Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safaris 2027 – Bwindi + Kibale Tours
Two great apes. Two extraordinary forests. One private journey through Uganda.
First comes the sound. Branches moving somewhere high above you. A call carrying through the rainforest. Then, through the trees, you catch your first glimpse of a chimpanzee.
A few days later, the experience changes completely.
You are walking through the misty mountain forest of Bwindi when your guide slows down. Just beyond the vegetation sits a mountain gorilla.
This is the Uganda primate safari we believe deserves more than a rushed itinerary.
At Maseke Adventures, our Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safaris combine chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Choose a focused 5-day primate safari, add wildlife on a 7 or 8-day journey, explore Uganda more deeply over 10 days, or upgrade to a luxury or fly-in safari.
Your journey is privately arranged around your dates, interests, accommodation preference and budget.
PRIVATE 4×4 • LOCAL DRIVER-GUIDE • GORILLA & CHIMP PERMIT ASSISTANCE • TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY
PLAN MY 2027 GORILLA & CHIMP SAFARI
Why Combine Gorillas and Chimpanzees in One Uganda Safari?
Because the two experiences are remarkably different.
Chimpanzees can be energetic, vocal and constantly on the move.
You may hear them before you see them — calls echoing through Kibale while trackers follow signs through the forest.
Mountain gorillas often create a different atmosphere.
The forest becomes quieter as you approach. A silverback may sit almost motionless while younger gorillas play or feed nearby.
Experiencing both gives you two very different encounters with Africa’s great apes without needing to leave Uganda.
And the road between Kibale and Bwindi opens another possibility:
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
That means one private Uganda itinerary can combine:
Chimpanzees, Lions, Elephants, Boat Safari, Mountain Gorillas and Culture
You can make the journey entirely about primates or turn it into a complete Uganda safari.
CREATE MY PRIVATE PRIMATE SAFARI
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is the centrepiece of most Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee itineraries.
The mountain rainforest is divided into four main gorilla trekking sectors:
Buhoma • Ruhija • Rushaga • Nkuringo
Your permit is linked to a trekking date and designated entry point, while the particular habituated gorilla family you track is allocated according to park procedures.
This distinction matters when planning your safari.
Your lodge should work with your trekking sector.
Your route from Queen Elizabeth or Kibale should work with your lodge.
And your permit should work with all of them.
That is why Maseke plans the gorilla portion as one coordinated journey rather than simply reserving whichever lodge appears first online.
On trekking morning, you attend the official briefing before entering the forest with trained guides and trackers.
There is no guaranteed walking distance. The gorillas move through their natural habitat, meaning some treks are relatively manageable while others require several hours across steep, muddy and uneven forest terrain.
Once your allocated habituated gorilla family is located, you enjoy the regulated observation period while following your ranger’s instructions.
PLAN MY BWINDI GORILLA TREK
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Before or after the gorillas comes another great-ape encounter.
Kibale National Park is one of the key destinations we use for chimpanzee-focused Uganda itineraries.
Chimp tracking feels different from gorilla trekking. The forest can suddenly come alive with calls and movement. Chimpanzees may be feeding above you, moving between trees or interacting on the forest floor.
You enter with trained guides and trackers and follow the official procedures applicable to the tracking experience. Kibale also fits naturally into the classic western Uganda safari circuit.
From Kibale, you can continue south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, then travel onward to Bwindi.
That makes it possible to combine primates and traditional African wildlife without repeatedly backtracking across the country.
EXPERIENCE KIBALE CHIMPANZEES
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits for 2027
Both headline primate experiences require permits.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit
A valid gorilla trekking permit is required for your confirmed trekking date and designated entry point.
Permit availability is limited, so it should be considered before finalizing accommodation.
Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale also requires the applicable Uganda Wildlife Authority permit.
Availability can vary according to your travel date and session.
What About 2027 Permit Prices?
Uganda Wildlife Authority determines official permit tariffs.
Because tariffs can change, Maseke Adventures will confirm the official 2027 gorilla and chimpanzee permit rates applicable to your travel dates and visitor category when preparing your quotation.
This is more reliable than building your safari around an old tariff.
Can Maseke Arrange Both Permits?
Yes. As part of a confirmed safari, Maseke can coordinate the applicable gorilla and chimpanzee permit arrangements subject to UWA availability, official tariffs and booking conditions.
If your dates are fixed, we recommend checking permit availability early.
CHECK GORILLA & CHIMP PERMITS
Bwindi or Mgahinga for Your Gorilla Trek?
Most of our Uganda gorilla-and-chimpanzee combinations use Bwindi, but Uganda offers a second gorilla destination.
Choose Bwindi If…
You want the widest range of trekking sectors and accommodation choices.
Bwindi also fits particularly naturally into the Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi route.
Its four main trekking sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo give us different routing and lodge possibilities when building your journey.
Choose Mgahinga If…
You would like to trek in the Virunga volcanic landscape or your itinerary works particularly well through the Kisoro area.
Mgahinga can also be combined with other activities, including golden monkey tracking, depending on your interests and available time.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no universal winner.
For a Kibale + wildlife + gorilla itinerary, Bwindi often creates a very logical circuit.
But permit availability, accommodation, starting point and the rest of your itinerary matter.
Tell us what you want from the journey and we can recommend the appropriate option.
HELP ME CHOOSE MY GORILLA DESTINATION
Which Bwindi Trekking Sector Should You Choose?
Buhoma – Northern Bwindi
One of Bwindi’s best-known trekking areas and particularly useful for itineraries approaching from the Ishasha side of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Works well for: Kibale + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi combinations and northern Bwindi accommodation.
Ruhija – Eastern Bwindi
A quieter highland setting on Bwindi’s eastern side.
Works well for: Birding, scenic itineraries and routes approaching through eastern Bwindi.
Rushaga – Southern Bwindi
An important gorilla trekking area in southern Bwindi with access from the Kisoro side.
Works well for: Southern Bwindi, Lake Mutanda and Kisoro-based journeys.
Nkuringo – Southern Bwindi
Known for its dramatic highland setting and excellent possibilities for higher-end itineraries.
Works well for: Scenic private safaris, southern Bwindi and selected luxury lodge combinations.
Maseke planning principle: We match the permit + trekking sector + lodge + route rather than treating each booking separately.
ASK US WHICH SECTOR FITS YOUR TRIP
Choose Your Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Not every traveler needs the same number of days.
Use these itineraries as starting points.
5-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Kibale + Bwindi
Best For
Travelers with limited time who want to focus primarily on Uganda’s two great-ape experiences.
Suggested Route
Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala → Kibale National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking → Transfer onward
Day 3: Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Day 5: Bwindi → Entebbe/Kampala
This is a relatively fast itinerary. If you can add another two days, the journey becomes considerably more relaxed and creates space for wildlife.
VIEW 5-DAY GORILLA & CHIMP SAFARI
7-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari
Kibale + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi
Best For
First-time visitors who want Uganda’s signature primates and a traditional African wildlife safari.
Suggested Route
Day 1: Entebbe → Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
Day 3: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Game drive + Kazinga Channel boat safari
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth/Ishasha → Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla trekking
Day 7: Bwindi → Entebbe
This is one of the strongest routes for travelers who want a relatively compact Uganda safari without making the entire journey about trekking.
VIEW 7-DAY UGANDA PRIMATE SAFARI
8-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Kibale + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi + More Time
Best For
Couples, photographers and travelers who prefer a more comfortable pace.
The additional day gives us room to slow the journey down.
Depending on your interests, it could be used for:
- Bigodi/community experience
- Additional wildlife viewing
- Ishasha
- Cultural experience around Bwindi
- Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda
- More relaxed lodge time
Suggested Route
Day 1: Entebbe → Kibale
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking
Day 3: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth
Day 4: Game drive + boat safari
Day 5: Ishasha → Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla trekking
Day 7: Cultural/scenic experience or relaxed transfer
Day 8: Return to Entebbe
VIEW 8-DAY GORILLA & CHIMP SAFARI
10-Day Best of Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Primates + Wildlife + Culture + Slower Travel
Best For
Travelers who have come to experience Uganda rather than simply complete a checklist.
Over ten days, the journey can combine:
- Kibale chimpanzees
- Forest and community experiences
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel
- Ishasha
- Bwindi gorillas
- Cultural experiences
- Lake Mburo or another complementary destination
The exact route depends on your interests.
This is where a private safari becomes particularly valuable because we can decide where your extra time matters most.
VIEW 10-DAY UGANDA SAFARI
Luxury Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Premium Lodges • Private Guide • Fly-In Options • Tailor-Made Routing
Luxury does not change the gorillas or chimpanzees.
It changes the journey surrounding them.
Stay in carefully selected higher-end lodges, travel with your own professional guide and incorporate domestic flights where they genuinely improve the itinerary.
A luxury journey can be designed around 5, 7, 8, 10 or more days.
For travelers with limited time, we can also investigate combinations of domestic flights and private road transfers rather than spending entire days driving between Entebbe and southwestern Uganda.
DESIGN MY LUXURY PRIMATE SAFARI
Private vs Luxury Uganda Primate Safaris
These terms mean different things.
Private Safari
Your Maseke vehicle, driver-guide and overall itinerary are arranged exclusively for you and your travel companions.
You can choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.
Private does not automatically mean expensive luxury.
Luxury Safari
Your private journey uses higher-end accommodation and may incorporate upgraded services and domestic flights.
Private Mid-Range
For many travelers, this is the sweet spot.
You still have your own 4×4, guide and customized itinerary while staying at comfortable lodges rather than paying for Uganda’s most expensive properties.
Private Luxury
Ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries and travelers who want the accommodation and transfers to become an important part of the experience.
FIND MY SAFARI STYLE
Where Can Your Gorilla & Chimp Safari Start?
Entebbe
The most natural starting point for many international travelers arriving through Uganda’s principal international airport.
Maseke can arrange pickup from your Entebbe accommodation according to your confirmed itinerary.
Kampala
Private pickup can also be arranged from Kampala.
Kigali
For travelers already in Rwanda, some Uganda itineraries can incorporate a Rwanda-Uganda routing depending on current border, visa and entry requirements.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Already on safari?
We can integrate Kibale and Bwindi into a wider Uganda journey rather than requiring you to return to Entebbe first.
Murchison Falls or Another Uganda Destination
Longer itineraries can connect Uganda’s northern and western safari circuits before continuing towards Kibale and Bwindi.
TELL US WHERE YOU’RE STARTING
Road Safari or Fly-In Safari?
Private 4×4 Road Safari
For a 7–10 day itinerary, road travel often makes excellent sense.
The route itself becomes part of the experience, and your private vehicle makes it easy to connect Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
Choose road travel if you want:
- Better value
- Your own 4×4 throughout
- More of Uganda’s landscapes
- Flexible stops
- Wildlife destinations between the primate forests
Fly-In Safari
Domestic flights can reduce some of the longest transfers.
They are particularly attractive for shorter luxury trips and travelers who value time over the cost savings of driving.
Road + Air Combination
You do not have to choose one exclusively.
A well-designed luxury itinerary may use road travel where the journey is rewarding and air travel where a long transfer adds little to the experience.
ASK ABOUT FLY-IN OPTIONS
Choose Your Accommodation Level
Budget
Simple, clean accommodation selected primarily for location, practicality and value.
Best for: Adventure-focused travelers who want to prioritize permits and experiences.
Mid-Range
Comfortable lodges with private rooms, good meals and convenient locations.
Best for: Most private safari travelers seeking a balance between comfort and cost.
Upper Mid-Range
A step above standard mid-range with stronger locations, atmosphere or additional comfort.
Best for: Couples and travelers wanting extra comfort without moving fully into luxury.
Luxury
Higher-end properties where service, setting and accommodation become part of the safari experience.
Best for: Honeymoons, special occasions and comfort-focused travelers.
Ultra-Luxury
Premium properties combined with highly personalized arrangements and fly-in options where appropriate.
Best for: Bespoke high-end Uganda journeys.
SHOW ME LODGE OPTIONS
What Can You Add to a Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari?
The most natural wildlife addition between Kibale and Bwindi.
Combine game drives with a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Travel through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth while continuing towards Bwindi.
Bigodi & Community Experiences
Add another dimension to your time around Kibale beyond the chimpanzee trek.
Where appropriate to your Bwindi itinerary, learn more about the history and traditions of communities connected to the forest.
Add scenery and a slower day after trekking.
A useful addition on some longer road itineraries returning towards Entebbe.
ADD WILDLIFE & CULTURE TO MY SAFARI
How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari Cost in 2027?
There is no single price because the same primate experiences can be built into very different journeys.
Your cost depends on:
- Gorilla permit tariff
- Chimpanzee permit tariff
- Number of travelers
- Safari duration
- Accommodation level
- Private vehicle and guiding
- National parks included
- Domestic flights, if any
- Additional activities
- Travel dates and availability
Traveling as two or more people can also change the per-person price because private transport and guiding costs are shared.
For 2027, we recommend requesting a quotation based on your actual dates rather than relying on an old online tariff.
Tell us:
Your dates + number of travelers + number of days + preferred accommodation level + approximate budget.
We can then build the appropriate itinerary.
REQUEST MY 2027 SAFARI QUOTE
Why Travel with Maseke Adventures?
Uganda-Based Safari Operator
Maseke Adventures is based in Entebbe, Uganda, giving you a local team involved in the planning of your journey.
Private & Customizable Safaris
Our itineraries can be tailored around your available time, interests and preferred accommodation rather than requiring you to join an unrelated group.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Maseke’s public traveler feedback includes guests who have trekked mountain gorillas in Bwindi as part of their Uganda journeys.
Wildlife + Culture
Our Uganda trips can go beyond primate trekking to incorporate wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences.
Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury Options
Your preferred comfort level can be incorporated without changing the fundamental private nature of the journey.
Solo Travelers, Couples & Private Groups
Maseke has publicly reviewed trips from solo travelers, couples and groups, giving us experience planning different styles of private Uganda journey.
TALK TO A MASEKE SAFARI EXPERT
What Travelers Say About Maseke Adventures
“Flawless experience from start to finish”
A solo traveler visiting in 2026 highlighted Maseke’s professional planning, knowledgeable guide and flexibility in tailoring the itinerary to individual requirements.
Solo traveler • Uganda • 2026
“The itinerary was well-paced”
A traveler on a five-day Uganda safari specifically highlighted the combination of gorilla trekking, game drives and cultural experiences, along with comfortable lodges and a well-paced itinerary.
Solo traveler • Uganda safari
Gorilla Trekking + Wildlife
A couple traveling with Maseke described seeing lions and leopards during their safari before experiencing mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while praising their guide’s knowledge and driving.
Couple • Uganda safari
How to Book Your 2027 Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
- Tell Us Your Dates
Approximate dates are enough to begin.
- Choose Your Safari Length
5 Days | 7 Days | 8 Days | 10 Days | Luxury Custom
Not sure?
Tell us what you want to experience and we can recommend the duration.
- Choose Your Accommodation Style
Budget, mid-range, upper mid-range, luxury or ultra-luxury.
- We Check the Important Availability
The itinerary needs to work around permit availability, accommodation and the practical route.
- Receive Your Private Itinerary & Quote
We create a proposed journey for you to review.
- Refine It with Us
Want another night? A different lodge? More wildlife? A fly-in transfer?
We adjust the itinerary before confirmation.
START PLANNING MY 2027 SAFARI
Experience with Solo Travelers & Private Groups
Our independently published reviews include solo travelers and other private travelers who highlight customized planning and guide support.
TALK TO THE MASEKE TEAM
What Travelers Say about Maseke Adventures
“We loved visiting the Batwa community”
A traveler on a five-day Maseke journey specifically highlighted the combination of gorilla trekking, game drives and cultural experiences, including visiting a Batwa community and learning about their traditions.
Uganda traveler • 5-Day Safari
Planned Around Her Time & Budget
A solo traveler who visited Uganda in 2026 described telling Maseke the places she wanted to visit, the number of days available and her budget, after which the team planned the journey.
Solo traveler • Uganda • 2026
Flexible, Tailor-Made Planning
Another 2026 traveler praised Maseke’s flexibility in tailoring the itinerary to individual needs and highlighted the knowledge of the safari guide.
Solo traveler • Uganda • 2026
Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari FAQs
Can I see both gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda?
Yes. A Uganda itinerary can combine chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
How many days do I need?
Five days can work for a focused trip, but 7–8 days provides a better balance if you also want Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ten days gives you more time for wildlife, culture and a less hurried journey.
Is Bwindi or Mgahinga better for this itinerary?
Bwindi often fits particularly naturally with Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park because of the western Uganda circuit. Mgahinga can still be incorporated depending on permit availability and your wider route.
Where are the Bwindi trekking sectors?
Bwindi’s four main trekking sectors are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Can Maseke arrange my permits?
Maseke can coordinate the applicable gorilla and chimpanzee permits as part of a confirmed safari, subject to Uganda Wildlife Authority availability, tariffs and booking conditions.
How much are the permits in 2027?
UWA determines official permit tariffs. We will confirm the applicable 2027 gorilla and chimpanzee permit prices for your visitor category and trekking dates when preparing your quotation.
How long do I spend with the gorillas?
Standard gorilla trekking provides the regulated observation period once your allocated habituated gorilla family has been located, subject to UWA rules and ranger instructions.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
The difficulty varies because gorillas move through their natural habitat. Treks may involve several hours of walking over steep, uneven or muddy forest terrain.
Is chimpanzee tracking difficult?
Conditions vary, and chimpanzees can move quickly through the forest. The experience differs from gorilla trekking and requires following your guide through natural forest terrain.
Is the safari private?
Your Maseke road safari can be private to your booking, including the vehicle and driver-guide. The official gorilla and chimpanzee tracking activities follow UWA’s regulated group procedures.
Can solo travelers book?
Yes. A private journey can be arranged for a solo traveler.
Can I book a luxury version?
Yes. We can use luxury accommodation and incorporate domestic flights where they make practical sense.
Can I add Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Yes. It is one of the strongest additions because of its position between the Kibale and Bwindi regions on many western Uganda routes.
Can I add another gorilla trek?
Yes, subject to permit availability. We would normally add sufficient time to the itinerary rather than overcrowding an existing day.
Can I do chimpanzee habituation instead of standard tracking?
Where the applicable experience is available and permits can be secured, we can discuss whether a habituation-focused option fits your itinerary.
Can the safari start from Kigali?
Potentially, depending on your wider itinerary and the border, visa and entry requirements applicable to your travel dates.
What is the best time to go?
Gorilla and chimpanzee activities operate throughout the year, but weather, trail conditions, availability and your other safari interests should all be considered when choosing dates.
Which Uganda Primate Safari Is Right for You?
Have only five days?
Choose the 5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari.
Want gorillas, chimps and classic wildlife?
Choose the 7-Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari.
Want the same experiences at a more relaxed pace?
Choose the 8-Day Uganda Primate Safari.
Want a deeper Uganda journey?
Choose the 10-Day Best of Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari.
Want premium lodges and less road time?
Ask for the Luxury / Fly-In Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari.
Not sure?
That is exactly what the enquiry form is for.
PLAN MY UGANDA GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE SAFARI
CHECK 2027 PERMIT AVAILABILITY
REQUEST A PRIVATE SAFARI QUOTE
ASK ABOUT LUXURY & FLY-IN OPTIONS
Private 4×4 • Local Uganda Team • Gorilla & Chimp Permit Assistance • Budget to Luxury • Tailor-Made 2027 Departures