7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Travelers watching a family of gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda
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7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

7 Days
Entebbe International Airport/Kampala
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English

Overview

This 7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda tour will let you do Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, which is among Africa’s most sought after mammal. You will also do Chimpanzee trekking and meet man’s closet animals. The tour will be spiced by other big game viewing in the famous Queen Elizabeth National park.

7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Arrival for 7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Tour

You’ll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe and transfer to your hotel

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our staff or your designated driver guide and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe, and relax from your long flight as you get prepared for your upcoming adventure on the countryside.

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park the home of primates

7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Start the safari with pick up at 9: Am transfer to Kibale Forest National Park in the morning with the target to have lunch in the Fort Portal area near Kibale Forest National Park. You can have Punctuated stopovers in the far countryside that offer us chances to view tea plantations along the drive as we check in the late evening. Have a night in a beautiful area close to a crater lakes zone bordering Kibale Forest.

All meals included

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth Nationalpark | 7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Assemble at the park headquarters for briefing and then go for the most popular activity in this park which is Chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees are man’s closest cousins though they are one of the most threatened primate species.

More primates like Black and white Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey cheecked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, Little greenbul, green-breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater and mammals like Elephants can be seen in this trek.

Have lunch and relax for some time. Later transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will may wild animals en route as you transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise on Kazinga channel

why do boat cruise on kazinga channel »7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Have an early morning breakfast then go for a morning game drive within the park. Anticipate to see the famous big five including Buffalos, elephants, Lions and other mammals like Giant forest hog, Bush bucks, Kobs, Hyenas and water bucks.

In the afternoon hours you will partake in a launch cruise along Kazinga channel. You will appreciate the high scores of Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos and crocodiles. A number of bird species will also be seen along including the rare shoe bill. Later get back to the lodge for a relaxed evening plus dinner and overnight.

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 5: Game drive in Ishasha for tree climbing Lions search and transfer to Bwindi

Tree Climbing Lions Trip Car Rental Uganda. 7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Transfer through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the way to Bwindi, and this area is known for its tree-climbing lions.

In Ishasha we will drive off in this adventurous vast savannah area with Topis and African Elephants plus to hopefully get the Lions high in the fig tree branches. You will have lunch in Ishasha and continue with the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Here you will experience a change in the landscape from flat savanna, via cultivated hills to jungle covered mountains. You will check in at the lodge for a relaxed evening plus dinner and overnight.

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 6: Gorilla trekking and Batwa experience

After an early morning breakfast, and with your picnic lunch we then take a short drive to the park offices for briefing where we meet the excellent local guides and trackers who give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest to a spot where Gorillas were seen the previous night and track from there.

7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Trekking may take anything between 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the family and altitudes which is in excess of 7500 feet. The terrain is rough and muddy calling for physical fitness. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile.

Later in the afternoon, you will go for the Batwa community encounter which takes you to meet the original indigenous people who lived in this conservation area.

They will entertain you through their cultural dance and music as well as giving you their historic stories. Later get back to the lodge for a relaxed evening plus dinner and overnight.

Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 7: Transfer back to Entebbe

After having a break, check out of the lodge and transfer to Entebbe International Airport, with memories of the apes. You will have a stop over at the Equator and have a feel of standing at latitude Zero degrees.

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

End of 7 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You’ll be dropped off at the airport

Places You’ll See :

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, located in southwestern Uganda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places for gorilla trekking. The park is also famous for its rich biodiversity, ancient rainforest, and cultural encounters with the Batwa people.

Why Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to trek through the dense rainforest and observe a habituated gorilla family up close.

Gorilla Habituation Experience: Spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla group under habituation, an exclusive and immersive experience.

Scenic Beauty: The park is a stunning landscape of mist-covered hills, deep valleys, and dense forests.

Birdwatching: Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Cultural Encounters: Engage with the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers, and learn about their unique way of life.

Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore several scenic trails leading to waterfalls, rivers, and stunning viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi

Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

June to August & December to February (Best for trekking, less muddy trails)

March to May & September to November (Rainy season, fewer tourists, discounted permits)

How to Get to Bwindi

By Air: Fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips, then transfer by road.

By Road: A scenic 8-10 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala.

Gorilla Trekking Permits & Costs

A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person (for foreign non-residents).

A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1,500 per person.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi

Bwindi offers a range of lodges from budget to luxury, such as:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Haven Lodge

Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ride 4 a Woman

1Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s Premier Wildlife Destination

Introduction

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the country’s most diverse and scenic safari destinations. Covering 1,978 square kilometers, it boasts an incredible range of landscapes, from savannah plains and wetlands to crater lakes and dense forests. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and rich birdlife, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wildlife and Attractions

1. Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi sector offers some of the best game-viewing experiences in Uganda. It is home to large numbers of buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. Morning and evening game drives increase your chances of spotting predators hunting.

2. Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of the park’s unique highlights is the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Found in the southern part of the park, these lions rest on fig trees during the day, an unusual behavior not commonly seen elsewhere in Africa.

3. Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, a 32-km-long natural waterway, connects Lake Edward and Lake George. A boat safari along the channel provides up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” offers visitors the chance to track chimpanzees in a dramatic forested canyon. The gorge contrasts sharply with the surrounding savannah, creating a spectacular trekking experience.

5. Explosion Craters and Scenic Views

The park is dotted with over 10 crater lakes, providing breathtaking views. The Katwe Explosion Craters are particularly famous for their scenic beauty and birdlife, while Lake Katwe is an important historical site known for traditional salt mining.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons (June – August and December – February) when wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. However, the park remains accessible year-round.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Mid-Range: Elephant Plains Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages, Bush Lodge

How to Get There

The park is about 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala or a 1-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese airstrips.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Diverse wildlife, including tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees

Scenic landscapes, featuring savannah, lakes, and craters

Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel

Excellent birdwatching with over 600 species

Cultural experiences, including visits to local communities

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true gem of Uganda, offering an unforgettable blend of adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Would you like help planning your safari here? 😊

Read about Günstiges Gorilla-Trekking

2Queen Elizabeth National Park
3Kibale National Park

F.A.Q

Was beinhaltet die 7-tägige Gorilla- und Schimpansen-Trekking-Safari?

Diese Safari kombiniert Gorilla-Trekking im Bwindi Impenetrable National Park und Schimpansen-Trekking im Kibale Forest National Park. Sie beinhaltet auch Wildtierbeobachtungen und kulturelle Begegnungen in Uganda.

Welche Parks werden während der Reise besucht?

  • Kibale Forest National Park (Schimpansen-Trekking)

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park (Bootsafari & Wildbeobachtung)

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla-Trekking)

  • Lake Bunyonyi (Entspannung nach dem Trekking)

Wie lange dauert das Gorilla- und Schimpansen-Trekking?

  • Gorilla-Trekking: 2 bis 6 Stunden je nach Aufenthaltsort der Gorillas.

  • Schimpansen-Trekking: 2 bis 4 Stunden, da Schimpansen sehr aktiv sind.

Wie viel kostet eine Gorilla- und Schimpansen-Permit?

  • Gorilla-Permit: 800 USD pro Person

  • Schimpansen-Permit: 300 USD pro Person

Wie fit muss ich für das Trekking sein?

Gorilla- und Schimpansen-Trekking erfordert eine moderate bis gute Fitness, da die Wege durch dichten Regenwald führen.

 

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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Airport Transfer

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Insurance

Activities

Got a Question?

  • Für Anfragen und Buchungen kontaktieren Sie uns bitte unter info@günstiggorillareisen.de. Das Team von Nextgen Safaris hilft Ihnen gerne bei der Planung Ihres günstigen Gorilla-Trekking-Abenteuers in Uganda und Ruanda!
  • info@günstiggorillareisen.de

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Ultimativer Gorilla Trekking Guide für Afrika (2025)

The most comprehensive guide to budget gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

Gorilla Trekking Guide for Africa is one of the most intense nature experiences Africa has to offer. The opportunity to observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat attracts thousands of visitors every year – especially from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But many ask: Where is gorilla trekking most affordable? How do I prepare? And which country is best for gorilla tracking in Africa?

This guide answers all these questions with a clear focus on affordable gorilla safaris , tips for German-speaking travelers, and search terms that rank well on Google.

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo Tours

What is gorilla trekking?

During gorilla trekking, visitors – accompanied by experienced rangers – hike through dense mountain forests in search of a gorilla family. Once found, visitors are allowed to stay near them for a maximum of one hour. The encounter is intense, emotional, and unique.

Where can you go gorilla trekking in Africa?

Gorillas live in only three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each country offers different conditions—both in terms of price and organization.

Uganda: The price-performance winner

Uganda is by far the most popular destination for gorilla trekking among German-speaking travelers looking to book gorilla tracking at a reasonable price . The country offers a good tourist infrastructure, moderate permit prices, and many habituated gorilla families.

Rwanda: Premium experience for luxury travelers

Gorilla Trekking Guide for Africa

Rwanda positions itself as an exclusive gorilla destination. Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible, well-organized, and offers high-priced lodges. Ideal for travelers who value comfort and efficiency.

  • National Park: Volcanoes National Park

  • Permit costs: 1,500 USD (approximately 1,400 €)

  • Advantage: Kigali is only 2–3 hours away from the national park

  • Disadvantage: High costs, especially for budget travelers

DR Congo: Adventures for explorers

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers by far the most affordable gorilla permits. However, Virunga National Park is not always safely accessible. Nevertheless, the experience here is very authentic—and there are also lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

  • Permit cost: approximately $400-450

  • Security situation: variable – check current travel advice

  • Advantage: cheapest gorilla tracking worldwide

  • Disadvantage: limited infrastructure, political situation

How much does gorilla trekking cost?

The costs include the gorilla permit, accommodation, transportation, and guide services. Anyone planning a budget-friendly gorilla safari in Africa should compare prices carefully.

country Gorilla Permit (5–7 day trip)
Uganda 800 USD approx. 1,500–2,500 EUR
Rwanda 1,500 USD approx. 3,000–5,000 EUR
DR Congo 400–450 USD approx. 1,200–2,000 EUR

Note: Discounts are often available for group tours or bookings through local providers. Search terms like " book cheap gorilla trekking in Uganda" or "affordable gorilla safari in Africa" ​​will help with your search.

Best time to travel for gorilla tracking

Tips for gorilla trekking in Uganda | Luxury African Safaris,South America & South Asia Tours|andBeyond

Gorilla tracking is possible year-round, but is easier and more enjoyable during the dry season. The best months are:

  • June to September (high season)

  • December to February (short dry season)

During the rainy season (March–May, October–November) the paths are muddy, but there are fewer tourists and cheaper accommodation.

This is what a gorilla trekking day looks like

A trekking day begins early in the morning. Visitors meet at the park entrance at 7:00 a.m. After a detailed briefing by the rangers, groups of up to eight people are formed, each assigned to a gorilla family.

The walk can last between one and six hours, depending on the animals' location. The encounter itself is limited to a maximum of one hour to avoid stressing the animals. Afterward, the return journey begins – often with a small certificate as a souvenir.

Preparation: Fitness, equipment and vaccinations

Gorilla tracking requires physical fitness—especially in Uganda, where the terrain is steep and densely forested. Anyone with asthma or joint problems should speak to the tour operator beforehand.

Recommended equipment:

  • Hiking boots with good tread

  • Long pants, long-sleeved shirt

  • Rain jacket, gloves, insect repellent

  • Daypack with water, snacks, camera

Vaccinations and health precautions:
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda and Rwanda. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended.