Uganda chimp and gorilla self-drive double — combining a Kibale Forest chimpanzee trekking day with a Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla trekking day on the same road trip — is the most species-rich primate experience in East Africa and one of the most distinctive itinerary structures available to a Uganda self-drive visitor. The Uganda chimp gorilla self-drive double is logistically straightforward: Kibale Forest NP and Bwindi Impenetrable NP are 3 hours apart by road through Fort Portal and Kabale, and the combined primate double fits into 4 to 5 days from Kampala, including one full night in Fort Portal, one night near Kibale (for a dawn chimp trek) and two nights near Bwindi (for a dawn gorilla trek). This guide covers the Uganda chimp gorilla self-drive double for 2027/2028 visitors.
The 5-Day Uganda Chimp and Gorilla Self-Drive Double Itinerary
- Day 1: Kampala to Fort Portal (310km, 5 to 6 hours): Depart Kampala early via the A109 (Mityana Road west), pass through Mubende and Kyegegwa, arrive Fort Portal by early afternoon. Explore the Fort Portal crater lakes area in the afternoon — the Nyinambuga and Kyaninga crater lakes are 30 minutes from town and provide a scenic late afternoon walk without requiring an extra park fee.
- Day 2: Fort Portal to Kibale, chimpanzee trek, overnight near Kibale: Depart Fort Portal at 7am — the Kibale UWA office at Kanyanchu is 35km south of Fort Portal (45-minute drive). The morning chimp trek departs at 8am from the Kanyanchu visitor centre. The trek typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on chimp location within the forest. After the trek, drive south from Kibale toward Bwindi (Ishasha route via Queen Elizabeth NP: 3.5 hours) or the Kabale direct route (4 hours via Kasese and Kabale). Overnight at Kabale town or directly at the Bwindi park boundary.
- Day 3: Bwindi gorilla trekking day: The gorilla trekking briefing at the Bwindi sector of permit booking departs at 8am. Treks range from 1 hour to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s position in the forest. After the trek (typically 2pm to 4pm return), rest at camp/lodge near the park. This is the most intense day physically and emotionally — allow full rest in the afternoon.
- Day 4: Bwindi to Kampala return (490km, 7 to 9 hours): Depart Bwindi by 6am for a return drive to Kampala via Kabale, Mbarara, and Masaka. This is a long driving day — a Lake Mburo NP stop (2-hour afternoon game drive) is ideal on the Mbarara to Kampala leg.
- Day 5 (optional): Lake Mburo addition: Stay overnight at Lake Mburo after Day 4’s game drive to break up the Bwindi-Kampala return and add zebra and impala wildlife.
Booking Requirements for the Primate Double
- Kibale chimp permit: USD 200/person via UWA (ugandawildlife.org) — book 4 to 6 weeks ahead
- Bwindi gorilla permit: USD 800/person via UWA — book 2 to 4 months ahead
- Vehicle: Land Cruiser V8 or 78 Series required for Bwindi (particularly Nkuringo sector approach roads)
