Exclusive Primate Expedition

6-day Gorilla Trekking & Chimp Safari Uganda

"Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, , chimpanzees in Kibale, and savanna safaris through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Experience Uganda’s ultimate 6-day primate and wildlife expedition in unparalleled luxury."

From $2,000Tour Cost Per Person Sharing
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Begin Your Journey

Receive a bespoke itinerary and private quote.

Permit Status: Departures based on permit availability for June & August 2026. Choose Dates↓

Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
Best Months Jun–Sep • Dec–Feb
Destinations Kibale • Queen • Bwindi
Travel Style Private & Boutique

Trip overview

Safari overview

This privately guided 6-day luxury safari is designed for travellers seeking Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences without compromise. It balances gorilla trekking , chimpanzee tracking and classic savannah safari with seamless logistics, considered pacing and exceptional guiding throughout.

You travel exclusively with your own specialist driver–guide in a private 4×4, staying at carefully selected boutique and luxury lodges in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest . Every element of the journey can be refined around your travel dates, interests and preferred level of comfort.

Private 4x4 & driver–guide Gorilla & chimp permits included Boutique / luxury lodges Fully tailor-made to your dates
Route Map

Your route at a glance

Most guests start and end in Entebbe, flying into Bwindi’s gorilla region and returning by air or private 4×4. We’ll suggest the smoothest routing around your international flights and wider East Africa plans.

Prefer fewer long drives? We can add a domestic flight between Bwindi, Kasese or Entebbe, or extend to 7–8 days with an extra night on Lake Bunyonyi.

The Journey

Your 6-Day Private Itinerary

Each day is thoughtfully planned to balance memorable wildlife encounters with luxury comfort.

Day 01

Into the Rift Valley: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meet your private driver–guide in Entebbe and begin the scenic journey west. Passing tea plantations and traditional villages, you arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park as the light softens for an evening game drive.

Travel

Entebbe ➔ Queen Elizabeth NP
⏱ 7–8 hrs

Rest

Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Full Board

Day 02

The Forest Canopy: Bigodi & Chimpanzee Trekking

Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided walk rich in primates. Later, join an expert ranger for an afternoon chimpanzee trek in the beautiful rainforests of Kibale.

Travel

Queen Elizabeth ➔ Kibale Forest
⏱ 2–3 hrs

Rest

Turaco Treetops Lodge
Full Board

Day 03

Waterfront Wildlife: The Kazinga Channel Cruise

Return to the savannah and board a private-style boat for a cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Observe pods of hippo and elephants gathering at the water's edge.

Travel

Kibale Forest ➔ Queen Elizabeth
⏱ 2–3 hrs

Rest

Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Full Board

Day 04

Savannah Dawn & The Bwindi Highlands

Head out for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Later, wind through the terraced highlands to your luxury lodge on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Travel

Queen Elizabeth ➔ Bwindi Forest
⏱ 4–6 hrs

Rest

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi
Full Board

Day 05

The Main Event: Gorilla Trekking in the Mist

Spend an unforgettable hour with a Mountain Gorilla family. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a life-changing experience. Retreat to Lake Bunyonyi for reflection.

Trek

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
⏱ Peak Experience

Rest

Arcadia Lodge Kabale
Full Board

Day 06

Lakeside Calm & Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast overlooking the islands of Lake Bunyonyi before beginning the journey back to Entebbe for your onward flight.

Travel

Lake Bunyonyi ➔ Entebbe
⏱ 8–9 hrs

Note

End of Arrangements
Safe Travels

Investment

Indicative Pricing

Private tour based on 4 guests sharing.

Comfort / Eco

$2,000

Well-located, comfortable lodges with excellent service.

Luxury

$3,485

Top-tier, world-class design-led safari properties.

Final quotes depend on permits and seasonal availability.

Included in your journey

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle & specialist guide
  • 5 nights’ accommodation (Full Board)
  • Gorilla & Chimpanzee permits
  • All National Park fees & game drives
  • Drinking water in the vehicle

Not included

  • International flights & Visas
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities & personal expenses
  • Drinks at lodges (unless specified)
The Difference

Why travel with Safaris by Jon

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Local Specialist Team

Based in Uganda, we operate every safari ourselves. You enjoy direct access to the team responsible for securing your permits and selecting your lodges—no middleman, no disconnect.

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Handpicked Lodges

We bypass impersonal resorts in favor of boutique lodges chosen for their atmosphere, sustainable footprint, and prime location within the parks.

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Private 4x4 Fleet

Travel in customized Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, onboard charging, and fridges. Our specialist driver-guides are the best in the Rift Valley, with 10+ years of tracking expertise.

Tailored Around You

From honeymoon surprises to specific photographic requirements, we adjust the pace and experiences so your journey feels personal, not pre-packaged.

Next steps

Ready to personalise this gorilla trekking safari?

Tell us your dates, group size and comfort level. Your specialist will refine this itinerary – or design something bespoke – and send a proposal within 12–24 hours.

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Budget range (comfort level)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go for a gorilla trekking tour?

Uganda is a year-round destination, but the Dry Seasons (June to August and December to February) are the most popular. During these months, the forest trails are drier and less slippery, making the hike easier.

However, the "Wet Seasons" (March to May and October to November) offer lush, emerald-green photography opportunities, lower lodge rates, and the gorillas often stay at lower altitudes to feed on fresh bamboo shoots, which can actually result in shorter treks.

How challenging is the gorilla trek?

The trek is a moderate-to-high physical challenge. You will be hiking at altitudes between 1,100m and 2,500m (3,600ft – 8,200ft) through thick undergrowth and steep ridges. Some days the gorillas are found in 45 minutes; other days it takes 6 hours.

The Good News: We hire local porters to carry your gear and provide a steady hand on the slopes. As long as you can walk for a few hours with breaks, you can complete this trek.

When & how should I book the gorilla tour?

You should book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel the peak months of July, August, or December. Permits are limited to just 8 people per gorilla family per day and sell out quickly.

To book, simply send us an enquiry; we handle the entire permit acquisition process with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and secure your spot immediately upon deposit. You can either share your preferred travel dates or choose the dates in the quick form above on departure dates based on guaranteed permit availability.

What should I pack for the gorilla tour?

Think "protection" over "fashion." Essential items include:

  • Hiking Boots: With good ankle support and grip.
  • Long Trousers & Long-Sleeved Shirt: To protect against stinging nettles and ants.
  • Garden Gloves: Very helpful for gripping vines or branches for balance.
  • Light Rain Jacket: It can rain at any time in the rainforest.
  • Poles: Usually provided by the lodge or park, but great to have.
What is the minimum age for Gorilla Trekking?

The official minimum age is 15 years old. This is strictly enforced to protect the gorillas from childhood diseases and to ensure participants can handle the physical nature of the trek. Note: If your child is 14 but turning 15 shortly after the trek, exceptions can sometimes be made with prior approval from UWA—ask us for details.

Can I add some other activity on top of a gorilla trek?

Absolutely. Many of our clients pair the trek with Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale, Tree-Climbing Lion Safaris in Queen Elizabeth Park, or a relaxing Canoe Trek on Lake Bunyonyi.

Within the Bwindi area itself, you can also add a Batwa Cultural Experience to learn about the indigenous hunter-gatherer "forest people" who lived alongside the gorillas for centuries.

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