Chimpanzee in Kibale Forest, 4-day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda

Uganda safari Β· 4 days

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda: 4-Day Safari

From $2,879 per person, 2 sharing Β· Solo, couples & groups Β· Serah Foundation on every booking

Duration
4 days
From
$2,879 pp, 2 sharing
Style
Private guided
Permits
Secured on your behalf

A 4 days Uganda safari for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking: mountain gorillas in Bwindi, then chimpanzees in Kibale, in one tightly routed private itinerary with permits secured on your behalf. Solo travellers, couples and groups are welcome, and every booking supports Serah Foundation.

Book this 4-day Uganda gorilla safari with Mwanzo Tours, a UTB-licensed Kampala tour operator. It is one of our Uganda safari packages for 2027, and you can compare other routes in our Uganda tours and safaris or the full package list. If you would rather start with the chimpanzees, see our 4-day Kibale to Buhoma trip. Check availability or read the safari planning guide.

Why this safari?

Chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in one tightly routed itinerary, the two great ape experiences Uganda is famous for, with permits secured on your behalf.

Who is this safari for?

First-time gorilla trekkers, couples, and small private groups, minimum age 15 for UWA permits; honest fitness briefing before sector booking.

Physical difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Forest trek 1 to 6 hours at altitude; porter recommended in all sectors.

Best time to go

Year-round trekking; June to September and December to February are driest. April, May, November offer $600 UWA promotional permits. Book peak dates 3 to 5 months ahead.

Your safari vehicle

Private pop-up roof 4Γ—4 (Land Cruiser or equivalent) with UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish), water and charging.

Your lead planner

Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa, gorilla permits secured weekly from Kampala. Field guides include Daniel (25 years Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi) and Maria (women's journeys).

Gorilla permits: $800 peak / $600 promotional months, full permit cost guide Β· UWA official tariffs.

Wildlife & experiences you can expect

  • Mountain gorillas (habituated families)
  • Chimpanzees and forest primates

Serah Foundation, where your booking goes

Every Mwanzo safari contributes to Serah Foundation, a registered community organisation supporting education, health outreach, and livelihood programmes in communities bordering Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. We publish what your booking supports; this is not a vague "community fee."

On this safari

Scenes from Mwanzo departures, your route uses the same guides, vehicles, and lodge standards.

4-Day Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda, safari highlight
Chimpanzees in Kibale canopy
Chimp tracking certificate with UWA ranger
Gorilla family on permitted trek
Pre-trek briefing in Bwindi forest
Young gorilla in forest moss

Traveller reviews

Independent ratings from guests who booked gorilla and wildlife safaris with Mwanzo Tours.

Related planning guides

Day-by-day itinerary

Sample route, customised to your dates, lodges, and fitness.

Day 1 Β· Arrival

Arrive Entebbe International Airport. Meet your Mwanzo guide, safari briefing, overnight near Lake Victoria or Kampala.

Day 2 Β· Bwindi

Pre-trek briefing. Full-day mountain gorilla trek, 1 to 6 hour forest hike, one hour with a habituated family. Certificate on completion.

Day 3 Β· Kibale

Morning chimp trek in Kibale National Park. Afternoon forest walk or Bigodi Wetland sanctuary (optional).

Day 4 Β· Departure

Transfer to Entebbe (or Kigali if routed). Day room if evening flight. Farewell from your Mwanzo team.

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking with habituated families
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda's primate forests
  • Time in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Time in Kibale Forest
  • Private 4Γ—4 safari vehicle with guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
  • Serah Foundation contribution on every booking

Parks & regions

  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Kibale Forest

Typically included

  • Chimpanzee permit included when stated in quote
  • Gorilla permit included when stated in quote ($800 UWA fee)
  • Private 4Γ—4 safari vehicle & UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
  • Park entrance & conservation fees
  • Accommodation as quoted (mid-range or premium)
  • Meals as per itinerary (B/L/D)
  • Drinking water in vehicle
  • Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
  • Serah Foundation contribution on every booking

Not included

  • International flights & Uganda visa
  • Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
  • Gorilla/chimp permits unless stated in quote
  • Tips, personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
  • Optional activities not in itinerary

Example lodges (named in your quote)

Exact property confirmed in writing before you travel, representative mid-range and premium options:

Mid-range

BwindiBuhoma Haven Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Queen ElizabethElephant Plains Lodge or Bush Lodge
KibaleKibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops
MurchisonPakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison

Premium

BwindiSanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Mahogany Springs
Queen ElizabethMweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
KibalePrimate Lodge Kibale or Kyaninga Lodge
MurchisonParaa Safari Lodge or Baker's Lodge

Booking & payment

Deposit

Typically 30% on booking to secure gorilla/chimp permits and lodges. Permits are non-refundable under UWA rules, we explain this before you pay.

Balance

Due 60 days before departure unless agreed otherwise. Bank transfer or card. EUR/USD quotes available for European travellers.

Cancellation

Tiered policy in our booking terms. Travel insurance with cancellation cover strongly recommended.

Common questions

How much does a 4-day Uganda safari cost?

From $2,879 per person, 2 sharing. Final quote depends on lodges, group size, and permit inclusion.

Can I book gorilla trekking Uganda as a solo traveller?

Yes. Mwanzo Tours runs private departures for solo travellers, couples, and groups, no forced large bus groups.

Does Mwanzo secure gorilla permits?

Yes. We purchase Uganda Wildlife Authority permits on your behalf once a deposit is received. Peak season requires 3 to 6 months lead time.

Is this Uganda safari package customisable?

Every itinerary is tailored to your dates, fitness, and lodge preference. The day-by-day route shown is a proven template.

What is included in Uganda gorilla trekking packages?

Typically: permit (when quoted), 4Γ—4 transport, UTB-licensed guide, lodges and park fees.

Can I see gorillas and chimpanzees on the same trip?

Yes. This 4-day Uganda gorilla safari tracks mountain gorillas in Bwindi on day two and chimpanzees in Kibale on day three. If you would rather start with the chimpanzees, see our 4-day Kibale to Buhoma trip.

How much are the gorilla and chimpanzee permits?

The gorilla permit is $800 per person in Bwindi and Mgahinga. In the low season months of April, May and November 2027 it is $600 per person. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. A chimpanzee permit in Kibale is $300, and the gorilla habituation experience is $1,800 per person in 2027.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

You need reasonable fitness rather than athletic training. Gorilla trekking can take from one to several hours on steep, muddy forest paths, and rangers set a steady pace. A porter, at about US$10, can carry your bag and help you on slippery sections. Tell us about any health concerns and we will suggest the best option.

How do I book this 4-day safari?

A 30% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due 60 days before departure. Once the deposit clears, we buy your Uganda Wildlife Authority permits in your name. To start, message us on WhatsApp +256 789 487 378 or email info@mwanzotoursuganda.com with your dates and group size, and we reply with a written quote.

Enquire about this safari

We reply within 1 business day. No obligation, your written quote confirms lodges, permits, and final price.

Prefer WhatsApp? +256 789 487 378 Β· See deposit & cancellation policy

Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa Β· Meet your planner Β· Booking terms

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