Five days of safari contrasts: open savanna game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruises, jungle chimp treks in Kalinzu and a demanding but unforgettable gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Prepare for long transfers, muddy trails and rare close encounters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A humid dawn presses against the rainforest as a line of trekkers gathers at Bwindi’s park headquarters. Dew beads on fern fronds and the trail inhales and exhales around you; every snapped twig feels like a message. This five-day itinerary threads Queen Elizabeth National Park’s open savanna, the jungle corridors of Kalinzu Forest and the mist-wet slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for two of East Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters: chimpanzees in their arboreal realm and mountain gorillas in their dense, ancestral forest.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and steady hiking ability; expect sustained uphill stretches, muddy terrain and 2–6 hour daytime treks.
Wildlife
History
Bwindi was designated a national park in 1991 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its exceptional biodiversity and endangered gorilla populations.
Conservation
Gorilla trekking is tightly regulated—visitor numbers and strict behavior rules protect gorilla health, while community tourism programs channel revenue back to local villages.
Reserve your spot on the Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda - 5 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book gorilla permits early
Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months in advance—secure yours as soon as dates are fixed.
Hire a porter/local guide
Porters make steep, muddy sections manageable and guides interpret behavior and terrain for safer treks.
Prepare for wet, slippery trails
Waterproof boots, gaiters and quick-dry clothing will keep you moving when trails turn to mud.
Follow park etiquette strictly
No flash photography, keep a safe distance and obey guide instructions to protect gorillas and yourself.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Provides traction and ankle support on steep, muddy jungle trails.
Lightweight rain jacket
Keeps you dry during sudden equatorial downpours and mist in Bwindi.
summer
Insect repellent with DEET
Protects against mosquitoes and biting insects in forest and lakeshore habitats.
Compact binoculars
Useful for spotting birds, distant game and observing chimps without approaching.