5 Days Gorilla Habituation & Chimpanzee Habituation Starting from Kigali

5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation Safari from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital through the famed tourist destinations.

These include Kibale Forest national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park for gorilla and chimpanzee habituation respectively.

Trip Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 2: Exclusive 4-Hour Mountain Gorilla Habituation in Rushaga
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of the World
Day 4: Full-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) in Kibale
Day 5: Morning Nature Walk & Return Transfer to Entebbe or Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide.

After a short briefing, you will begin a scenic drive north toward the Uganda–Rwanda border, completing immigration and customs formalities en route.

The journey continues through the rolling hills and rural countryside of southwestern Uganda, offering beautiful views of terraced landscapes and local villages.

You will arrive in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest region in the afternoon or early evening.

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

After check-in at your lodge, you will have time to relax and enjoy the forest surroundings. Dinner and overnight at your lodge near Bwindi.

Accommodation Option: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Heights Lodge

Meals Plan: Half Board

Day 2: Exclusive 4-Hour Mountain Gorilla Habituation in Rushaga

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Unlike standard gorilla trekking, this experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.

Accompanied by expert trackers, researchers, and rangers, you will observe gorilla behavior in depth while learning about conservation efforts, social structures, and daily routines.

The experience is immersive and physically engaging, as it involves tracking gorillas deeper into the forest.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch (or enjoy a packed lunch), then begin your drive north to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The route passes through scenic countryside and tea plantations, with possible sightings of wildlife as you approach the park.

Arrival at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth will be in the evening. Dinner and overnight in or near the park.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of the World

You will set out early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife areas.

The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions), leopards, antelopes, and a wide variety of bird species.

The cool morning hours provide the best chance for wildlife sightings.

After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast and check out, then proceed on a scenic drive toward Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa.

The drive takes you through crater lakes, lush farmland, and small trading centers.

You will arrive in Kibale in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and have time to relax and enjoy the forest environment. Dinner and overnight in Kibale.

Accommodation Option: Kyaninga Lodge or Ndali Lodge

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Full-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) in Kibale

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

This unique activity allows you to spend up to four hours with chimpanzees as they go about their daily activities—feeding, socializing, nesting, and moving through the forest canopy.

Guided by researchers and rangers, you will gain deep insight into chimpanzee behavior, communication, and the process of habituation.

Accommodation Option:

Website: Kyaninga Lodge or Ndali Lodge

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Morning Nature Walk & Return Transfer to Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, you will depart Kibale and drive east toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be tracked on foot.

Upon arrival, you will join experienced rangers for a guided rhino tracking experience, walking through the sanctuary to observe the southern white rhinos at close but safe range.

The activity offers excellent photographic opportunities and insight into Uganda’s rhino conservation program.

After the tracking experience, you will continue your journey to Entebbe International Airport, passing through central Uganda’s towns and countryside.

Arrival in Entebbe will be in time for your onward international flight home.

Inclusions in this safari

Gorilla Habituation Permits
Chimpanzee Habituation permits
All activities mentioned
Park Entrance Fees
Relevant Government Taxes
Full Board Accommodation
Full-time English-speaking Driver/Guide
Ground Transportation by a 4×4 Land cruiser vehicle
Airport transfers.

Tour Exclusions:

Visa Fees
Personal Insurance
Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.

Plan Your Dream Trip!

Craft your ultimate African odyssey with the help of our local specialists. With decades of collective expertise in Uganda’s wild heart, we transform your vision of the perfect gorilla trek or wild life adventure into a seamless, life-changing reality. Whatever your quest, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.