at the lodge, the pace changes. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run reserve. Here, the walk follows a raised boardwalk and forest path through papyrus swamp and dense thicket for about three hours.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, we set off at 8am and drive to Kabale for lunch. From here, the road winds through a beautiful region known as the “Switzerland of Africa”. You pass mountains, hills and lakes with terraced fields, as well as tropical rainforest and bamboo forest. Although the drive is long, the views of green hills and traditional homesteads make it worthwhile. Finally, you check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Driving time: ± 7 hours
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, we take you to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Park ranger guides explain the dos and don’ts of spending time with mountain gorillas. This briefing usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, you head into the jungle for a 3–4 hour trek. The terrain is steep and sometimes muddy, and rain is common, so you need an average level of fitness. Still, coming face to face with a giant silverback more than makes up for the effort.
Along the way, your ranger shares fascinating facts about the forest plants, animals and the lives of the gorillas. Once you find them, you have one hour to relax and watch them play and interact. After this unforgettable experience, you return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 5: Return to Kampala
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and the beautiful scenery one last time. Then, we begin the calm drive back to Kampala. On the way, the Ugandan countryside offers plenty of photo stops. After passing through Masaka, we stop at the Equator. Here, you can have lunch, take photos, buy souvenirs and enjoy tea or coffee. Afterwards, we take you to a guesthouse or hotel of your choice in Kampala or Entebbe. Alternatively, if you are flying home or travelling on, we drop you directly at Entebbe airport.
Driving time: ± 9 hours
What’s included and price per person
Included:
- 4WD vehicle and fuel
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation mentioned
- Small first aid kit
- Bottled water
- Chimpanzee permit ($250)
- Bigodi swamp walk
Excluded:
- Personal expenses, souvenirs
- Porters for trekking
- Personal medical and travel insurance
- Gorilla permit ($800)
- Gorilla habituation ($1,500)
- Chimpanzee habituation ($400)
Price per person:
2 Pax – $1,362
3 Pax – $1,183
4 Pax – $1,009
5 Pax – $972
6 Pax – $892
7 Pax – $882
Who this primate safari suits
This 5 day Uganda primate safari is ideal if you love wildlife and want to see both great apes in one short holiday. It also suits photographers and first-time visitors to Uganda. However, both treks involve walking on uneven, sometimes muddy trails. So, you need an average level of fitness. Porters are available if you would like help with your bag.
Best time for a 5 day Uganda primate safari
You can track chimps and gorillas all year round. Even so, the drier months of June to September and December to February usually make the trails easier. In the wet season, paths get slippery. On the other hand, the forests are lush, and there are often fewer visitors. For more detail, read our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Tips for your trip
- Book your gorilla permit early. Permits are limited, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the price. Because rates change from time to time, we will confirm the current one when you enquire.
- Wear closed hiking shoes. Both forests have roots, mud and steep slopes.
- Pack a rain jacket. Showers are common in the rainforest.
- Bring long sleeves and gloves. They protect you from nettles and thorns.
- Consider a porter. It makes the trek easier and supports local families.
Extend or combine your trip
Want to add savannah wildlife? Then, our 7 day primates and wildlife tour adds game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Alternatively, you can browse more primate tours in Uganda or see all our gorillas and chimpanzees combo trips.
Every Roots Tours & Travel trip is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a free itinerary for your 5 day Uganda primate safari.
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)
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