Combining Gorilla Tracking with Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Combining Gorilla Tracking with Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Are you seeking an unforgettable safari experience in Uganda? What about combining gorilla tracking in Uganda with a chimpanzee trekking tour? No other safari destination offers such a phenomenal combination as Uganda. One day, you are out in the jungle looking for chimpanzees, and the next, you are searching for mountain gorillas in their habitat.

Marvel at chimpanzees, mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom, and end your trip with a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in Uganda. Explore Kibale Forest National Park to encounter some of the largest communities of the Great Apes or Kyambura Gorge. Later, experience the thrilling gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This is a perfect adventure combining gorilla trekking experiences and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. This maximises travel time and wildlife experiences, lasting a lifetime. From visiting chimps in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge to tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, these combined tours create unforgettable experiences.

Chimpanzees are one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife species. Like a few other primate species in the country, these Great Apes are rare and very well protected. For this reason, there are only a few select locations where you will be able to see them up close and even combine with gorilla tours.

At Native Africa Tours, we believe that combining gorilla trekking with chimp tracking in Uganda should be far more than just a gateway. It is a journey that touches your spirit, inspires your love of primates, and connects you to mankind’s closest relatives. With several years of experience in creating bespoke combined gorilla and chimpanzee tours, we specialise in delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression.

While it is recommended to first track chimpanzees, then finalise with mountain gorillas, it isn’t a bad idea to start with gorillas and end with chimps.

Places to Track Chimpanzees in Uganda

While there are many places to track chimpanzees in Uganda, few places make it effortless to combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking. These places include;

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park is a haven for 1500 of the country’s 5000 chimpanzees. This makes it the most popular destination to get up close and personal with the Great Apes in their natural habitat. Thanks to its location, it is very possible and interesting to combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking in Uganda.

This 79500-hectare Protected Area is only a 5-6 hours’ drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, you can reduce this travel time by taking a flight from Kasese Airstrip (close to Kibale) to Kihihi Airstrip (for Northern Bwindi) or Kisoro Airstrip (for Southern Bwindi).

Guided chimp tracking adventures in Kibale Forest are conducted daily in two sessions- Morning (starting at 8:00 am) and afternoon (starting at 2:00 pm). These tours begin from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre with a briefing on the guidelines to be followed while searching and spending time with the Great Apes. Chimp tracking tours last between two and five hours (including one hour encounter in their presence). You will return to the base after your one hour of watching and taking photos of these Great Apes.

Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Kyambura Gorge is another great location to track chimps in the wild and an incredible place if you are looking to combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking.

There are only about 23 to 30 chimps in the sunken riverine forest on the Eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This Protected Area is only a 3-4 hours’ drive from Northern Bwindi (Buhoma). If you are planning to track from southern Bwindi, you will need to take a flight that lasts only about an hour.

Where can you Track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

There are two places where you can track mountain gorillas in Uganda, and your choice of location will depend on how you plan on getting there.

For instance, the best way to get to southern Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge is by flying. However, it is possible to drive from Kibale Forest (5-6-hour journey) or Kyambura Gorge (3-4-hour drive).

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Connect with the mountain gorillas and learn about their daily routines by visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the highest concentration of these Giant Apes. There are over 20 habituated gorilla families in this Park; hence, over 160 gorilla permits are sold each day by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half the World’s population of mountain gorillas. Also, this Park is divided into four sectors- Buhoma in the North, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, and Ruhija in the East. Each of these regions has habituated gorilla families of varying sizes and compositions.

If planning to travel from Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge by road, it is easier to track gorillas from northern Bwindi. The journey is 5-6 hours from Kibale and 3-4 hours from Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

If planning to combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking by visiting southern Bwindi, it is advisable to travel from Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge by air. In so doing, you will fly from Kasese Airstrip (from Kibale Forest) or Mweya and Kasese airstrips (from Kyambura Gorge).

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not just the smallest National Park in Uganda, but also has only one habituated gorilla family. It is also found in the southern side of the country and covers an area of 34 square kilometres.

For visitors looking to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, the best way is to go by air. At the end of your excitement-filled days, you will have the opportunity to retire to some of the best accommodations for jaw-dropping sunsets and sumptuous meals to close the day.

A typical itinerary combining gorilla trekking with chimp tracking in Uganda

Day 1: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, your safari guide will collect you in the morning and transfer you from Entebbe/or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey is about 8-10 hours with several stops for photography, lunch, and relaxation.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This morning, set out on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Start with breakfast at the Lodge and transfer to the Park Headquarters for a briefing before venturing into the forest. Expect a guided walk for 1-6 hours, climaxed with one hour of gorilla viewing and photography.

Following this exciting gorilla trek, get back to the Lodge/Camp for lunch and siesta before having an optional Batwa tour in the early afternoon. Here, you will learn about the ancient lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies. Later in the evening, unwind with a drink and witness the beautiful sunset.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, head into Queen Elizabeth National Park for jaw-dropping views of the savannah and search for a large variety of animals. These include Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, and others. You will drive through the Ishasha sector and arrive at your final destination in time for an afternoon boat cruise.

Day 4: Kyambura chimp tracking and departure

Today you will have a chimp tracking adventure in Kyambura Gorge, where you will spend time with some of the Great Apes that call this sunken forest home. After breakfast at the Lodge, you will start the journey back to Entebbe or Kampala.