- Track chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest
- Search for the elusive tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth N.P.
- Spend a magical hour with Mountain gorillas in Bwindi
- Discover just how friendly and hospitable the Ugandan people are
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection

Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
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- Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
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Reviews
Add your own reviewFace to face with Mountain Gorillas!
This trip was abundant with wildlife from tracking chimpanzees through the forest, to spotting leopards on a game drive. Uganda has so much to offer as you get to immerse yourself into the culture as you travel through the rolling hills, forests and lakes.
Most Inspirational Moment
It's hard to choose just 1! My top 3 highlights would be: 1. Seeing the baby Gorillas playing and falling over each other, all the families had babies in lock down so you are bound to see some if you visit soon! 2. The optional night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, even if you don’t manage to spot as many animals at night the stars were the highlight! We all had our heads tilt back in the 4x4 looking at the milky way 3. Watching a thunder storm over the misty mountains in the Bwindi lodge bar
Thoughts on Group Leader
Robert and Sam were incredible! They were both so knowledgeable and really went out of the way to make the trip special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring some gaters for the swamp walk! Although wellies were provided
Suggestions
There are a few long drives in this trip, the longest being 5.5 hrs. However we all really enjoyed them! You drive through villages with children waving, aswell as past some amazing views stopping off regularly for photos and toilet stops
Uganda is a must see
Just returned from this trip which was truly amazing. Great Lakes Safaris provided Sam and Paul as our guides and both were wonderful. We saw two gorilla families that had 4 silver backs as well as young ones at around 3-4 months old. Our hike to track the gorillas was labeled as “medium” difficulty but due to some fortunate travel movements by the gorilla family we only tracked them for around just under an hour in Bwindi before finding them. The chimps were a great experience as well and the trek was an easy trek through the forest. Watching both the Chimps and Gorillas was an amazing experience. The other game drives in the savanna areas/parks brought us leopard, elephants, giraffe, hippo, water buck and so much more. The trip did involve a number of 5-6 hour days of driving through the south west of Uganda which provided a great opportunity to view the diverse country-side and meet the wonderfully friendly Ugandan people.
Most Inspirational Moment
Tracking and seeing the Gorillas. Viewing their family interaction at such close quarters was wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leaders were Sam and Paul who were both fabulous. They were extremely helpful and clearly experts in their field. Could not ask for anyone better and highly recommend them.
An total immersion into the culture and wildlife of Uganda - epic!!
We have been on several holidays with Exodus and this trip was up with the best! We were astounded by the amount of wildlife we saw on the 10 day trip. The gorillas were the obvious highlight for us but we didn’t expect to get so close. There were two silverbacks, one blackback, four females and two babies, some of which came within touching distance of us. The trackers and trekkers couldn’t do enough to make our encounter special and we felt privilidged to be in this beautiful and remote part of the country. No matter what your level of fitness, the guides made it possible for everyone to reach a family of gorillas and sightings were just about 100 % guaranteed. The chimps encounter was also amazing and again so close up. Aa well as these two days, the rest of the holiday did not disappoint as we embarked upon safaris in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale forest spotting hippos, buffalos,elephants, lions, giraffes and we were lucky enough to see two leopards and a tree climbing lion. We embarked on two cultural tours in the community and saw how the villages lived and worked and were overwhelmed by their friendliness towards us. The whole trip was an immersion into culture and wildlife and it was hard to believe what we saw and experienced in less than two weeks. Our guides, Robert and Sam were excellent and worked so hard on our behalf and everyone in the hotels were very accommodating, looking after our every need. There were some superb hotels on this trip and only one didn’t come up to the mark. There were some long transfers during the holiday but the scenery and culture seen along the way helped pass the journey and Robert and Sam were great at stopping frequently for breaks and leg stretching!! If you want to experience the culture and wildlife of this vast and beautiful country, don’t hesitate to book. You will not be disappointed!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Coming face to face with a family of gorillas after a lengthy hike into the depths of the forest following our trekkers who were cutting down undergrowth with machetes ahead of us.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Robert and Sam were amazing and bent over backwards to give us this wonderful experience. They managed to spot wildlife whilst driving along and their knowledge of animals and birds was second to none. They were great ambassadors for their country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take toys eg balls and primary school equipment so that they can be given to the local schools that you might visit as they genuinely have no resources at all.
Suggestions
We travelled on the group flight with Ethiopian Aitlines from Heathrow to Entebbe via Addis Abbaba but were unimpressed with the airline. They managed to lose all the luggage from 10 of our group and it took the hard work of Robert and Sam to be reunited with our suitcases three days later. With no shops available to restock and being 370 km away in the jungle this caused a massive logistical operation from the Exodus Team and unnecessary stress for the customers. As this seems to be quite commonplace with Ethiopian Airways, either a different airline would be beneficial or at least an extension of one day in Entebbe at the start of the trip so that any lost baggage can be reunited before travelling so far from the airport. This second option would also give customers the chance to recover from an already long flight before a 7 hour transfer and give them chance to explore the capital.
Best Experience of all of my travels so far!
Best experience of travel I have ever had. Gorillas just WOW. Chimps were amazing and we saw our first one in 5 minutes. Queen Elisabeth park gave us not 1 but 2 sets of tree climbing lions!! And we spotted a Leopard. Lots of other fabulous game that was not so expected from Uganda. Friendly people everywhere.
Most Inspirational Moment
Wow, seeing the gorilla family in the wild was the best experience I have ever had, just breath taking! It was very hard work getting to them (and we were lucky it took just over 1 hour) so hit the gym before you go, make sure you take those gardening gloves and hire a porter. Don't bother taking walking poles (take up room in your luggage) and they will give you a big stick on site that does just as well (and you don't have to worry about loosing since you have to leave your poles when getting near the gorillas).
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide David was fabulous, kept us entertained throughout and nothing was too much trouble. Love him!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Gorilla mist Camp is a bit cold and damp (you are in a rainforest at high elevation after all) so I wish I took another warmer jumper for the evenings (but they do put lovely hot water bottles in your bed). One point I would make - I didn't book the extra Gorilla permits due to money restrictions - the way it is worded on the site is to book them as you are not guaranteed to see the gorillas on one treck, however when you go for your treck they explain that if your group does not spot the gorillas then you can go back on the same permit the next day. (this did not happen to us so no idea if they do keep this promise given the restricted permit numbers).
Suggestions
If you want to see Gorillas go and do it! This experience was better than I ever imagined it could be
Don’t leave it to chance
Amazing experience seeing gorillas and chimps but make sure any extra gorilla permits are booked when you book as you will be disappointed otherwise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Tracking through the impenetrable forest and spending an hour in the company of a gorilla family. We won’t forget it.
Mixed bag - parts excellent, the concept of a second gorilla permit seemingly misleading
One of the biggest selling points of this holiday is the optional possibility of a second day trekking to see the gorillas. Fair enough the permits aren’t guaranteed – completely understandable, but if you follow Exodus’s guidance you are made to feel like a nuisance and from my experience you won’t get one. The webpage tells you to request additional permits when booking, they also bill you for additional permits at this point, but when you ask about the permits the emails you receive can seem quite rude and basically tell you to go away and ask the guide when you arrive. When arriving on the trip and all 7 people said they wanted additional permits and it wasn’t really a surprise that the guide couldn’t conjure these up with less than a week’s notice. This did result in the group participants being fairly cross, people had requested additional permits 8 months in advance, paid for them, been told they were the only ones interested in a second day – which was a lie, etc. it was just incredibly unprofessional for such an established holiday provider. It’s the first time I’ve done a trip with Exodus and I’m still a little taken aback by the lack of organisation related to these permits, the billing of these permits months before any action is taken, and the blunt/verging on rude emails. The gorillas is a highlight of the trip and it’s is sold as a real possibility whereas in fact due to their lack of organisation it was impossible for anyone on our trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The gorillas were just incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really nice chap, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Unfortunately he hadn't organised a boat trip so we waited around at a hotel needlessly for 2+ hours and went on a later boat trip after about 90% of the animals had left. These things happen and he did go out of his way for us on the rest of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't base booking this holiday on the chance of obtaining a second gorilla permit.
Suggestions
As I said in my summary disappointed with Exodus, the experience was fantastic but I just feel like a bit of a mug that I believed second permits were possible and that Exodus actively tried to help with this whereas you just dumped it all on the guide.
We would like to thank Hannah for her feedback, although we are very sorry that she was disappointed not to have been able to secure a second day’s permit. We only request extra permits once the trip has been guaranteed as, otherwise, the permits will have to be paid for in full even if the trip doesn’t run. Whilst this information is now stated in our trip notes, we are sorry if it was not clearly communicated at the time. Second permits had, unfortunately, already sold out by the time Hannah booked on the trip and, having exhausted all other possibilities, we suggested that there may have been be a slim possibility of the tour leader being able to get some last-minute returns for the group. We regret, however, that this was not the case and we appreciate Hannah’s disappointment. We are very sorry that Hannah feels that her pre-trip enquires were not dealt with in an appropriate manner, as this is not the type of feedback we are used to receiving about the standard of service from our customer operations’ team. We were pleased, however, that Hannah had a fantastic experience overall and that she found her tour leader to be knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Tom Harari – Product Manager
Another trip I will never forget!
I have had this trip on my bucket list for a while now and it lived up to all of my expectations! David was a fabulous leader and took care of everything!
Most Inspirational Moment
Having a baby gorilla ignore the 7m rule and nearly touch me. Watching David meet our every demand with a professionalism and a sense of humour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Loves loved loved David! A man who clearly loves Uganda and knows his stuff!
Advice for Potential Travellers
A seat pad for the bumpy rides and dont drink tap water!
Suggestions
Tjis eas a really important trip for me and it did not dissapoint!
Amazing experience
I really enjoyed seeing the chimps and gorillas and was very pleased I had booked the additional treks. There is a lot of driving, but I enjoyed seeing the countryside and the trip leaders were good at fitting in stops and short walks to stretch our legs. The trip is quite primate-focussed, so don’t come expecting to see lots of big cats (although we did see six lions). The birds are wonderful. I also loved the boat trips, as you get to see the wildlife from a different angle.
Most Inspirational Moment
Definitely seeing the chimps and gorillas.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two leaders, Benjamin and David. They were both very good. Benjamin is a keen birder.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t bother bribing walking poles as they will be supplied. Wear your walking boots on the flight - two people in my group lost their luggage and all their walking gear and toiletries were stolen. Hiring a porter boosts the local economy, so I would get one even if you don’t think you need one.
Savour the moments
Excellent trip for both content and standard of Guide (David).
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the Gorilla's interacting within their family group. But also the chimp treks were very inspiring.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring gloves and gaiters (to ward of the ants) The recommended wear on the gorilla and chimp treks is long sleeves and trousers with trousers tucked into socks (if you don't have gaiters) and proper 'jungle boots'. Water proof jacket (as you may need it) The gorilla treks were very strenuous. The short trek involved steep descents and ascents. The medium trek was along gentler tracks until the gorillas were sighted and then steep ascents and descents were required to get to them. Walking 'poles' (long sticks) are provided.
Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda
This is a really great and varied trip. In addition to the chimps and gorillas, the safari drives in Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Mburo also gave some super game viewings, including lions, zebra, giraffe, hippo and various types of antelope, although not the proliferation of game as the like of the Masai Mara. The boat trips are both interesting and restful, and we had the luck to see the famous shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp. Overall this is a fantastic trip for anyone who enjoys wildlife.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlights of this trip had to be the close encounters with the gorillas, but the chimps came a very close second - I was so glad I opted to do the optional second treks, as in both cases, the second encounters were even better than the first, and certainly quite different experiences. It is amazing to observe these primates as such close quarters and the Park staff have done such a good job of habituation, that both chimps and gorillas carried on life, seemingly indifferent to our presence.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was always there to make sure we were well cared for at the lodges and exceptionally knowledgeable of the various wildlife and birds, as well as a brilliant spotter. We would have missed so much without him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip does entail quite a bit of travel and you have to be prepared for some long drives, but there is just so much to see on route, with great scenery and good wildlife viewing, as well as the opportunity to witness local life. The people are so friendly, and try their hardest to please, but do remember this is very much a developing country, without many of the facilities we take for granted.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
25 Jun 2023 24 Jun 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
04 Jul 2023 05 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 988
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
16 Jul 2023 15 Jul 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
25 Jul 2023 26 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 988
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
06 Aug 2023 05 Aug 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
15 Aug 2023 16 Aug 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 988
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Sep 2023 09 Sep 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
19 Sep 2023 20 Sep 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 988
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
01 Oct 2023 30 Sep 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
10 Oct 2023 11 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 8,945
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 988
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
05 Nov 2023 04 Nov 2023
Tuesday Wednesday
14 Nov 2023 15 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available) Only 5 spaces left!
Adult Price From CAD 7,595
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 798
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
16 Jun 2024 15 Jun 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
25 Jun 2024 26 Jun 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,695
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
14 Jul 2024 13 Jul 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
23 Jul 2024 24 Jul 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,695
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
04 Aug 2024 03 Aug 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
13 Aug 2024 14 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,695
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
25 Aug 2024 24 Aug 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
03 Sep 2024 04 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,695
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
29 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
08 Oct 2024 09 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
03 Nov 2024 02 Nov 2024
Tuesday Wednesday
12 Nov 2024 13 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 855
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
19 Dec 2024 18 Dec 2024
Saturday Sunday
28 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,695
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,045
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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