5-Day Bwindi Safari & Primate Adventure in Uganda
This 5-day Bwindi safari takes you to Uganda's top wildlife destinations to track playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and come face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Along the way, experience authentic Ugandan culture with village visits and Batwa pygmy encounters, plus a memorable stop at the equator. Packed with primates, wildlife, and cultural connections, this compact itinerary delivers Uganda's greatest highlights in just five adventure-filled days.
Uganda crams more adventure into 5 days than most countries offer in weeks. Your Bwindi safari starts with chimpanzees using tools (watch them fish for termites), detours past lions lounging in fig trees, and crescendos with gorillas so close you smell their earthy fur. The secret Smart routing you will cover 3 ecosystems without marathon drives. Morning mist clinging to Bwindi's ancient trees, afternoon sunlight dappling Kibale's ferns - these aren't postcard scenes
The forest floor vibrates with a deep, chest-thumping boom as a silverback gorilla announces his presence. Just three days earlier, you were laughing at chimpanzees doing acrobatics in Kibale's canopy. This is Uganda's magic - where 5 days deliver lifetimes of wild stories. A Bwindi safari isn't just about seeing primates it's about standing motionless as a gorilla family ignores you completely, proving you've been accepted into their world. From equatorial photo ops to pygmy firelight stories, every moment feels stolen from a documentary.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Kibale for Cultural Tour
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Culture in Bwindi
Day 5: Return to Kampala via the Equator
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Uganda Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival, Transfer to Kibale for Cultural Tour
Your Bwindi safari begins in Entebbe, where you’ll meet your guide and drive to Kibale National Park. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, passing through rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in time for a cultural tour visit a local village to see traditional dances, learn about banana beer brewing, and maybe even try your hand at cooking Ugandan dishes. This is a great way to ease into your trip before the wilder days ahead. Rest early; tomorrow brings chimpanzees.
- Day2Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Kibale’s forests are home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and today you’ll track them. The hike can take 2-5 hours, but once you find them, you’ll spend an hour watching them swing, feed, and call to each other. After lunch, take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland, where you might spot monkeys, rare birds, and even otters. This mix of forest and swamp makes Kibale special it’s not just about chimps. Later, relax at your lodge, listening to the sounds of the jungle.
- Day3Drive to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park
The journey to Bwindi is part of the adventure. You’ll cut through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions sometimes lounge in fig trees. Keep your camera ready for elephants, buffalo, and antelopes along the way. The landscape shifts from open savannah to misty highlands as you near Bwindi, the heart of your Bwindi safari. Arrive by evening, and enjoy dinner with views of the forest. Tomorrow’s gorilla trek starts early, so get some rest.
- Day4Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Culture in Bwindi
Bwindi’s gorillas are the highlight of any Bwindi safari. After a briefing, you’ll hike into the forest sometimes steep, sometimes muddy until you find a gorilla family. Watching them interact up close is unforgettable. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa pygmies, who once lived in these forests. They’ll share stories, songs, and survival skills, giving you a deeper sense of this place. It’s a full day, but one you won’t forget.
- Day5Return to Kampala via the Equator
Time to head back, but not without a stop at the equator. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere and snap some fun photos. The drive to Kampala takes about 7 hours, so relax and enjoy the changing scenery. If your flight is late, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre before heading to the airport. This Bwindi safari packs primates, culture, and wild landscapes into just five days proof that Uganda delivers big adventures in a short time.