Can You See Gorillas and Chimpanzees on One Uganda Safari?

Can You See Gorillas and Chimpanzees on One Uganda Safari?- Yes, you can see both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees on one Uganda safari.

In fact, Uganda is one of the most interesting destinations for travelers who want to experience Africa’s great apes in their natural forest habitats. A well-planned itinerary can combine chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The two experiences are different, which makes combining them especially rewarding. Chimpanzee trekking takes you through the forests of western Uganda in search of active chimpanzee communities, while gorilla trekking takes you into the mountain forests of southwestern Uganda to find habituated gorilla families.

For travelers with enough time, adding both experiences creates a memorable Uganda primate safari.

Where Can You See Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Uganda?

The two experiences take place in different areas of the country.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bwindi is divided into four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. UWA states that gorilla trekking can take approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s principal destinations for chimpanzee tracking. UWA reports that the park supports one of Uganda’s largest chimpanzee populations, with around 1,500 chimpanzees according to its current park information.

Therefore, a common combination is:

Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Bwindi

This route allows travelers to combine chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, and mountain gorillas in one western Uganda safari.

Is It Possible to See Both Gorillas and Chimpanzees in One Trip?

Yes.

The main consideration is not whether the activities can be combined, but how much time you have available.

A short itinerary can focus primarily on the two primate experiences. A longer safari can add Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, wildlife game drives, boat cruises, cultural experiences, or other destinations.

For example, a traveler could:

1. Travel from Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale.
2. Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
3. Continue south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
4. Enjoy a wildlife safari or boat cruise.
5. Continue to Bwindi.
6. Trek mountain gorillas.
7. Return to Entebbe or continue to Rwanda.

This creates a complete Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

What Is Chimpanzee Trekking Like?

Chimpanzee trekking usually involves walking through the forest with trained guides and trackers while searching for a habituated chimpanzee community.

Chimpanzees can move quickly through the forest, climb trees, call to one another, and travel between different areas in search of food.

UWA states that chimpanzee tracking in Kibale takes place throughout the year. The length of the experience depends on factors such as the movement of the chimpanzees, weather, and forest conditions.

Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors can observe their behavior while following the applicable wildlife guidelines.

For travelers who want more time with chimpanzees, Uganda also offers a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale. UWA describes this as an experience in which visitors accompany researchers and habituators during the habituation process.

What Is Gorilla Trekking Like?

Gorilla trekking is a different type of forest experience.

Visitors hike through the mountainous forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga with guides and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The hike can be relatively short or considerably longer. UWA currently describes gorilla treks as lasting approximately 2 to 7 hours, with one hour of observation once the habituated gorilla family has been located.

The terrain can include steep slopes, thick vegetation, muddy trails, and uneven ground. Consequently, a reasonable level of physical preparation is important.

However, the experience is not simply about the hike. The highlight is spending time observing the gorillas in their natural forest environment.

Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking: What Is the Difference?

Although both activities involve great apes, the experiences are quite different.

Experience	Gorilla Trekking	Chimpanzee Trekking
Main destination	Bwindi / Mgahinga	Kibale
Habitat	Mountain rainforest	Tropical forest
Main activity	Searching for gorilla families	Searching for chimpanzee communities
Trek duration	Often 2–7 hours	Varies depending on chimpanzee movements
Observation	Up to 1 hour under standard tracking	Generally up to 1 hour under standard tracking
Terrain	Often steep and challenging	Generally forest trails with varying terrain
Minimum age	15 years	12 years under UWA’s 2024 guidelines
Permit	Required	Required

UWA’s 2024 Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Guidelines specify a minimum age of 15 for gorilla tracking and 12 for chimpanzee tracking. Travelers should always confirm the applicable requirements when booking because regulations can be updated.

Can You Add Queen Elizabeth National Park Between Kibale and Bwindi?

Yes, and this is one of the most popular ways to make the journey more than just a primate trip.

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies between the Kibale and Bwindi areas and can provide an opportunity to experience Uganda’s savannah wildlife.

Depending on your itinerary, you can include:

• Morning or afternoon game drives
• Lions and other predators
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Uganda kob
• Hippos
• Bird watching
• Kazinga Channel boat cruises

Adding Queen Elizabeth creates a more diverse safari because you experience both forest primates and traditional African savannah wildlife.

How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

There is no single ideal number of days because the itinerary depends on your starting point, departure point, preferred activities, and travel pace.

However, travelers generally benefit from allowing enough time for the road transfers between the different parks.

5 Days

A five-day itinerary can focus strongly on the two primate experiences.

A possible structure is:

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala – Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking – Kibale
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi
Day 4: Gorilla trekking
Day 5: Transfer toward Entebbe or Kigali

This is possible, but the itinerary can involve substantial driving.

7 Days

Seven days gives you more breathing room.

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala – Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking
Day 3: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari and/or boat cruise
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla trekking
Day 7: Bwindi – Entebbe or Kigali

This format combines chimpanzees, gorillas, and wildlife.

8–10 Days

With eight to ten days, you can slow the itinerary down and include additional experiences such as:

• Bigodi Wetland
• Queen Elizabeth game drives
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Cultural experiences
• Bird watching
• Kigali city tour if finishing in Rwanda

This option is useful for travelers who want a broader Uganda safari rather than two trekking activities back-to-back.

Can You Combine Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking With a Wildlife Safari?

Absolutely.

This is one of the biggest advantages of planning a Uganda safari around primates.

A well-designed itinerary can combine:

Chimpanzees + Wildlife + Gorillas

For example:

Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee trekking

↓

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives and Kazinga Channel

↓

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking

This route provides three very different wildlife experiences within one journey.

Can You Start the Safari in Kigali?

Yes.

Travelers visiting Rwanda can enter Uganda by road and build a cross-border itinerary around gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

One option is:

Kigali → Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth → Kibale → Entebbe

Another option is:

Kigali → Bwindi → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Entebbe

The exact order depends on the location of the gorilla permit, available accommodation, border arrangements, and your preferred departure point.

Starting in Kigali can also be convenient for travelers who want to combine a Rwanda and Uganda safari.

Can You End the Safari in Kigali?

Yes.

If you start in Entebbe, you can travel through Kibale and Bwindi and then continue toward Rwanda.

For example:

Entebbe → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Kigali

This route can work particularly well for travelers who want to visit both Uganda and Rwanda during the same holiday.

How Much Does a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Cost?

The total cost depends on several factors.

These include:

• Gorilla permit
• Chimpanzee permit
• Accommodation category
• Number of travelers
• Number of safari days
• Safari vehicle
• Driver-guide
• Park activities
• Meals
• Season
• Starting and ending locations
• Additional activities

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are separate activities, so both need to be planned when preparing the safari budget.

Because UWA periodically updates its conservation tariffs, it is best to confirm the current permit rates at the time of booking rather than relying on older prices published online. UWA’s official publications page provides its available tariff information and tourism guidelines.

How Far Apart Are Kibale and Bwindi?

Kibale and Bwindi are in different parts of western Uganda, so travelers should expect a substantial road transfer between the two destinations.

The journey can be used as part of the safari experience rather than treated simply as a transfer. Depending on the route, travelers can pass through scenic countryside and potentially include Queen Elizabeth National Park along the way.

For this reason, adding at least one or two nights between the chimpanzee and gorilla experiences can make the safari more comfortable.

What Is the Best Time for a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking can be undertaken during different periods of the year.

UWA states that chimpanzee tracking and habituation in Kibale take place throughout the year.

Gorilla trekking also operates throughout the year.

However, Uganda’s forests can be wet, and weather conditions can affect trail conditions and the movement of wildlife. Therefore, travelers should consider both their preferred travel season and their tolerance for wet or muddy forest conditions.

The best time for you may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize trekking conditions, general safari activities, birding, availability, or travel budget.

What Should You Pack for a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

Packing correctly can make your forest experiences much more comfortable.

Consider bringing:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Waterproof jacket
• Lightweight rain gear
• Gardening or trekking gloves
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera
• Extra batteries or power bank
• Binoculars
• Walking stick if required

Because gorilla and chimpanzee trekking take place in forest environments, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are particularly useful.

Is a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Suitable for Families?

It depends on the ages of the travelers.

Under UWA’s current published tracking guidelines, the minimum age is 15 for gorilla tracking and 12 for chimpanzee tracking.

Therefore, families traveling with younger children may need to consider alternative wildlife and nature activities while older family members undertake the primate treks.

Your safari operator can help design an itinerary that works for the entire group.

Can You Combine Gorilla Trekking With Chimpanzee Habituation?

Yes.

Instead of standard chimpanzee tracking, travelers who want a longer chimpanzee experience can consider the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale.

UWA describes habituation as an experience where visitors accompany researchers and habituators while chimpanzees become accustomed to human presence.

This can be particularly interesting for travelers who have a strong interest in primate behavior, conservation, photography, or research.

However, it also requires additional time in the itinerary.

Why Combine Gorillas and Chimpanzees on One Uganda Safari?

Combining the two experiences gives you the opportunity to see two different great ape species in different forest environments.

You also experience two very different trekking styles.

Chimpanzees are highly active and often move through the forest canopy and vegetation. Gorillas generally provide a different type of encounter, with visitors observing a habituated family within the mountain forest.

Moreover, the combination allows you to explore more of western Uganda instead of spending the entire safari in one destination.

 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Here is a practical example:

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala – Kibale National Park

Drive west toward Kibale. Enjoy the changing landscapes and arrive at your lodge for relaxation.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Enjoy your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. Depending on your interests and time, you can also visit Bigodi Wetland.

Day 3: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive if time allows.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by an optional Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi

Continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey provides beautiful views of southwestern Uganda.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, proceed to the briefing point for your gorilla trek. The trek may take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family.

Day 7: Bwindi – Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, begin your journey toward your departure point.

Depending on your flight schedule, the safari can end in Entebbe or continue across the border to Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see gorillas and chimpanzees on the same Uganda safari?

Yes. A safari can combine chimpanzee trekking in Kibale with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Which comes first, gorillas or chimpanzees?

Either can come first. The best order depends on your starting point, permit availability, accommodation, and final destination.

Can I combine gorillas, chimps, and a Big Five safari?

Yes. You can combine Kibale chimpanzee trekking and Bwindi gorilla trekking with wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or other Ugandan parks.

How many days do I need?

A focused trip can be arranged in around five days, but seven to ten days generally provides more time to include wildlife and reduce the pressure of long transfers.

Can I start in Kigali and finish in Entebbe?

Yes. This is a practical option for travelers combining Rwanda and Uganda.

Is gorilla trekking harder than chimpanzee trekking?

The difficulty varies by location, trail conditions, weather, and the movement of the animals. UWA describes gorilla trekking as requiring moderate fitness and notes that treks may last 2–7 hours.

Can children join both activities?

Age restrictions differ. UWA’s published guidelines specify 15 as the minimum age for gorilla tracking and 12 for chimpanzee tracking.

How to Book a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari With Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris

A gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Uganda can be customized according to your travel dates, budget, preferred accommodation, and starting or ending point.

Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris can help organize:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Chimpanzee habituation experiences
• Queen Elizabeth wildlife safaris
• Lake Bunyonyi visits
• Uganda-Rwanda safari combinations
• Airport transfers
• Accommodation
• Private 4×4 safari transportation
• Driver-guide services

Whether you have five days or ten days, your itinerary can be designed around the experiences that matter most to you.

Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris

WhatsApp/Phone: +256 742 874045 / +256 703 903243
Email: info@chimphomesafaris.com

Start planning your Uganda primate safari and combine the unforgettable experiences of gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in one journey through the Pearl of Africa.