5-Day Primate & Wildlife Mix – Gorillas, Chimps & Savanna
5-Day Primate & Wildlife Mix – Gorillas, Chimps & Savanna
This 5-day Primate & Wildlife Mix safari is designed for travelers who want maximum diversity without repetition. The journey seamlessly combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, classic savanna wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest—Uganda's three most iconic wildlife experiences.
Carefully routed for efficiency, the itinerary minimizes long backtracking drives while showcasing dramatically different ecosystems: dense montane rainforest, open savanna plains, crater lakes, and tropical forest. With expert guides, thoughtfully paced travel days, and unforgettable primate encounters, this tour delivers exceptional variety and consistently earns top traveler ratings.
Tour Summary
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park
- Safari Style: Primate & wildlife combination
- Ideal For: Wildlife lovers, active travelers, first-time Uganda safari guests
- Starting Point: Entebbe or Kampala
- Ending Point: Entebbe or Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe / Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Depart early and travel southwest through Uganda's rolling countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
- Scenic drive through rural villages, terraced hills, and forested landscapes
- Lunch en route
- Arrival in the Bwindi region in the afternoon
- Relax at the lodge and prepare for the next day's gorilla trek
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the highlight for many travelers—mountain gorilla trekking.
- Early morning briefing at the park headquarters
- Guided trek through dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family
- Spend one unforgettable hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat
- Return to the lodge for rest and reflection
The trek duration varies depending on gorilla movements, but the experience is deeply rewarding and emotionally powerful.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drive)
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, transitioning from rainforest to open savanna.
- Scenic drive through the Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions)
- Lunch en route
- Afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi or Mweya plains
- Possible sightings of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and predators
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth to Kibale Forest (Chimpanzee Trekking)
Leave the savanna behind and head northeast toward Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world.
- Drive through crater lakes and tea plantations
- Lunch en route
- Afternoon chimpanzee trekking with expert forest guides
- Observe chimp behavior, communication, and social interactions
Kibale is also home to several other primate species, adding to the richness of the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Kibale to Entebbe / Kampala (Via the Equator)
After breakfast, begin your return journey.
- Scenic drive back to Entebbe or Kampala
- Stop at the Equator for photos, souvenir shopping, and a brief demonstration
- Lunch en route
- Arrival in the evening, marking the end of your safari
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Tour
✓ Trip Includes
- Private safari transport in a 4x4 vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale)
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Park entrance fees for all parks visited
- 4 nights accommodation (mid-range or luxury options available)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
✗ Trip Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How physically demanding is this tour?
The gorilla and chimp treks require moderate fitness and involve walking through forest terrain. Porters are available to assist during gorilla trekking if needed.
Are gorilla and chimp permits guaranteed?
Permits are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Once secured, they are guaranteed for your travel dates.
Can I see the Big Five on this tour?
This itinerary focuses on primates and savanna wildlife. You are likely to see elephants, buffaloes, and possibly lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, but rhinos are not included.
Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Uganda's wildlife without repeating destinations.
When is the best time to take this tour?
The tour runs year-round, with dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offering easier trekking conditions and optimal wildlife viewing.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. The tour can be extended, shortened, or upgraded to luxury lodges. Additional activities such as the Kazinga Channel boat cruise can also be added.