Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking 8-Day Safari from Kigali City

Embark on a transformative journey through the heart of East Africa with Winton Africa Safaris Ltd. Our 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari offers a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes. From the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the rolling hills of Fort Portal, this itinerary highlights Uganda’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

This 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari is specially designed for those who seek not only to witness the majestic mountain gorillas but also to engage deeply with the local cultures that thrive in and around these stunning landscapes. Prepare to explore the vibrant traditions of the Batwa people and the enchanting stories of the communities surrounding Bwindi, creating a unique connection to the Pearl of Africa.

This exceptional safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with immersive cultural experiences, allowing you to connect with the heart of Uganda in a profound way. Book your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with Winton Africa Safaris Ltd today and embark on an adventure that promises memories to last a lifetime.

8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

• Day 1: Drive from Kigali, Visit Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge.
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience – Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge.
• Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, evening game drive in Ishasha Sector – Overnight at Enjojo Safari Lodge.
• Day 4: Game drives and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Overnight at Elephant Hab Safari Lodge.
• Day 5: Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth, visit the Twin Lakes, transfer to Kibale for chimpanzee tracking – Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
• Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest – Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
• Day 7: Full day of adventures in Fort Portal City, visit tea plantations, Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru, Fort Portal City Tour – Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
• Day 8: Drive to Entebbe Airport for Departure – Flight Back Home.

Detailed 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari adventure begins as you are warmly welcomed by your professional guide from Winton Africa Safaris Ltd. After a short briefing, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Rwandan countryside. The rolling hills and lush landscapes set the stage for your East African adventure.

Your first stop is Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, where you will have the opportunity to engage with the local communities and learn about their traditions. This interactive experience allows you to participate in traditional dances, craft making, and storytelling, offering an insight into the daily lives of the Rwandan people. After this enriching visit, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning biodiversity and, most importantly, its population of mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check into Four Gorillas Lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

• Overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is one of the highlights of your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari —gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off with your guide to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety protocols. The trekking experience is both exhilarating and humbling, as you navigate through the dense forest in search of these magnificent creatures.

Each trek is unique, taking you through breathtaking landscapes filled with diverse flora and fauna. Once you find the gorilla family, you will have a magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat, marveling at their behaviors and interactions. This intimate encounter is a profound reminder of the importance of conservation and protecting these incredible animals.

After your gorilla trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation before heading out to meet the Batwa community. The Batwa, a group of indigenous people who once lived in the forest, share their traditional ways of life, including their hunting and gathering practices. You’ll witness traditional dances, music, and crafts, gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage. Return to Four Gorillas Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. As you drive through the park, keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife species, including elephants, antelopes, and a variety of bird species.

Upon arrival at Enjojo Safari Lodge, you will check in and enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Ishasha Sector for an evening game drive. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which you may have the chance to see lounging on the branches of fig trees. The stunning landscapes of the park, combined with the thrill of spotting wildlife, make for an unforgettable experience. Drive with the Tree Climbing lions on the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. After a captivating day of exploration, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

• Overnight: Enjojo Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 4: Game Drives and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Prepare for another exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park! After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for a morning game drive, where you can expect to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a myriad of bird species. Your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari guide will share insights about the park’s ecosystems and wildlife, enhancing your understanding of this biodiverse area.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise provides a unique perspective on wildlife as you glide quietly through the water. Look out for hippos basking in the sun, crocodiles lounging on the banks, and an array of birdlife, including kingfishers and African fish eagles. After a fulfilling day of exploration, return to Elephant Hab Safari Lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

• Overnight: Elephant Hab Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can capture last-minute wildlife sightings before departing for Kibale National Park. This park is renowned for its incredible chimpanzee population and is a vital conservation area.

Upon arrival at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, settle in and have lunch before preparing for an afternoon of chimpanzee tracking. Your knowledgeable 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari guide will lead you through the lush rainforest, where you’ll have the opportunity to see these playful primates up close. The experience is both thrilling and educational, as your guide explains the behaviors and social structures of chimpanzees. After your tracking experience, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

• Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

On Day 6, enjoy an early breakfast before heading back into Kibale National Park for another round of chimpanzee tracking. With approximately 1,500 chimpanzees residing in the park, this experience is always unique. You’ll trek through the forest, listening for the distinctive sounds of chimpanzees, and may even encounter other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

After your tracking adventure, you will explore Bigodi Swamp, a community-run initiative that showcases the area’s rich biodiversity. This walk provides opportunities to spot various bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, as well as other wildlife like otters and bushbucks. Engage with local community members who manage the swamp and learn about their conservation efforts. Return to Chimpanzee Forest Lodge for dinner and another overnight stay.

• Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 7: Fort Portal City Adventures

After breakfast, set out for a day filled with exploration in Fort Portal City. Known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, the city is a great base for various activities. Start with a visit to the Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves, a site of historical significance and cultural lore.

Next, explore the local tea plantations, where you’ll learn about Uganda’s tea production process and the significance of tea in the region’s economy. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you through the rolling hills of tea, where you can even participate in tea picking.

After a day filled with adventures on the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Return to Chimpanzee Forest Lodge for dinner and a final night’s rest before your journey home.

• Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 8: Departure

On the final day of your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Your guide will drive you back to Entebbe International Airport, where you can reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made throughout your journey in Uganda.

• Overnight: End of Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water

End of 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Cultural Experiences Around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari journey through Uganda is not just a feast for the eyes but also an enriching exploration of diverse cultures. The communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, particularly the Batwa and other indigenous groups, offer fascinating insights into the country’s cultural tapestry.

The Batwa People: Guardians of the Forest

The Batwa, formerly known as “pygmies,” are one of the indigenous groups that have historically inhabited the Bwindi rainforest. Their unique culture and connection to the forest are vital to understanding the region’s history. The Batwa people lived as hunter-gatherers for centuries, relying on the forest’s resources for their survival. Their intimate knowledge of the forest’s flora and fauna makes them the true custodians of this rich biodiversity.

Engaging with the Batwa community provides a glimpse into their traditional way of life. Visitors can participate in cultural experiences, such as traditional dances, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional hunting techniques. These experiences are not merely for entertainment; they offer invaluable lessons in conservation, community, and respect for nature.

Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village: A Cultural Immersion

Located just outside Bwindi, Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village is an initiative designed to preserve the traditions of the local communities while providing visitors with an authentic cultural experience. Here, travelers can participate in various activities, such as crafting traditional baskets, preparing local dishes, and engaging in village discussions.

The village serves as a living museum of sorts, showcasing the customs and lifestyles of the Rwandan people. Engaging with local artisans and musicians allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Role of Conservation in Cultural Preservation

The interplay between culture and conservation is a prominent theme in the communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As tourism continues to grow, the emphasis on sustainable practices becomes increasingly vital. Community-based tourism initiatives empower local people by providing them with alternative livelihoods while fostering a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.

Visitors to these cultural experiences play a crucial role in this endeavor. By supporting local initiatives, you contribute to the preservation of both the environment and the rich cultural narratives that define these communities.

Cultural Celebrations and Festivals

The vibrant cultures of the communities around Bwindi are often showcased during various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Events like traditional dance competitions, harvest festivals, and storytelling nights offer immersive experiences for visitors. Engaging in these festivities provides insight into the significance of communal bonds and cultural identity within these groups.

These celebrations often incorporate local music, dance, and culinary delights, creating a truly memorable experience. Participating in such events fosters connections with the community and deepens the appreciation for Uganda’s diverse cultural landscape.

8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation: 7 nights at designated lodges as per the itinerary.
• Transportation: Comfortable 4×4 vehicle for the entire trip.
• Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Activities: Gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee tracking permits, game drives, boat safari, and cultural experiences.
• Guides: Professional, knowledgeable guides for all activities.
• Entry Fees: All park entrance fees.

Safari Exclusions

• International Flights: Flights to and from Uganda.
• Visa Fees: Visa costs for entering Uganda.
• Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance coverage.
• Tips: Gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
• Personal Expenses: Drinks, souvenirs, and any additional activities not specified in the itinerary.