3-Week Great Apes Safari in Tanzania and Uganda: Gorillas, Chimpanzees and African Wildlife
Introduction: Discover the Great Apes of Tanzania and Uganda
A 3-week great apes safari in Tanzania and Uganda offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover some of Africa’s most fascinating primates in their natural habitats. These two East African countries provide contrasting but complementary wildlife experiences, ranging from mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda to chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania’s remote western forests.
Uganda is internationally recognised for its endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys, while Tanzania offers exceptional opportunities to encounter wild chimpanzees in the forests bordering Lake Tanganyika.
From the tropical rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest in Uganda to the remote wilderness of Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks in Tanzania, this journey explores some of Africa’s most important primate habitats.
Beyond primate encounters, travellers can enjoy classic African wildlife experiences in Tanzania’s savannah parks, scenic landscapes, cultural encounters and beautiful Lake Tanganyika.
With 21 days available, visitors can combine mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey encounters and traditional wildlife safaris into one unforgettable East African adventure.
Why Choose Tanzania and Uganda for a Great Apes Safari?
Tanzania and Uganda are among the most rewarding destinations for travellers interested in primates and African wildlife.
Uganda is home to mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It also protects important chimpanzee populations in Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge.
Tanzania is particularly famous for its wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks, both situated along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Combining the two countries provides an opportunity to experience two different types of primate adventure: trekking through Uganda’s tropical mountain forests to encounter gorillas and exploring Tanzania’s remote western wilderness in search of wild chimpanzees.
The Great Apes and Other Primates to Discover
1. Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the world’s most important mountain gorilla conservation areas.
Located in southwestern Uganda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a dense tropical rainforest inhabited by several habituated mountain gorilla families.
Mountain gorilla trekking involves hiking through the forest with experienced park rangers to locate an assigned gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are found, visitors are normally allowed one hour to observe their behaviour. Watching a silverback protecting his family, young gorillas playing and mothers caring for their infants is among Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Uganda also offers a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, subject to availability and permit requirements.
2. Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, Uganda
Kibale Forest National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated chimpanzee tracking destinations.
The park protects an extensive tropical rainforest supporting a remarkable diversity of primates.
Visitors can join guided chimpanzee tracking excursions to observe wild chimpanzees feeding, grooming, communicating and moving through the forest canopy.
Kibale also offers chimpanzee habituation experiences, allowing visitors to spend additional time learning about chimpanzee behaviour and conservation.
Other primates include red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys.
3. Chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania
Gombe Stream National Park is one of Tanzania’s most famous primate destinations and is closely associated with the pioneering chimpanzee research of Dr Jane Goodall.
Situated along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe protects a unique forest ecosystem that supports wild chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzee tracking involves walking along forest trails with experienced park guides to locate chimpanzee groups.
The experience provides an opportunity to observe their social relationships, feeding habits, communication and family interactions.
Gombe is also an important destination for understanding chimpanzee conservation and the history of primatology.
4. Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park is another exceptional destination for wild chimpanzee encounters.
Located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is famous for its forest-covered mountains, clear waters and chimpanzee populations.
The park offers guided chimpanzee tracking experiences through tropical forest habitats.
Unlike conventional savannah safaris, visiting Mahale involves exploring a remote wilderness environment where visitors can combine forest trekking with boat journeys and lakeside relaxation.
Mahale is particularly attractive to travellers looking for an exclusive and adventurous wildlife experience.
5. Golden Monkeys in Uganda
Golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, particularly Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Their distinctive golden-orange fur and playful behaviour make golden monkey trekking an exciting addition to a great apes safari.
Although golden monkeys are not great apes, they are an important part of the region’s primate diversity.
Visitors can combine golden monkey trekking with mountain gorilla experiences and cultural encounters around the Virunga volcanic landscape.
21-Day Tanzania and Uganda Great Apes Safari Itinerary
This itinerary begins in Entebbe, Uganda, and finishes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It combines mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and Tanzania’s western wildlife destinations.
Because Gombe and Mahale are remote parks, this itinerary is best organised using a combination of road transfers, scheduled flights and boat transfers where necessary.
Days 1–2: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, explore Entebbe town, visit the botanical gardens or enjoy beautiful views of Lake Victoria.
These initial days allow travellers to recover from international travel and prepare for the adventure.
Activities:
- Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
- Entebbe town exploration.
- Optional Lake Victoria boat excursion.
- Safari briefing.
Overnight: Entebbe.
Days 3–4: Murchison Falls National Park
Travel northwards to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park.
The park is famous for its savannah wildlife and spectacular waterfall, where the River Nile squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge.
Enjoy game drives in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions and other wildlife.
A Nile River boat cruise offers opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and numerous waterbirds.
You can also arrange chimpanzee tracking in the neighbouring Budongo Forest Reserve, subject to availability.
Activities:
- Murchison Falls sightseeing.
- Wildlife game drives.
- Nile River boat cruise.
- Optional Budongo chimpanzee tracking.
Overnight: Murchison Falls area.
Days 5–7: Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking
Continue southwest towards Kibale Forest National Park.
The forest is one of the major highlights of Uganda’s primate tourism industry and is renowned for its chimpanzee population.
Join a guided chimpanzee tracking excursion to explore the forest and locate wild chimpanzee communities.
An additional day can be reserved for chimpanzee habituation, subject to availability and the applicable permit.
Other activities include:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk.
- Birdwatching.
- Community visits.
- Guided forest walks.
- Primate photography.
Overnight: Kibale Forest area.
Days 8–9: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations.
The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its concentrations of hippos and other wildlife.
You can also visit Kyambura Gorge for guided chimpanzee tracking.
Activities:
- Morning and afternoon game drives.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Optional Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking.
- Ishasha sector visit to look for tree-climbing lions.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Days 10–12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla habitats.
This is one of the most anticipated experiences of the entire safari.
On your scheduled trekking day, report to the assigned park headquarters for registration and a briefing before entering the forest with experienced rangers.
The duration of the trek depends on the location of the assigned gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, visitors are normally allowed one hour to observe them.
Additional activities include:
- A second gorilla trekking experience.
- Gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga, subject to availability.
- Batwa cultural experience.
- Guided forest walks.
- Birdwatching.
Overnight: Bwindi.
Days 13–14: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Golden Monkey Trekking
Continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
The park forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area and offers spectacular scenery, bamboo forests and opportunities to encounter rare primates.
Golden monkey trekking is the main recommended activity.
Visitors can also enjoy the Batwa cultural experience and guided nature walks around the volcanic mountain landscape.
Activities:
- Golden monkey trekking.
- Batwa cultural experience.
- Virunga volcano sightseeing.
- Optional guided mountain walk.
Overnight: Mgahinga or Kisoro.
Day 15: Travel to Tanzania – Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Travel to Entebbe or another suitable departure airport for your international or regional flight to Tanzania.
Depending on flight availability, connect to Dar es Salaam and arrange your overnight accommodation.
This day is dedicated to the international transfer between Uganda and Tanzania.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam.
Days 16–17: Travel to Gombe Stream National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking
Fly towards Kigoma in western Tanzania, the gateway to Gombe Stream National Park.
From Kigoma, continue by boat along Lake Tanganyika to reach the park.
Gombe is one of Africa’s most renowned chimpanzee research and conservation destinations.
Join guided chimpanzee tracking excursions through the forest to encounter wild chimpanzee communities.
The forest is also home to other primates, including red colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
Activities:
- Boat transfer along Lake Tanganyika.
- Chimpanzee tracking.
- Guided forest walks.
- Birdwatching.
- Lake Tanganyika sightseeing.
Overnight: Gombe or Kigoma, depending on the accommodation arrangement.
Days 18–19: Mahale Mountains National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking
Continue your primate adventure towards Mahale Mountains National Park, another important chimpanzee habitat along Lake Tanganyika.
The park is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, tropical forests and wild chimpanzee populations.
Guided chimpanzee tracking offers opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.
The surrounding landscape provides excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation after forest excursions.
Activities:
- Chimpanzee tracking.
- Guided forest exploration.
- Lake Tanganyika boat excursions.
- Swimming and lakeside relaxation where conditions permit.
- Wildlife and bird photography.
Overnight: Mahale area.
Day 20: Return to Kigoma and Connect to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, transfer by boat towards Kigoma.
Connect with your scheduled flight arrangements to return to Dar es Salaam.
Depending on the transport schedule, an overnight stop may be necessary in Kigoma or another transit location.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam or Kigoma, depending on flight connections.
Day 21: Departure from Dar es Salaam
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a short city excursion or relax before transferring to Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Your three-week Tanzania and Uganda great apes safari concludes with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, wild chimpanzees, tropical rainforests and Lake Tanganyika.
Great Apes and Primate Species You Can Encounter
This itinerary offers opportunities to encounter several remarkable primates:
- Mountain gorillas – Bwindi and Mgahinga, Uganda.
- Chimpanzees – Kibale Forest, Uganda.
- Chimpanzees – Budongo Forest, Uganda.
- Chimpanzees – Gombe Stream, Tanzania.
- Chimpanzees – Mahale Mountains, Tanzania.
- Golden monkeys – Mgahinga, Uganda.
- Red colobus monkeys – Gombe and other forest habitats.
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys – Uganda’s forest ecosystems.
- Red-tailed monkeys – Uganda and Tanzania.
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are great apes, while golden monkeys, colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys are additional primate species.
Great Apes Safari Permit Costs
Permits are essential for mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.
The following are indicative international visitor rates for selected activities. Confirm current prices and conditions with the relevant wildlife authorities before booking.
| Activity | Destination | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain gorilla trekking | Uganda | US$800 |
| Gorilla habituation | Uganda | US$1,500 |
| Chimpanzee tracking | Kibale, Uganda | US$250 |
| Chimpanzee habituation | Kibale, Uganda | US$300 |
| Golden monkey trekking | Uganda | US$100 |
| Chimpanzee tracking | Gombe, Tanzania | US$150 |
| Chimpanzee tracking | Mahale, Tanzania | US$150 |
These fees do not include accommodation, transport, domestic flights, boat transfers, meals or other park charges. Tanzania’s remote western parks require additional logistical planning, so the overall cost can be considerably higher than a conventional road safari.
Best Time for a Tanzania and Uganda Great Apes Safari
Uganda and Tanzania can be visited throughout the year, although the preferred season depends on the activities and destinations.
January to February: Generally favourable for gorilla trekking in Uganda and chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania.
March to May: Wetter conditions can make forest trekking more challenging. Some remote transport arrangements in western Tanzania may also be affected by weather.
June to September: Generally one of the best periods for Uganda’s gorilla trekking and Tanzania’s western chimpanzee destinations.
October to November: Rainfall increases in some areas, but primate tracking continues.
December: A popular travel period with opportunities for both primate encounters and wildlife viewing.
For Gombe and Mahale, the drier months are generally preferred because forest trails can be easier to navigate and chimpanzees may be easier to locate.
Accommodation During the 21-Day Safari
The itinerary can be organised with budget, midrange or luxury accommodation.
Entebbe offers comfortable hotels and lakeside accommodation. Kibale and Queen Elizabeth have rainforest lodges and safari camps, while Bwindi and Mgahinga provide forest lodges and mountain-view accommodation.
In Tanzania, Gombe and Mahale have more limited accommodation options because of their remote locations. Accommodation arrangements should be confirmed well in advance, especially when travelling during the popular chimpanzee tracking season.
Mahale in particular is best suited to travellers seeking a remote wilderness experience and comfortable lakeside safari accommodation.
Transport: Private Guided Safari or Self-Drive Adventure?
A Tanzania and Uganda great apes safari can be arranged using private safari vehicles, scheduled flights and organised boat transfers.
In Uganda, a reliable 4×4 Land Cruiser or similar safari vehicle is recommended for travelling between Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Mgahinga.
For Tanzania’s western parks, domestic flights and boat transfers are particularly important.
Gombe and Mahale are not conventional road-accessible safari destinations. Travellers should plan their flights to Kigoma, park transfers and boat arrangements in advance.
A fully self-drive version is possible for some sections of the Uganda and Tanzania journey, but the complete itinerary is more practical as a guided safari with organised transport for the remote parks.
What to Pack for a Great Apes Safari
Travellers should prepare for tropical rainforest conditions and different climates across the two countries.
Recommended items include:
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trekking trousers.
- Waterproof jacket and rain trousers.
- Gardening or trekking gloves.
- Comfortable hiking socks.
- Small waterproof daypack.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Binoculars.
- Camera with a suitable zoom lens.
- Reusable drinking water bottle.
- Personal medication.
- Lightweight clothing for Lake Tanganyika.
- Small waterproof bags for boat transfers.
Neutral-coloured clothing and good-quality trekking equipment are particularly useful when exploring dense rainforest environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania and Uganda Great Apes Safaris
1. Can I see mountain gorillas in Tanzania?
No. Tanzania does not have wild mountain gorillas. Uganda is the mountain gorilla destination included in this itinerary.
2. Where can I track chimpanzees in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s two leading chimpanzee tracking destinations are Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, both located along Lake Tanganyika.
3. Where is the best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda?
Kibale Forest National Park is one of Africa’s leading chimpanzee tracking destinations. Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge are additional options.
4. Can I combine gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking?
Yes. Uganda offers mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in different national parks, making it an excellent destination for combining both experiences.
5. How do I reach Gombe and Mahale?
Gombe is generally accessed through Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer. Mahale is also reached through organised air and boat transfers, with arrangements depending on the season and accommodation provider.
6. Is a 4×4 vehicle necessary?
A 4×4 is recommended for Uganda’s safari routes. In Tanzania, flights and boats are generally more practical for reaching Gombe and Mahale.
7. How many days are needed for a Tanzania and Uganda great apes safari?
Three weeks provides a good foundation for combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with chimpanzee tracking in both countries. The itinerary can be extended for additional time in Gombe or Mahale.
Book Your 3-Week Great Apes Safari in Tanzania and Uganda
Discover two of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations on a carefully organised 21-day great apes safari.
From mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains, this adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural habitats of Africa’s most fascinating primates.
Experience Uganda’s tropical rainforests, Tanzania’s remote Lake Tanganyika wilderness and the extraordinary wildlife heritage of East Africa.
Whether you prefer a private guided safari, a luxury primate adventure or a combination of independent travel and organised excursions, we can tailor the journey to your preferred travel dates, accommodation standards and budget.
Contact our safari team today to plan your Tanzania and Uganda great apes safari and experience the remarkable primates of East Africa.