Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking on a weekend in Uganda

Yes! One can choose to do a Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking on a weekend though it needs careful time management and planning. chimpanzee trekking safari can be done on Sunday in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park or Kibale Forest National Park while Gorilla trekking safari can be done on Saturday in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is advisable to book accommodations and trekking permits in advance to avoid last minute confusion and panic. Visitors are also advised to plan for long drives or book flights on Friday and Sunday evenings considering the travel time between the locations.

Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done by flying into Kihihi on Friday evening, Gorilla trekking can be done on Saturday from both Mgahinga Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park on Saturday. After Gorilla trekking safari, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park immediately which takes 5 to 6 hours for chimpanzee trekking on Sunday.

On the other hand, you can take a morning flight from Entebbe to Kihihi and do gorilla trekking in the afternoon, then drive to Kibale Forest National Park for an overnight stay before doing chimpanzee trekking the following day. This tight itinerary requires careful planning, preparing for long flights or drives and booking flights and trekking permits in advance giving tourists a chance to see the amazing primates on a weekend. Combining these trips can be time and cost friendly other than taking one safari at a time.

Where can I do Gorilla trekking in Uganda on a weekend?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks located in Southern region. Bwindi has more than 468 mountain gorillas divided into four trekking sectors namely; Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma and Ruhija. Mgahinga also offers gorilla trekking safari in the Virunga mountains though it is smaller. Both offer an opportunity too see these creatures close in their natural environment.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in South Western Uganda. It is 33.7 kilometers and forms part of the Virunga mountains sharing boarders with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has an estimation of 40 endangered mountain gorillas divided into two habituated groups. The park is home to a variety of wildlife like elephants, golden monkeys, buffaloes among others with more than 180 bird species.

The Park also provides several safari activities for example cultural experiences with the Batwa, birdwatching, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing and others which gives visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park and know more about the region’s cultural heritage.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is found in Southwestern Uganda.It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a home to an estimation of 468 endangered mountain gorillas divided in different habituated groups. The Park has over 200 butterflies, a wide ecosystem supporting more than 1200 plant species,331 square kilometers of dense, misty forests with steep hills, valleys and sparkling streams. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers several safari activities like gorilla habituation, birdwatching, cultural experiences, gorilla trekking among others which allows tourists to dive into the park’s rich culture and natural beauty. These activities are done from four main sectors that is Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma.

Where to do a chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda on weekend

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done from many destinations for example Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Ngamba island, Bigodi wetland sanctuary and many others. These destinations offer guided walks to see chimpanzees in their natura environment. Kibale Forest National Park is the most visited for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale Forest National Park known as the Primate capital is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees and provides guided tours to view these incredible creatures.

Kibale Forest National Park

 Kibale Forest National Park is found in Western Uganda covering 795 square kilometers. The park is a protected area famous for its exceptional primate diversity with more than 1500 chimpanzees,13 primate species and other wildlife. The lush forest of the park clearly seen during the rainy season ,tropical forest has towering trees vibrant flora, sparkling streams creating a habitat for more than 350 species of birds, 70 species of mammals and 140 butterfly species. Visitors enjoy cultural experiences, bird watching, tea plantation tours, chimpanzee habituation and chimpanzee trekking which makes Kibale a preferred destination for adventure lovers.

Weekend Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

You are transferred to the park’s headquarters on the first day for briefing about the expectations, rules and regulations of the park during gorilla trekking by local guides.

After briefing the walk through the forest trails starts and is led by experienced rangers and guides. gorilla trekking takes 30 minutes to 6 hours and roads become slippery and muddy and you ascend to higher altitudes. Visitors for this activity are supposed to be physically fit. After finding gorillas, you are given one hour to takes pictures and videos of them feeding, playing, making nests, grooming and doing other activities. Using flash light is discouraged because it disrupts gorillas. The gorilla trekking adventure is tiring but results are rewarding because all fatigue is gone after finding the gorillas.

Thereafter, you are given picnic lunch and drinking water because the journey requires energy.

You are the taken to the starting point where you are rewarded with gorilla trekking certificates for participation.

Weekend Chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park begins from Kanyanchun Visitor center in Northern part of the park. The chimpanzee trekking tour begins with rules and regulations from experienced tour guides and rangers in the morning. After briefing, you are grouped into groups of 6 people each escorted by 2 guides who help you track the chimpanzees. While looking for chimpanzees, you will be entertained by the wonderful views of the park. Chimpanzee trekking takes 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the location of the chimpaanzees. When you finally find them, you are allowed to be in their presence for an hour watching how they use their tools to get what to eat, hunting habits and their means of communication through gestures and signs. You will be surprised that their ways are similar to those of humans. Being in the chimpanzee presence helps visitors appreciate nature. After one hour, tourists are led to the starting point where they are rewarded chimpanzee trekking certificates for participation.

What is the best time to do chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda on a weekend?

Dry season is the best time to do chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda. That is from June to August and December to February. This is because the weather is favorable and roads are not muddy which gives better viewing opportunities and navigation. You are advised to book accommodations and permits in advance because weekends are peak times for trekking due to summer and school holidays.

What do you pack for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda on a weekend?

Essentials for a weekend chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda include passports, permits, comfortable clothes, sturdy hiking boots, a water proof jacket, hat, gloves water bottle snacks and a lunch box. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, warm clothing for cold evenings, a camera for capturing moments and a first aid kit for personal care among others.

How do you get gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits on a weekend in Uganda? gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits can be got from either Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government organization in charge of tourism or Giant Holiday Safaris, a reputable tour company. Booking through us saves you from UWA’s bureaucracy delays. Chimpanzee trekking permits cost 250 USD per person per trek while a gorilla trekking permit costs 800 USD per trek per person.

Permit details include name, nationality, travel date. you are required to make payment through an online platform or designated bank. Once payment is confirmed, permits are issued and you will receive a confirmation letter on your email that you will present at the park’s entrance on your tour day. booking is advisable 3 to 6 months prior. The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and above while the age limit for chimpanzee trekking is 12 years and above as regulated by UWA to minimize accidents.

With proper planning, visitors can tour the lush vegetations in Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park while personally watching Africa’s most iconic primates that is gorillas and agile chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking tours contribute to conservation research and efforts while giving wildlife lovers a memorable and meaningful experience.