Can i combine Gorillas Wildlife and Chimps in one tour. It’s one of the most common questions our safari experts at Kenlink Tours receive: “Can I combine gorillas, wildlife and chimps in one tour?” Travelers dream of the mountain gorillas, but they also want lions, elephants and the excitement of a classic game drive. Then they discover that chimpanzees live just a few hours away, and the question becomes how to fit everything into one trip without spending the whole holiday in a vehicle.

The good news is simple. Yes, you can combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and a Big Game wildlife safari in a single tour, and Uganda is the best country in Africa to do it. In as little as five days, you can track chimps in Kibale Forest, cruise among hippos on the Kazinga Channel, search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This guide answers every practical question about planning a combined tour: which parks to visit, how many days you need, the best order to do things, what it costs, when to travel and the mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to build the perfect gorilla, chimp and wildlife adventure.

The Quick Answer: Yes, and Uganda Makes It Easy

If you only read one paragraph, make it this one. A combined gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife tour is not only possible, it’s the most popular safari style in Uganda. The country’s three headline experiences sit along one logical route in the southwest:

• Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
• Big Game wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Each park is roughly a half-day’s drive from the next, so the route flows naturally from north to south (or the reverse). A minimum of five days covers all three, while seven to eight days lets you enjoy them at a relaxed pace. Our 5 Days Chimps and Gorilla Safari is the classic starting point for travelers who want all three experiences in the shortest practical time.

Why Uganda Is the Best Place to Combine Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife

Several African countries offer one or two of these experiences. Very few offer all three as conveniently as Uganda does.

Rwanda has world-class gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, but its only savannah park, Akagera, is on the opposite side of the country. Kenya and Tanzania offer spectacular savannah safaris but have no mountain gorillas at all. The Democratic Republic of Congo has gorillas and chimps, but security conditions often make travel unpredictable.

Uganda, by contrast, sits where the East African savannah meets the Central African rainforest. That geography places dense primate forests and open game-viewing plains side by side. The country also offers some of the best-value gorilla permits in Africa, a friendly English-speaking population and a growing range of lodges for every budget. It’s why we often describe Uganda as a “one-stop safari destination.” You can read more about the country on our Uganda destination page.

Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife at a Glance

Before planning your route, it helps to understand how the three experiences differ. Each one has its own rhythm, physical demands and highlights.

Experience	Best Park	Time With Animals	Activity Level	Minimum Age
Gorilla trekking	Bwindi or Mgahinga	1 hour (4 hours on habituation)	Moderate to strenuous	15 years
Chimpanzee tracking	Kibale Forest	1 hour (full day on habituation)	Moderate	12 years
Wildlife safari	Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls	Game drives of 3 to 4 hours	Easy	No limit

This balance is exactly why the combination works so well. The game drives and boat cruises give your legs a rest between the two forest treks, and each day feels different from the last.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas on a Combined Tour

Uganda has two gorilla parks. The most famous is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Bwindi has four trekking sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, each with several habituated gorilla families. For a deeper look at the park, see this guide to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Pick and Transfer Safaris.

The second option is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, where you can also track rare golden monkeys. Mgahinga works especially well if you’re starting or ending your tour in Kigali, Rwanda.

On a combined tour, the Buhoma sector of Bwindi is usually the most convenient because it connects directly to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, home of the famous tree-climbing lions. If gorillas are your top priority and time is short, our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari focuses purely on the trek.

Where to See Chimpanzees on a Combined Tour

Kibale Forest National Park is the undisputed capital of chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. It holds around 1,500 chimpanzees along with 12 other primate species, and sightings on the morning and afternoon tracking sessions are highly reliable. You can learn more about the forest on the Kibale Forest National Park page.

There are two other options worth knowing about. Kyambura Gorge, a sunken forest inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, hosts a small chimp community in a dramatic setting, though sightings are less certain. Budongo Forest, near Murchison Falls, offers chimp tracking if you’re building a northern route.

For most travelers, Kibale is the right choice because it delivers the best sightings and sits neatly at the start of the southwestern circuit. Our 3 Days Chimp Tracking Safari to Kibale shows how rewarding even a short visit can be.

Where to Enjoy Big Game Wildlife on a Combined Tour

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the natural wildlife stop on a gorilla and chimp tour because it sits right between Kibale and Bwindi. Here you can enjoy game drives on the Kasenyi plains, search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which hosts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos. Expect elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthogs, leopards and more than 600 bird species. Read more on the Queen Elizabeth National Park destination guide, or see our own 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

Murchison Falls National Park in the north is Uganda’s largest park and adds giraffes, larger herds and the thundering Murchison Falls themselves. It requires extra days, so it’s best suited to tours of nine days or longer. The Murchison Falls National Park guide explains what makes it special.

How the Route Connects: Approximate Driving Times

Understanding distances is the key to a comfortable combined tour. Here are typical driving times between the main stops, based on our guides’ daily experience on these roads:

Route	Approximate Driving Time
Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale Forest	5 to 6 hours
Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park	2.5 to 3 hours
Queen Elizabeth (via Ishasha) to Bwindi Buhoma	3 to 4 hours
Bwindi to Entebbe or Kampala	8 to 10 hours
Bwindi (Rushaga) or Mgahinga to Kigali, Rwanda	4 to 5 hours
Kibale to Murchison Falls	6 to 7 hours

Times vary with weather and road works, and every drive includes scenery, roadside villages and often wildlife along the way. If you’d rather skip the long return drive, domestic flights connect Bwindi’s Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips with Entebbe in about an hour.

How Many Days Do You Need to Combine Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimps?

This depends on how much time you have and how relaxed you want the pace to be.

Four days is the absolute minimum, and it requires early starts and long drives. It works best for travelers with very tight schedules. Our 4 Days Uganda Primate Tour and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari are good examples of what’s possible.

Five to six days is the practical minimum for a proper combined tour. You’ll track chimps, enjoy a game drive and boat cruise, and trek gorillas, with one activity on most days.

Seven to eight days is the ideal length for most travelers. It includes rest time, a full day in Queen Elizabeth, the Ishasha lions and an optional relaxing stop at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mburo.

Nine days or more lets you add Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a second gorilla trek or a Rwanda extension.

Best Tour Lengths for Combining Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife

Here’s how our most popular combined tours compare, so you can match a trip to your available time:

• 5 days: 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour in Uganda, covering Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
• 7 days: 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, a relaxed pace with extra wildlife time
• 8 days: 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari, our best-selling all-rounder
• 10 days: 10 Days Best of Uganda Primates, Wildlife and Culture, adding cultural encounters
• 18 days: 18-Day Adventure Uganda, covering almost every major park

For comparison, Pick and Transfer Safaris offers a 7 Days Uganda Safari one-week tour and a longer 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife itinerary that includes Murchison Falls.

A Sample 6-Day Gorilla, Chimp and Wildlife Itinerary

To show how smoothly the combination works, here’s a balanced six-day route:

• Day 1: Entebbe to Kibale. Drive west through tea plantations and the crater lakes near Fort Portal. Overnight near Kibale Forest.
• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking. Morning chimp tracking in Kibale, then an afternoon walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birds and monkeys.
• Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth. Drive south, crossing the equator, for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
• Day 4: Game drive and Ishasha. Early morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains, then continue through Ishasha to look for tree-climbing lions before arriving in Bwindi.
• Day 5: Gorilla trekking. The highlight of the trip: a full morning in Bwindi with a habituated gorilla family, followed by an optional community walk.
• Day 6: Return. Drive back to Entebbe, stopping at Lake Mburo, or fly from Kihihi airstrip.

This route can easily be stretched to seven or eight days by adding an extra night in Queen Elizabeth or a relaxing stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

Should I Do Chimps or Gorillas First?

Travelers often ask which great ape they should see first. Our guides usually recommend chimpanzees first, then wildlife, then gorillas, for three reasons.

First, it follows the geography. Starting in Entebbe, Kibale is the first park you reach, and Bwindi is the last. Second, it builds the experience. Chimp tracking is fast and energetic, game drives are relaxed and varied, and gorilla trekking delivers a calm, emotional finale. Third, it gives you a fitness warm-up. The chimp trek on gentler terrain helps you find your forest legs before the steeper slopes of Bwindi.

That said, if you’re flying into Kigali, the reverse order makes more sense. You can trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga first, continue to Queen Elizabeth, finish with chimps in Kibale and fly out of Entebbe. Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari starting from Rwanda follows exactly this pattern.

Can I Combine Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Across Uganda and Rwanda?

Absolutely. Many travelers combine both countries in one trip, and the border crossing between southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda is straightforward. A cross-border tour might include gorillas in Uganda, chimps in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest, golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera.

Rwanda’s gorilla permit costs significantly more than Uganda’s, so many travelers trek gorillas in Uganda and enjoy Rwanda’s other attractions, such as Lake Kivu, Kigali’s culture and the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Others choose a “double gorilla” experience and trek in both countries.

Popular cross-border options include our 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari, 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari and the 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate and Big-Five Safari Adventure. Pick and Transfer Safaris also runs a 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari along a similar route.

Can I Add Kenya or Tanzania for the Great Migration?

Yes. Some travelers want gorillas and chimps in Uganda plus the vast herds of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara. This works well on a tour of 12 days or longer, with a short regional flight linking the countries. Our 14-Day East Africa Safari: Uganda Gorillas and Serengeti Wildlife is designed for exactly this type of grand East African journey.

How Much Does a Combined Gorilla, Chimp and Wildlife Tour Cost?

The total cost of a combined tour depends on four main factors: the number of days, the accommodation level, the number of people sharing the vehicle and the season. Permits make up a large share of the budget.

At the time of writing, approximate Uganda Wildlife Authority permit prices for foreign non-residents are around US$800 for a gorilla trekking permit and around US$250 for a chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale. Park entry fees, a private 4×4 vehicle with a driver-guide, fuel, accommodation and meals make up the rest. Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can change, so we always confirm current rates when you book.

To keep costs down, consider these tips:

• Travel in a small group. Vehicle and guide costs are shared, lowering the price per person.
• Choose mid-range or budget lodges. The wildlife experience is the same whatever lodge you choose.
• Travel in the shoulder or green seasons. Many lodges offer discounts from March to May and in November.
• Join a scheduled departure. Our scheduled departure safaris offer set dates at shared-cost prices.
• Consider self-drive. Confident drivers can save on guide costs with our 4×4 car hire service, though we still recommend a guide for first-time visitors.

When Is the Best Time to Combine Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife?

You can do a combined tour at any time of year, because gorillas and chimps don’t migrate and Uganda’s equatorial climate stays mild. However, the seasons do affect conditions.

June to September and December to February are the drier months. Forest trails are firmer, and animals gather around water sources in the savannah parks, making game viewing easier. These are the most popular months, so book permits three to six months ahead.

March to May and October to November are the wetter months. Expect afternoon rain, muddy trails and lush green scenery. The upside is fewer visitors, lower lodge prices, excellent birding and dramatic photography light. Showers usually pass quickly, and treks rarely get cancelled.

If you have flexible dates, the shoulder months of late May, early June, late November and early December often offer the best balance of weather and availability.

Is It Too Tiring to Do Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife in One Trip?

This is a fair question, especially for older travelers or those with less hiking experience. The honest answer is that a well-designed combined tour is very manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Chimp tracking in Kibale takes place on relatively flat forest trails and usually lasts two to four hours. Game drives and boat cruises are seated activities. Gorilla trekking is the most demanding part, with steep, muddy slopes, and treks can last from one to six hours. The key is pacing. By placing wildlife days between the two treks, your body gets time to recover.

Here are a few tips that make the experience easier:

• Hire a porter at the gorilla trailhead. They carry your bag and give you a helping hand on slopes, and the fee supports local families.
• Tell your guide about your fitness level. Rangers try to assign easier-to-reach gorilla families to travelers who need them.
• Use a walking stick. These are provided free at most trailheads.
• Prepare before you travel. Regular walks and stair climbing in the weeks before your trip make a real difference.

Where Will I Stay on a Combined Tour?

Each stop on a combined tour offers accommodation in every price range. Near Kibale, lodges overlook crater lakes and tea estates. In Queen Elizabeth, you can stay on the Mweya Peninsula above the Kazinga Channel or in quiet camps near Ishasha. In Bwindi, lodges perch on forested hillsides where you can sometimes hear gorillas from your veranda.

We match your lodges to your budget and travel style, choosing properties our team has personally inspected. Whether you prefer simple, comfortable bandas or high-end forest lodges with spa treatments, we’ll make sure each night adds to your experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife

After years of planning combined tours, our team has seen a few mistakes that can affect a trip. Avoid these, and your safari will run smoothly:

• Booking flights before permits. Gorilla permits are limited to eight people per family each day. Secure your permit first, then book flights.
• Squeezing too much into too few days. A four-day tour is possible, but you’ll spend a lot of time driving. Add a day or two if you can.
• Choosing the wrong Bwindi sector. Sectors are hours apart. Your gorilla sector must match your route, which is why booking through an experienced operator matters.
• Packing for the savannah only. Forest treks need waterproof boots, long sleeves, gloves and a rain jacket.
• Ignoring health requirements. A yellow fever certificate is required for Uganda, and you can’t trek if you’re sick, since great apes can catch human illnesses.
• Skipping travel insurance. Always travel with insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip changes.

Who Is a Combined Gorilla, Chimp and Wildlife Tour Best For?

The beauty of a combined tour is that it suits almost every type of traveler.

First-time safari travelers get the full African experience in one trip, with variety every day. Honeymooners and couples love the mix of adventure and romantic lodges overlooking forests and lakes. Photographers enjoy three completely different subjects, from misty forests to golden savannah light. Families with teenagers (15 years and older for gorillas) find that each day brings something new to keep everyone engaged. Wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the depth of Uganda’s biodiversity, from primates to predators to over 1,000 bird species.

Even travelers who prefer a gentler pace can enjoy a combined tour by choosing a longer itinerary and comfortable lodges.

How to Book Your Combined Gorilla, Chimp and Wildlife Tour

Booking a combined tour is easier than it seems when you work with a licensed local operator. Here’s how it works with Kenlink Tours:

1. Tell us your dates, budget and interests. Let us know how many travelers are in your group and what you’d most like to see.
2. Receive a tailored itinerary. Our team designs a route that balances gorillas, chimps and wildlife around your preferences.
3. Secure your permits. Once you confirm, we book your gorilla and chimp permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
4. Finalize lodges and logistics. We arrange accommodation, vehicles, guides and airport transfers.
5. Travel with confidence. Your professional driver-guide stays with you from arrival to departure.

Since 2010, our team has planned hundreds of combined primate and wildlife safaris. You can learn more about our story on the About Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see gorillas and chimps on the same day?

Not on a standard tour. Kibale and Bwindi are about six to seven hours apart, and both treks start in the morning. Plan at least one day between them, ideally spent on a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

What is the shortest tour that includes gorillas, chimps and wildlife?

Four days is the minimum, but it involves long drives. Five to six days is far more comfortable and is what we recommend for most travelers.

Can I see the Big Five on a combined tour?

Uganda has four of the Big Five, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo, in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Rhinos can be seen on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to Murchison Falls, making all five possible on a longer tour.

Is a combined tour suitable for children?

Children must be at least 15 to trek gorillas and generally at least 12 to track chimpanzees in Kibale. Younger children can enjoy game drives, boat cruises and nature walks while an adult treks.

Do I need to book permits in advance?

Yes. Gorilla permits in particular sell out months ahead in peak season. We recommend booking at least three to six months before travel.

Can I combine gorillas, chimps and wildlife in Rwanda only?

Yes, by visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks, though distances between them are longer. Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari shows how this works, and our 6-Day Rwanda Adventures with Great Apes and Lake Kivu adds a relaxing lakeside finish.

Yes, You Can Combine Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimps in One Tour

So, can you combine gorillas, wildlife and chimps in one tour? Without a doubt. Uganda places Africa’s two great apes and a classic Big Game safari along one compact, scenic route. In less than a week, you can share a forest trail with chimpanzees, watch lions rest in fig trees, cruise past hundreds of hippos and sit quietly in the presence of a mountain gorilla family.

The secret to a great combined tour lies in the planning: the right number of days, the right order, the right gorilla sector and permits secured well in advance. That’s where an experienced local team makes all the difference.

Ready to plan your gorilla, chimp and wildlife adventure? Contact Kenlink Tours today for a free, tailor-made itinerary, and one of our safari experts will reply within 24 hours.