Combining Gorillas and Chimpanzees: The Ultimate Uganda Safari. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is one of the most incredible destinations for primate safaris, offering a rare opportunity to see both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Combining gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in one safari gives visitors an immersive experience with Africa’s great apes, making Uganda the ultimate primate destination. This adventure takes travelers deep into lush rainforests, national parks, and stunning landscapes while offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any Uganda safari, offering an extraordinary chance to observe these majestic creatures up close in the wild. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with the best trekking experiences found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, making it the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija—each offering unique experiences and different gorilla families to track.
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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in southwestern Uganda, this smaller park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family and is famous for its breathtaking scenery, featuring the Virunga Volcanoes shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, followed by a guided hike through dense forests in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla movements. Once located, visitors spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact. The experience is intimate, breathtaking, and life-changing.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost
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$800 per person for foreign non-residents
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$700 per person for foreign residents
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UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
Booking a permit in advance is highly recommended due to the high demand for limited daily slots.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda
Chimpanzee tracking is another exhilarating primate adventure in Uganda, allowing visitors to observe our closest relatives in their natural environment. Uganda is home to several chimpanzee populations, with Kibale National Park being the most famous destination for tracking.
Best Places to Track Chimpanzees in Uganda
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Kibale National Park: Dubbed the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and offers the most reliable sightings. The park also hosts other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
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Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park): Located in Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another excellent destination for chimpanzee tracking, particularly in Kaniyo Pabidi.
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Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park): This stunning, sunken forest offers a unique experience as visitors search for a small population of chimpanzees in a dramatic underground jungle setting.
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Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve: A less crowded option, this reserve provides chimpanzee tracking experiences in a diverse savanna and forest environment.
Chimpanzee Tracking Experience
Chimpanzee tracking starts early in the morning or afternoon, following a briefing by experienced rangers. The trek takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on how quickly the chimps are located. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are more active and vocal, moving swiftly through the trees and foraging for food. Visitors can observe them playing, grooming, and communicating with their unique calls and gestures.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Cost
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$200 per person in Kibale National Park
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$130 per person in Budongo Forest
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$50 per person in Kyambura Gorge
For a more in-depth experience, Kibale National Park offers a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) for $300 per person, allowing visitors to spend more time with the chimps and observe their behaviors in detail.
Best Time for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda
Uganda is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for primate trekking is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During these months:
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Trails are drier and easier to navigate.
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Gorillas and chimpanzees are easier to spot due to reduced vegetation.
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The weather is more favorable for trekking.
The wet seasons (March to May and September to November) offer lush scenery and fewer crowds, but trails can be slippery and more challenging.
Combining Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking with Wildlife Safaris
To enhance your Uganda safari experience, consider combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with classic wildlife safaris. Uganda’s top national parks offer diverse game viewing opportunities, allowing visitors to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, and more.
Recommended Itinerary for a Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
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Day 1-2: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala, transfer to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking.
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Day 3-4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
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Day 5-6: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking.
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Day 7: Return to Entebbe or extend your trip to Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Falls, or Kidepo Valley for more adventures.
Booking a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari with Pieland Gorilla Safaris
Embark on a thrilling gorilla and chimpanzee safari with Pieland Gorilla Safaris, your trusted expert in Uganda’s primate adventures. We offer tailor-made safari packages that take you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for unforgettable gorilla trekking and Kibale National Park for exciting chimpanzee tracking.
With professional guides, comfortable safari vehicles, and handpicked lodges, we ensure a seamless and memorable journey. Whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range, or luxury options, we customize your experience to match your preferences.
Book with us today for an extraordinary primate safari in Uganda!
📧 Email: info@pielandgorillasafaris.com
