Safaris in Uganda: The Ultimate Guide to Gorillas and Chimps
Safaris in Uganda, Gorillas and Chimps Meta Title: Safaris in Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps | Tulambule Uganda Safaris Meta Description: Planning safaris in Uganda? Discover how to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimps in Kibale. Expert tips, permit costs and itineraries from Tulambule Uganda Safaris.
When people think of Africa, they imagine sweeping savannahs, lion prides and elephant herds. But Uganda — the Pearl of Africa — offers something far rarer and more intimate. Safaris in Uganda bring you face to face with two of the world's most extraordinary primates: the endangered mountain gorilla and the chimpanzee. These are encounters that don't just impress — they change you.
At Tulambule Uganda Safaris, we have been crafting primate safaris in Uganda since 2014. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about gorilla and chimp trekking in Uganda — where to go, what to expect, how much it costs, and how to plan the perfect safari.
Why Uganda Is the Best Destination for Primate Safaris
Uganda is home to an extraordinary concentration of the world's primates. More than half of all remaining mountain gorillas live within Uganda's borders, primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. At the same time, Kibale National Park holds the highest density of chimpanzees anywhere in Africa — over 1,500 individuals across 13 primate species.
No other country on the continent offers the opportunity to trek both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in such accessible, well-organised settings. Add to this Uganda's lush landscapes, warm hospitality and relatively affordable permit prices compared to Rwanda, and you have a safari destination that is hard to beat.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Where Do Gorillas Live in Uganda?
Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in two national parks:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi is Uganda's most famous gorilla trekking destination and one of Africa's most biodiverse forests. Spanning approximately 79,000 acres of ancient rainforest in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is home to over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. This gives trekkers a wide choice of experiences, from gentle family-friendly treks to more challenging hikes deep into the forest.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga is Uganda's smaller but equally magical gorilla park, located further south on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to one habituated gorilla family — the Nyakagezi family. Mgahinga is also famous for golden monkey tracking and the dramatic volcanic peaks of Mounts Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo.
What Does Gorilla Trekking Involve?
On the morning of your trek, you will be briefed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers before setting off into the forest. Trekking times vary from one to eight hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved overnight. Once you locate the family, you are granted one magical hour in their presence — watching them feed, play, groom and interact.
Mountain gorillas are powerful yet remarkably gentle. The silverback — the dominant male — may hold your gaze with calm authority. Baby gorillas tumble and play at your feet. It is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person. This is significantly more affordable than Rwanda, where permits cost $1,500 per person. The Uganda permit is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority and must be booked in advance — ideally three to six months ahead of your travel dates, as permits are limited.
At Tulambule Uganda Safaris, we handle all permit bookings on your behalf as part of your safari package.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Where to Trek Chimps in Uganda
Uganda is equally exceptional for chimpanzee safaris. There are three main destinations:
1. Kibale National Park — The Primate Capital of the World Kibale Forest, located near the town of Fort Portal in western Uganda, is the crown jewel of chimpanzee trekking in Africa. With over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, the chances of encountering chimps in Kibale are extremely high. The park also offers chimpanzee habituation experiences, where you spend a full day with a chimp community from dawn to dusk — a more immersive option for serious primate enthusiasts.
Beyond chimps, Kibale is home to red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Uganda mangabeys and blue monkeys. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by over 375 species recorded in the park.
2. Kyambura Gorge — Queen Elizabeth National Park Known as the "Valley of Apes," Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a different chimpanzee experience. Here, chimps live in a dramatic sunken forest gorge, and trekking down into it feels like entering a lost world. This experience is often combined with game drives and the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
3. Budongo Forest — Murchison Falls National Park Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park is another excellent option for chimp trekking, especially for travellers combining a primate safari with Uganda's most powerful waterfall and the Nile River cruise.
What to Expect on a Chimp Trek
Chimp treks typically start very early in the morning — around 6:00 AM. Unlike gorillas, chimps move fast through the canopy and cover large distances. Trackers locate them by sound — the distinctive calls and hoots of a chimp community carry far through the forest. Once found, you can observe them feeding, socialising and occasionally displaying spectacular dominance behaviours.
Tips for chimpanzee trekking:
- Wear neutral colours — brown, green or khaki
- Stay at least 8 metres from the chimps at all times
- Do not eat or drink near them
- Bring a camera with good low-light capability — forest light can be challenging
- Hire a porter for support on steep terrain
The Ultimate Uganda Primate Safari Itinerary
The classic Uganda primate safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, often with Queen Elizabeth National Park in between for game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Here is a sample 7-day itinerary:
Day 1 — Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Kibale (Fort Portal) Day 2 — Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest Day 3 — Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via crater lakes Day 4 — Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise Day 5 — Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Day 6 — Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Day 7 — Return to Entebbe, departure
This itinerary can be customised to suit your budget, group size, travel dates and interests. We offer budget, mid-range and luxury versions of this safari.
Gorillas vs Chimps — Which Should You Choose?
If you can only do one, we recommend gorilla trekking. It is rarer, more restricted and the encounter with a gorilla family is unmatched in the wildlife world. However, if time and budget allow, combining both gorillas and chimps on a single Uganda safari gives you the most complete and unforgettable primate experience available anywhere in Africa.
Many of our clients tell us the chimp trek surprised them — the energy, noise and sheer personality of a chimp community is electric in a way that is completely different from the quiet, meditative experience of sitting with gorillas.
Best Time for Safaris in Uganda
Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best conditions for gorilla and chimp trekking are during the dry seasons:
- June to September — long dry season, ideal for trekking
- December to February — short dry season, also excellent
During the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), the forests are lush and green, and permit prices are the same. Trekking is possible but trails can be muddy and slippery.
What to Pack for Your Uganda Primate Safari
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (protection from nettles and insects)
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
- Rain jacket and waterproof bag cover
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Plenty of water and high-energy snacks
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Walking stick (available at the park)
Book Your Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari with Tulambule
At Tulambule Uganda Safaris, we are a 100% Ugandan-owned tour operator with over 10 years of experience crafting safaris in Uganda for individual travellers, families, honeymooners, groups and travel agents.
We handle everything — gorilla and chimp permits, accommodation, transport, professional guides and all logistics — so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Uganda gorilla permit: $800 per person Rwanda gorilla permit: $1,500 per person
Contact us today for a free, personalised safari quote. Your gorilla adventure starts here.
