Kibale Forest & Bwindi Encounters

This 4-day luxury safari offers intimate primate experiences in Uganda’s most iconic forests. Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “primate capital of the world,” and encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This itinerary combines world-class wildlife encounters with exceptional luxury lodges, scenic drives, and authentic cultural engagement all beginning and ending in Kigali, Rwanda.

Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide for a scenic transfer to Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda.

The drive (approximately 6 hours, including border formalities) takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills and into Uganda’s lush countryside, characterized by tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural landscapes.
Arrive in the Fort Portal area in the afternoon and check in at your luxury lodge.

Luxury Accommodation Options (Full Board):
• Kyaninga Lodge
• Chimpundu Lodge
Both lodges offer private en-suite cottages, high standards of comfort and cleanliness, fine dining, and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before embarking on chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
The guided trek (approximately 2–4 hours) provides the opportunity to observe habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You may also encounter red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and a rich variety of forest birdlife.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before beginning your scenic transfer south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). The journey offers beautiful views of crater lakes, rolling hills, and traditional homesteads.

Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon and check in at your luxury forest lodge.
Luxury Accommodation Options (Full Board):
• Buhoma Lodge
• Mahogany Springs Lodge
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa Cultural Experience

Following an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing before beginning your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Trekking can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family. The terrain can be steep and dense, but the reward is extraordinary: one full hour in the presence of a mountain gorilla family, observing their feeding, social interactions, and playful behavior at close but respectful distance.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience. Meet members of the indigenous Batwa community and learn about their traditional forest lifestyle, music, storytelling, and heritage.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury lodge.

Day 4: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, begin your return transfer to Kigali (approximately 4-5 hours via the Cyanika or Katuna border, depending on lodge location).
Arrival in Kigali in the afternoon with drop-off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This marks the end of your 4-Day Luxury Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari, leaving you with unforgettable memories of primate encounters and exceptional wilderness hospitality.

The cost per person is US$3220 as per the itinerary

Safari Inclusions

• Luxury accommodation on Full Board basis (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• 1 gorilla trekking permit per person in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• 1 chimpanzee trekking permit per person in Kibale National Park
• Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing and photography
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• All park entry fees and conservation charges
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during transfers
• All ground transportation as per itinerary (Kigali – Uganda – Kigali)
• Border crossing assistance and handling
• Government taxes and service charges

Safari Exclusions

• International and regional flights
• East Africa Tourist Visa
• Travel and medical insurance
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
• Drinks and beverages beyond provided bottled water
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls

Short Day Uganda Safaris & Short Uganda Tour Holidays

• 1-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Experience Budongo Forest
• 1-Day Lake Mburo Uganda Wildlife Adventure Safari
• 1-Day Trip to the Uganda Equator
• 1-Day Uganda White Water Rafting Trip from Entebbe
• 2-Day Chimpanzee Trek & Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe
• 2-Day Kibale Chimp Trekking Tour
• 2-Day Lake Mburo Wildlife Viewing Safari Uganda
• 2-Day Murchison Falls Budget Big Five (5) Safari Tour
• 2-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Rhino Tracking Safari
• 1-Day Gorilla Tracking Bwindi from Kigali
• 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali
• 2-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
• 2-Day Bwindi National Park Budget Tour
• 2-Day Gorilla Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
• 2-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Rhino Tracking Safari
• 5-Day Short Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari (by road)
• 4 Days Uganda Gorillas and Chimps Trekking Safari
• 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda
• 4 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trek and Gorilla Trek Safari
• 5 Days Chimpanzee Trek and Gorilla Safari – Uganda, Rwanda
• 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Habituation Safari
• 5 Days Double Gorilla Trek – Flying
• 5 days gorilla habituation & Batwa-flying
• 5 days gorilla trekking by road