How to Book a Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Combo in Uganda

How to Book a Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Combo in Uganda

How to book a Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking combo in Uganda — A gorilla and chimpanzee trekking combo safari in Uganda is an unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with two of the most celebrated primates in the world – the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the playful chimpanzees of Kibale National Park. This adventure is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. It’s no surprise that this combo safari ranks highly among the top bucket-list experiences in Africa.

Why Choose Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda is home to some of the most pristine and biodiverse rainforests in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, is a highlight of any trip to Uganda. With over 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this park offers an unparalleled opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close.

Meanwhile, in Kibale National Park, you can track chimpanzees in one of Africa’s best destinations for primate viewing. Known for its rich variety of primates, Kibale also boasts the highest concentration of primates in Africa. This combination of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking makes Uganda a top destination for wildlife lovers.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nestled in Uganda’s southwestern highlands, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in Africa. Known for its lush, mist-covered forests, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the world’s most endangered species. Among these, the mountain gorillas stand out as the park’s most iconic residents, making it a must-visit destination for primate enthusiasts.

Bwindi boasts the highest concentration of mountain gorillas anywhere, making it a premier location for gorilla trekking. If you’re planning a gorilla & chimps combo safari, then Bwindi, paired with Kibale National Park, offers the perfect combination to explore both gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats.

About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga, each offering its own unique trekking experience. The northern sectors, Buhoma and Ruhija, are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with a safari. The southern sectors, Nkuringo and Rushaga, are near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Bwindi is home to more than 19 habituated gorilla families and each group is available for trekking with limited permits – only 8 visitors per family per day. This ensures a personalized and intimate experience as you hike through the forest to find these incredible creatures.

Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi: Understanding the Sectors

Bwindi is divided into four sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga—each offering unique trekking experiences. Each sector is home to several habituated gorilla families and visitors are organized into small trekking groups of up to eight people. Your trekking experience will depend on the sector you are assigned, which your tour operator will arrange in advance.

• Buhoma and Ruhija sectors are located in the northern part of the park and are more accessible from the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easier to combine gorilla trekking with game drives.
• Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the southern part of the park are closer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which also offers opportunities to trek golden monkeys.

For those opting for a gorilla & chimps combo safari, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija are more conveniently located for combined trips to Kibale National Park, which is about a 5-6 hour drive.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is one of the best places to track chimpanzees in Uganda. The park is home to 13 primate species, including red colobus, mangabey and the famous chimpanzees. However, the highlight for many visitors is the chance to observe the habituated chimpanzee troops. Unlike gorilla trekking, where the hike can be quite strenuous, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is a less physically demanding adventure.

You can join a daily tracking excursion led by an experienced guide from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. The tour takes you through Kibale’s lush rainforest in search of a chimpanzee family. Once you find them, you’ll spend up to an hour with them, observing their behavior, interactions and social structure. If you’re seeking an even more immersive experience, consider the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, where you can spend an entire day with the chimpanzees for a deeper connection.

How to Book a Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Combo Safari

Booking a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking combo in Uganda is straightforward. You can either begin your safari in Kibale and then head south to Bwindi or vice versa. Here’s how to plan your combo safari:

1. Choose Your Dates: Decide whether you want to start your safari with gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking. Both routes are equally rewarding, so the choice depends on your preferences.
2. Book Your Permits: Permits for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are required and should be booked in advance due to limited availability. Gorilla permits in Bwindi cost:
   • USD 800 for foreign non-residents
   • USD 700 for foreign residents
   • UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

   Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale cost:

   • USD 250 for regular trekking
   • USD 300 for the Habituation Experience

   Since permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak season, it’s advisable to book at least 3-4 months ahead of your planned visit.

3. Choose Your Accommodation: In Bwindi, you’ll find a range of accommodations, from budget lodges to luxurious resorts like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. In Kibale, options range from comfortable safari lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Be sure to choose a lodge that suits your needs and is close to the trekking starting points.
4. Arrange Transport: You can reach both Bwindi and Kibale by road or air. For a smoother experience, many travelers opt for private 4×4 vehicles or chartered flights. Kisoro Airstrip, close to Bwindi, offers domestic flights, while Entebbe and Kampala are major entry points for those traveling by road.

Travel Logistics: Getting to Bwindi and Kibale

Bwindi is a bit off the beaten path, located approximately 10 hours from Entebbe International Airport by road. If you’re short on time, a one-hour flight to a nearby airstrip and a two-hour drive to the park can save you considerable time. However, Kibale National Park, which is known for its chimpanzee trekking, is much closer to Entebbe and can be reached in about 6 hours by car.

Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda

For an unforgettable gorilla & chimps trekking combo in Uganda, consider a 5-day, 4-night itinerary that takes you to both Bwindi and Kibale National Park. This trip typically starts and ends in Entebbe, where you’ll spend your first and last nights.

• Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and overnight.
• Day 2: Drive to Kibale National Park and track chimpanzees. Overnight in Kibale.
• Day 3: Drive to Bwindi for gorilla trekking the next day. Overnight in Bwindi.
• Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Drive back to Entebbe for your return flight or onward journey.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi and Kibale

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly lodges or luxurious forest retreats, accommodation in both Bwindi and Kibale is plentiful. Expect prices to vary based on your preferred comfort level:

• Budget: $150 per person per night.
• Midrange: $150 – $350 per person per night.
• Luxury: $400+ per person per night.

If you choose to book your trip through a reputable operator like Trek Africa Gorillas, your accommodation, meals and transportation will be organized in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Permit Fees and Combo Safari Costs

The cost of trekking permits is one of the most significant expenses when booking a gorilla & chimps trekking combo. Here’s a breakdown:

• Gorilla trekking permit: $800 per person (or $1,500 for a gorilla habituation experience).
• Chimpanzee trekking permit: $250 per person (or $300 for a chimpanzee habituation experience).

Additionally, travel between the parks and accommodation fees will add to your overall cost, depending on the level of service you choose.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Uganda

The best months to plan your trip to Uganda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are during the dry season, from June to September. During these months, the trails in Bwindi are dry and the chances of rain disrupting your trekking are minimal. The wet seasons (March-May and November) are also great for chimpanzee trekking, as fruit availability makes it easier to spot the chimps in Kibale. However, the wet conditions can make travel more challenging and fewer tourists visit during this time.

Packing List for Your Uganda Primate Trek

When preparing for your gorilla & chimps trekking combo in Uganda, consider packing the following essentials:

• Long sleeves and pants to protect against cold and vegetation.
• Waterproof hiking boots for muddy conditions.
• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection (optional depending on weather).
• Camera with extra batteries (remember, no flash photography allowed).
• Binoculars for birdwatching and spotting wildlife.
• Gardening gloves to help you hold onto branches while trekking.
• A rain jacket for unpredictable weather in the rainforest.
• Mosquito repellent to protect against insect bites.
• Sunscreen for protection against UV rays, especially in the dry season.

Why Book Your Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize tailor-made gorilla and chimp trekking tours that are designed to suit your needs. Our expert team ensures that every aspect of your trip, from permits to transportation, is handled seamlessly. With over 20 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our personal touch and commitment to ensuring your journey is memorable.

For more information on booking your Gorilla & Chimps Trekking Combo in Uganda or for a free quote, reach out to us via email at info@trekafricagorillas.c