About this tour
When Ngaio from the Global Hobo crew did this 8-day Uganda run, she tracked gorillas deep in the Impenetrable Forest, then swung by Kibale to clock chimpanzees and the full cast of savanna wildlife. You're based in Entebbe to start, then driven out to proper remote forest camps for two nights gorilla-hunting, before pivoting to chimp territory for another two nights—think Land Cruiser game drives catching tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, the lot. It's a proper mix of primate close-ups and classic safari, aimed at travellers who can handle some serious trekking and aren't squeamish about long days in transit.
Highlights
- Gorilla permit and trek through dense Impenetrable Forest canopy
- Face-to-face time with chimpanzee communities in Kibale
- Game drive surprises: tree-climbing lions and elephant herds
- Full-board lodges remove the food-hunting stress
- Experienced local guides who know the animals' habits
- 4x4 Land Cruiser handles rough roads without complaint
- Medical evacuation cover built into the price
What to expect
Days start early. You'll drive from Entebbe into the forest, which is beautiful but slow—roads aren't motorways. Once you hit the Impenetrable Forest camp, your guide preps you for the gorilla trek: it's steep, wet, and muddy, and you're moving quietly through thick bush for 2–4 hours to find a family. When you lock eyes with a 400-pound silverback ten metres away, the sweat and mosquitoes fade fast. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale follows a similar script, though chimps move more than gorillas so spotting them takes patience.
The safari bit—driving through Queen Elizabeth National Park or Fort Portal area—breaks up the forest intensity. You'll see proper wildlife from the vehicle, but it's not Serengeti-level abundance. Accommodation is solid: basic but clean lodges with hot showers and decent food. Ngaio reckoned the pacing was relentless but rewarding; you're not lazing around.
What travellers say
- Gorilla and chimp permits included—saves serious cash upfront
- Full-board lodges eliminate meal stress in remote areas
- Experienced local guides read animals and terrain fluently
- Robust 4x4 and evacuation cover handle emergencies
- Mix of forest trekking and classic game drives breaks routine
- Demanding fitness bar and uncomfortable for spinal/heart conditions
- Long driving days and early starts test patience and stamina
- Forest crowds at peak season dilute primate-spotting magic
- Visa prep required; can't wing it for most nationalities
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Gorilla and chimp permits are the real deal—permits alone run £500+ each, so getting them bundled in is smart. Full-board means no restaurant roulette in small towns. Your guide speaks English and knows where animals hang out. The 4x4 is worth the investment on these roads.
Early starts (5–6 a.m.) and long driving days knacker most people. Forest treks are genuinely tough—muddy, steep, humid—so you need real fitness, not gym-selfie fitness. Spinal injuries and dodgy hearts are deal-breakers; the bumpy roads and physical demands aren't forgiving. Kids under 15 aren't allowed; teens need an adult shadow. Peak seasons (June–August, December–January) draw crowds to the trails. Malaria is endemic, so antimalarials are non-negotiable. Bring sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and layers—forest weather is moody. Budget for tips to guides and porters. Visas for Uganda and Rwanda need sorting beforehand; only Rwanda offers on-arrival visas.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.