5-Day Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

A 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari is a great trip that many visitors enjoy. It takes you to Uganda’s top national parks with amazing attractions.

You will visit Kibale National Park, which has the highest number of chimpanzees and 12 other types of primates, more than any other park in the country.

You will also explore Bigodi Swamp, where you can see over 20 bird species and eight types of primates that live in and around Kibale Forest.

You will then visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest.

After that, you will meet the Batwa community and enjoy a short city tour in Kampala before heading to Entebbe International Airport.

5-Day Uganda Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park
• Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
• Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Visit
• Day 5: Return to Kampala, Equator Stop & Short City Tour

Detailed 5-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Start your safari with breakfast at your hotel in Kampala. Then drive to Kibale Forest, known as the primate capital of the world. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours.

You will stop in Mubende for snacks and drinks. Then continue to your lodge, where you will relax, have dinner, and spend the night.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, drive to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center in Kibale for a short briefing about chimpanzee trekking rules. Then meet your armed ranger guide and head into the forest.

Chimpanzee trekking involves walking through the forest to find a group of habituated chimps. The activity usually takes 1 to 4 hours depending on where the chimps are.

Once you find them, you will spend one hour watching, taking photos, and recording videos.

Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Swamp for a guided nature walk and a community experience.

Bigodi is home to many bird species like the green-breasted pitta, great blue turacos, Ross’s turacos, and black-and-white casqued hornbills. You may also see several types of monkeys.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Wake up early, have breakfast, and start the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes about 4 to 6 hours.

Bwindi is home to more than 19 gorilla families in four main sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija. Check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Visit

After breakfast, go to the park headquarters for a briefing. Then drive to the trekking starting point and meet your ranger guide.

Uganda gorilla trekking can take 4 to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved. You need strong hiking shoes, drinking water, and snacks. When you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them.

You may watch them feed, care for young ones, or rest. After trekking, return to the headquarters and receive your certificate.

Later in the day, visit a nearby Batwa community. A Batwa guide will tell you their story and show you how they used to live in the forest.

You will enjoy traditional songs, dances, and buy handmade crafts if you wish. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Return to Kampala, Equator Stop & Short City Tour

After breakfast, drive back to Kampala. On the way, stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photos. When you reach Kampala, take a short city tour if time allows.

You may visit the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, where more than 20 Christians were killed by Kabaka Mwanga. You can also visit Nakasero Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Uganda.

You will find local crafts, fruits, and handmade items.

After the city tour, drive to Entebbe International Airport for your flight.

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