4-Day Bwindi Gorilla & Chimpanzee

Starting from Kigali – Ending in Kigali

Ultimate Safari Overview

This unforgettable 4-day Uganda safari takes you deep into two of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge.

Bwindi impenetrable is the home of more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its abundant wildlife, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge.

Also the breath-taking Kazinga Channel rich with hippos and birds.

Beginning and ending in Kigali offers the advantage of a shorter transfer time to Bwindi, making this itinerary perfect for travelers seeking a premium gorilla trekking experience combined with a remarkable savannah and primate adventure.

Your journey includes scenic countryside drives, a night in the lush highland forests, and another near Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve.

The highlight moments include trekking endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and observing chimps in a deep tropical gorge.

An exciting wildlife encounter during a game-viewing journey through the Ishasha sector and a relaxing boat safari offering unmatched photography opportunities.

This trip delivers spectacular wildlife diversity, meaningful cultural encounters with the Batwa people, and excellent storytelling from your professional safari guide.

Designed with comfort, adventure, and conservation in mind this itinerary guarantees memories you will treasure forever.

Safari Highlights

Scenic pickup from Kigali – cross the Uganda border

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Batwa Community Cultural Experience

Game viewing en route through Ishasha – home of tree-climbing lions

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari with hippos, elephants & birds

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Ending in Kigali for onward flight connections

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-Up from Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with a morning meet-and-greet at your Kigali hotel at 7:00 am, followed by a briefing from your expert safari guide.

You then drive through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills toward the Katuna border for immigration and smooth entry into Uganda.

As the scenery transforms into Uganda’s terraced highlands and forested landscapes, the excitement of approaching gorilla country builds.

A stop in Kabale town provides a delicious lunch before you continue toward the mist-covered Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy the quiet evening feel of the jungle, preparing for your much-awaited gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Meals & Drinks: Lunch & Dinner + Drinking Water

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi + Batwa Cultural Experience

Today marks the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

You will be assigned a gorilla family and then begin your trek deep into the dense forest.

The trek may take anywhere between 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement.

Once you locate them, you are granted a magical hour to quietly observe their behavior dominant silverbacks, nurturing mothers, curious juveniles, and playful infants.

The experience of standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their world is profoundly unforgettable.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and refreshment, you will visit the Batwa community Bwindi’s Indigenous forest people.

Through traditional music, storytelling, and demonstrations of survival skills, you gain insight into their ancient coexistence with the forest.

This enriching cultural experience creates a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts that support both wildlife and communities.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking

Meals & Drinks: All Meals + Drinking Water

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

After breakfast, you depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through the scenic Ishasha sector where tree-climbing lions often rest on fig tree branches.

Keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species along the drive.

The changing landscape from forested highlands to expansive savannah plains creates a beautiful photographic journey.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a thrilling boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George.

This cruise offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the region: large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking at the shoreline, elephants coming down to drink.

It also has countless birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and storks.

The relaxed nature of the cruise allows ample time for photography and quiet observation as the sun sets over the water.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meals & Drinks: All Meals + Drinking Water

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Return to Kigali

This day begins early with a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.”

The gorge is a lush tropical ecosystem hidden beneath the savannah plains and home to a remarkable population of wild chimpanzees.

As you trek through the dense vegetation, you may witness chimps swinging from tree to tree, grooming, feeding and communicating with energetic gestures.

Loud calls an exciting contrast to the calm gorilla interactions witnessed in Bwindi.

After the trek, you start your return journey to Kigali via the Katuna border.

Enjoy final scenic views before your guide drops you at your Kigali hotel or the airport, marking the end of an inspiring primate and wildlife adventure.

Main Destination: Kyambura Gorge – Chimpanzee Tracking

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch + Drinking Water

End of Safari

Additional accommodation can be arranged at extra cost.

Airport transfers included if aligned with departure flights.

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Pickup & drop-off in Kigali

Park entrance fees & conservation fees

Gorilla trekking permit (per person)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (per person)

Professional English-speaking safari guide

All activities listed in the itinerary

Accommodation for 3 nights

All meals as indicated

Comfortable safari transportation with fuel

Drinking water on all safari days

Excluded

International flights & visas

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Optional activities not listed

Personal expenses (tips, drinks, souvenirs)

Porter fees during gorilla trekking

Meals not included in the itinerary