Combines chimpanzee trekking at Kibale with chimpanzees and gorilla trekking in Gahinga.
2026 Rates from $6940 per person in low season for this all-inclusive 9-night safari.
Trekking mountain gorillas in dense African forests is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Groups of eight visit per day, maintaining a 10m distance to protect the gorillas. Treks last 3-8 hours, requiring some fitness, but all levels are accommodated for this unforgettable adventure.
Experience the thrill of trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, the ‘Primate Capital of the World’. Spend a morning or afternoon observing the dynamic chimp families swinging through the canopy and filling the air with their vibrant calls, all in their natural habitat.
The Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, located near Kibale and Kyambura Gorge Lodge, features a gallery and bronze foundry showcasing world-class sculptures inspired by Uganda’s clan totems. In 2024, VSPT partnered with the Foundation to support local artists. Guests can view sculptures at Kibale Lodge and visit the Foundation.
Attend a fascinating lecture by Emily Otaali, primatologist and Field Director of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. Gain valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior, tracking expectations, and conservation importance.
Golden monkeys, with their striking golden fur and playful nature, inhabit the volcanic foothills of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Treks lead through bamboo forests and moorlands, offering a chance to observe these rare primates in their natural habitat.
Join a veterinarian from Gorilla Doctors for an enlightening briefing on gorilla health and conservation strategies. Learn about their unique One Health approach and life-saving veterinary practices dedicated solely to the conservation of endangered mountain and eastern lowland gorillas.
The Batwa Cultural Heritage Site at Mount Gahinga Lodge preserves Batwa traditions through a herbal garden, traditional huts, and a trail where they demonstrate forest life, hunting, and honey collection to Volcanoes Safaris guests. The VSPT aims to expand this site to safeguard Batwa culture.
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The Batwa are thought to be one of the oldest surviving indigenous people in the Central African Region. Known for their unique culture in the forests, the Batwa of the Virunga Mountains survived by hunting small game, gathering plants and fruits, living in caves and constructing huts of leaves and branches.
Arrive in Uganda at Entebbe Airport where a Volcanoes Safaris representative will assist you to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel No. 5 (dinner, breakfast)
Transfer from your hotel to Entebbe airport where a representative will assist you with your domestic flight to Kasese airstrip, where you will be welcomed by your expert Volcanoes Safaris guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari.
Drive for approximately 1 hour to Kibale Lodge, near Kibale National Park. Visit the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation on the way and learn about the cultural partnership with Volcanoes Safaris to display sculptures relating to the traditional clans of Uganda around the lodge.
Kibale lodge has stunning panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the west, and the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga channel to the south. In the afternoon visit a local school as part of the Roots and Shoots program which aims to build women leaders in conservation, in partnership with Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a fireside chat with a vet from the Kibale Chimpanzee project and learn about their daily work looking after the health of the chimpanzees.
Flying time between 1 to 1.5 hours, driving time 1 hour.
Overnight at Kibale Lodge (lunch, dinner)
Flying time between 1 to 1.5 hours, driving time 1-2 hour.
In the morning, go birding in the Bigodi Wetland. The reserve is abundant with butterflies, plants, animals and birds, including the elusive Red Colobus monkeys and Sitatunga antelope. Spectacular species including the Great Blue Turaco and rare Papyrus Gonolek will be of great interest to birders.
Spend the afternoon trekking the exuberant chimp families in Kibale forest, the Primate Capital of the World. Seeing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above is a thrilling experience. The forest quickly becomes alive with their noisy calls.
Overnight at Kibale Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Transfer to Kasese Airstrip for an early morning flight to Kisoro. Transfer by road for 1 to 2 hours to Mount Gahinga Lodge. The lodge is located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes and on the edge of Mgahinga National Park.
In the afternoon visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. On your tour, you will visit their new village and community centre and can participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour to gain insight into their traditional life as hunter gatherers in the forest.
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a fireside chat with a vet from the Gorilla Doctors and learn about their daily work looking after the health of the mountain gorillas.
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
After enjoying an early breakfast, set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment.
After a climb of between one and three hours the moment you find the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged one. You will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch.
Gorilla trekking requires stamina and can sometimes take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
Relax after your day’s tracking experience and enjoy a complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage at Gahinga Spa and Sauna. Visit the Batwa Vocational Center and see how the community are earning a sustainable income through craft making.
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Transfer from Mount Gahinga Lodge to Kisoro airstrip for your morning flight to Entebbe and then connect to your international flight.
Approximate Travel Times: Flying 1 to 1.5 hours; Driving time 1 hour.
Please book international flights departing after 7pm.
(Breakfast at the lodge)
To make a booking, please complete this form or click here to chat to one of our sales consultants via our live chat. Alternatively, send us an email on [email protected].
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