How to combine Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking in Bwindi and Kibale National Parks-Top Tips
Combining Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat of Mgahinga/Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is which is renowned for its mountain gorillas and Kibale Forest National Park home to Chimpanzees respectively. From past experience, we think that combining these two iconic primate experiences requires careful planning to ensure that you avoid long hours of driving from one location to another and eliminate chances of getting tired due to unnecessary movements.
The best way of combining Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is by arriving in Africa via Entebbe International Airport which is 6 hours from Kibale and then head to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, then to Bwindi National park for gorilla trekking later departing Africa via Kigali International Airport which is just 4 hours from Bwindi via Katuna border crossing. Alternatively, you can arrive in Africa via Kigali International Airport, head to Bwindi for Gorilla trekking and finally head to Kibale for Chimpanzee trekking later departing Africa via Entebbe International Airport. This way you are able to avoid the long journey of approximately 10 Hours from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks.
You may also choose to arrive for your Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking tour via Entebbe International Airport, transfer to Kibale and Bwindi by road respectively and then fly from Kisoro or kihihi Airstrip to Entebbe to avoid the long drive of 10 hours between Entebbe and Bwindi.
Is it Worth it to combine Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
Yes, combining gorillas and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is worth it because it offers a diverse and enriching wildlife experience and it allows you to experience two incredible primate encounters in a single trip. Below is a detailed list of our top reasons why we think combining gorillas and chimpanzee trekking is worth it:
- Encountering both primate species offers a fascinating insight into these apes’ behavior and social structures. While mountain gorillas display a largely peaceful family dynamics, chimpanzees show very complex social interactions and animated encounters.
- These two iconic primate’s species inhabit slightly differing forest habitats with Chimpanzees inhabiting Kibale’s lower-altitude forest and Gorillas inhabiting the mist-covered peaks of Bwindi National Park. As a result, Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking end up offering differing hiking experiences and diverse flora and fauna.
- Trekking Gorillas and Chimpanzees is a once-in a life time opportunity and coming up-close with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats will create memories that will stay with you forever.
What Should be done First Gorilla Trekking Vs Chimpanzee Trekking?
You might find it hard to decide which one of the two primate experiences you should start with while on your Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda because you might be worried that doing Gorilla Trekking might be hectic and involves lots of which might stop you from appreciating the Chimps trekking and vis-vasa.
However, from experience we think that for a stress-free primate’s experience in Uganda, you should do chimpanzee trekking before gorilla trekking because chimpanzee trekking is often less physically demanding since it takes place on flatter terrain and involves less intense hiking than gorilla trekking. However, you should note that both Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking require a moderate level of fitness and you can choose to begin with any of the experiences based on your location in East Africa, the mode of transport used between flight and road and the time you have at hand for the trip.
What is the Best time to do a Combined Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour In Uganda?
Tailored trips that combine Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda are organized throughout the year since Uganda enjoys a pleasant climate with average temperatures of 25°C and cool nights most of the times. The rainiest Months in Uganda are March, April and May with shorter rains in October and November. Therefore, the best time to do a combined Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda is during the dry Months of June, July, August, September and then December, January and February.
What can you add on Your Combined Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour In Uganda?
In addition to your gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking experiences, you can add a Gorilla/Chimps habituation experience, a game park safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a Golden monkey tracking excursion, a hike of mountain Gahinga or Sabinyo, a second gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park or a stay at Lake Bunyonyi for boat excursions. You may also decide to stay by the beaches of Mombasa or Zanzibar, Hike Kilimanjaro Mountain or do a Big 5 animal/ wildebeest great migration safari in Tanzania or Kenya.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Uganda and What is the Cost of the Gorilla Permit?
In Uganda Gorilla Trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in South Western Uganda 10 Hours from Entebbe/Kampala and 4 Hours from Kigali-Rwanda.
Unlike Safari activities fees which can be booked or paid on spot, Gorilla Permits to see gorillas in Uganda have to be booked/purchased at least 2 years in advance. Uganda Gorilla Permits cost 800$ for Foreign non-resident, 700$ for the foreign resident and 300,000UGX for the East African Citizen.
Why book your Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour In Uganda with Engabi Tours and Travel?
Engabi Tours and Travel is an experienced local Uganda Tour Operator with intimate local knowledge about Gorilla trekking and game park safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We are also highly rated and recommended on TripAdvisor.
Our Recommended Packages for a Perfect Combined Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda:
5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour In Uganda
This 5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Safari is a top Primates excursion to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park two of the World’s major primates’ parks. The 5 Days ultimate Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking Safari combines Gorilla trekking experience and Kibale Forest National Park’s Chimpanzee Tracking Experience. The tour begins and ends in Entebbe/Kigali.
5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience In Uganda
This 5 Days Gorillas & Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda is a Primates ( Apes) Habituation experience Vacation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park that takes you Walking with the great Apes of Africa. The 5 Days Gorillas & Chimpanzee Habituation Experience tour in Uganda is good for those who want to spend more time (4 hours with Gorillas and Full day with Chimpanzees) with the world’s great apes of Uganda the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Our team can craft the perfect itinerary for you based on your budget, travel style, and desires.
Contact our expert team today to start planning your ultimate primate experience combining the best of Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.