Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking

Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi, follow chimpanzees through Kibale, and add the savannah and waterways of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.

Primates first, then the savannah

Uganda is built around time on foot. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale are permit-based, guided walks into dense forest, and they anchor almost every route through the country.

Around them sit Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its crater lakes and Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a gorge before opening onto game-rich plains. Most journeys run overland from Entebbe, so drive times matter as much as the parks themselves.

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Dorcas Munga
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Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
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Mike Bourassa
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Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
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Kate Mandere
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Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
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Emmy Chepkoech
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I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
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Gloria Kikete
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Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
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Lolo Chgn
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Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
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Irene Nduku
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Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
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Cheyenne van den B
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We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
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virginia mumo
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As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
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Stay06810033473
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Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
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Annette M
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Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
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KSP
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Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
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Alain V
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A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
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winnie a
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Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
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maryanne o
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Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
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M A
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Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
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gladys n
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Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
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Christine N
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Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
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Sabina M
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It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.

A route shaped by permits and distance

Trekking permits are issued for specific dates and locations, and Uganda’s parks are a long way apart. Those two facts set the order of almost every itinerary.

A mountain gorilla in dense forest

Permits set the date

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are allocated per day and per group. The trekking day is usually fixed first, and the rest of the route is built around it.

Allow for the driving

Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison are separated by long overland legs. Fly-in options exist and change the shape of a shorter trip.

Forest and savannah

Pairing forest trekking with a savannah park gives variety: boat cruises, crater lakes and classic game drives alongside time on foot.

Fitness and footing

Trekking can mean several hours on steep, muddy ground at altitude. Honest fitness expectations make for a far better day.

Where you will travel

Uganda’s parks and forests, and the journeys that reach them.

What you will do

Activities that run alongside permit-based trekking. Availability is confirmed against your chosen parks and itinerary.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

Travel into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a mountain gorilla trekking experience. This forest encounter forms part of selected Uganda itineraries and can be…

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Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking

Follow expert trackers into Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees. A primate-focused Uganda itinerary can combine time in the rainforest with a guided…

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Rhino Tracking

Rhino Tracking

Join an on-foot rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda. The sanctuary visit is included in selected wildlife and primate itineraries and…

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Game Drives

Game Drives

Explore the Mara Triangle on guided game drives, following the changing activity of wildlife across the landscape. Build time in your safari for…

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Boat Safaris

Boat Safaris

Take to the water on Lake Naivasha for a boat ride among its freshwater habitats. A boat experience can be paired with a…

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Bird Watching

Bird Watching

Spend time watching birds around the marshes of Amboseli. Bird watching can sit alongside game drives in a safari itinerary, giving you time…

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Uganda journeys

Compare routes by travel style and length. Each itinerary sets out its parks, trekking days, transfers and inclusions.

7-Day Uganda Big Four Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
7-Day Uganda Big Four Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Uganda offers a rare chance to see the world’s most powerful primates and classic savannah wildlife in one week..

Destinations:

Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi & Ishasha) | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Kazinga Channel
9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Uganda’s diverse landscapes come alive in this comprehensive expedition across the country’s premier national parks. The journey connects the.

Destinations:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)
10-Day Uganda Primate Wildlife Luxury Safari
10-Day Uganda Primate Wildlife Luxury Safari

Uganda offers a rare chance to see both great primates and diverse savannah wildlife in a single journey. This.

Destinations:

Kampala City | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
6-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari
6-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari

Uganda’s natural beauty comes alive in this journey through its most famous national parks. Travelers experience a perfect mix.

Destinations:

Kampala City | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Sector | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
4-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Primate Safari
4-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Primate Safari

Kibale Forest National Park serves as the ultimate destination for primate enthusiasts in East Africa. This journey focuses on.

Destinations:

Entebbe | Kibale Forest National Park | Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes
4-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Big Four Safari
4-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Big Four Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park transitions between vast savannahs, ancient craters, and quiet waterways. This journey balances the rhythm of.

Destinations:

Entebbe | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kazinga Channel

Have trekking dates in mind? Tell us when you can travel and we will check permit availability.

Enquire

Lodges near the forests and parks

Where you sleep decides how far you travel to the trailhead. A selection of Uganda properties from our collection.

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Silverback Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Laundry Services
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Laundry Services
  • Restaurant
  • Wildlife Viewing
Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park
  • 24Hr Front Desk
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Volcanic slopes above the forest in Rwanda

Two countries, the same gorillas

Mountain gorillas live across the Virunga range and Bwindi, so Uganda and Rwanda both offer trekking. The difference is practical: driving distances, permit availability and how much time you have.

Rwanda suits shorter trips from Kigali; Uganda rewards a longer overland route with more variety alongside the trekking.

Explore Rwanda gorilla safaris

Plan the details

Permits, fitness and distances decide how a Uganda route comes together.

A chimpanzee in Kibale National Park

Permits and trekking days

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and date-specific. Tell us your travel window early so we can check what is actually available before building the route around it.

Check your dates
A forest lodge in Bwindi

Where Uganda fits a longer trip

Uganda pairs naturally with Kenya or Rwanda, and the sequence depends on flights and permit dates rather than preference alone. We can set out the realistic options.

Explore Uganda

From idea to itinerary

Fix the trekking day first; build the rest of the route around it.

A mountain gorilla in Bwindi

Tell us your window

Share your dates, party size and fitness, and whether gorillas, chimpanzees or both are the priority.

Forest canopy in western Uganda

Confirm the permits

We check permit availability for your dates, then sequence the parks and transfers around the trekking days.

A safari lodge near Murchison Falls

Settle the details

Review the proposal, lodges, drive times, inclusions and booking terms before confirming.

Read before you travel

Practical guides to permits, packing and choosing between the gorilla destinations.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking?

Permits are limited per day and are allocated to specific dates and sectors. Peak months go first, so the earlier you share your travel window, the more likely your preferred dates can be held. We confirm what is available before you commit to a route.

How difficult is a gorilla trek?

Expect a guided walk on steep, often muddy forest ground at altitude, lasting anywhere from one to several hours each way depending on where the family has moved. Reasonable fitness helps; porters are usually available to carry daypacks.

Can I see both gorillas and chimpanzees?

Yes. Several of our Uganda routes combine Bwindi for gorillas with Kibale for chimpanzees, each on its own permit day. The two forests are a long drive apart, so the combination needs more nights.

Is a sighting guaranteed?

Trekking success rates are high because gorilla families are tracked daily, but these are wild animals in dense forest and no sighting can be guaranteed. Permits are issued for the trek, not for a sighting.

Is there a minimum age for trekking?

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking carry minimum age limits set by the authorities, so younger children usually cannot join the trek itself. Tell us the ages and we will confirm the current rules and what the rest of the party can do that day.

Should I drive or fly between parks?

Uganda’s parks are far apart and overland legs can be long. Driving shows you the country and keeps costs down; scheduled or charter flights save hours on shorter trips. Many itineraries mix both.

What else is there beyond trekking?

Queen Elizabeth adds game drives, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Murchison Falls combines a Nile launch trip with game-rich plains. Both work well either side of a trekking day.

What should I pack for the forest?

Long sleeves and trousers, broken-in waterproof boots, a rain layer, gardening-weight gloves for undergrowth and a small daypack. Conditions are wet and muddy in any month.

Can Uganda be combined with Kenya?

Yes, usually by air via Entebbe and Nairobi. The order depends on flight schedules and your permit date, so it is worth planning both together rather than separately.

How do I start planning with JohnBow?

Send your dates, party size, ages where relevant, fitness and whether gorillas or chimpanzees matter most. We will check permits and discuss a route. Sending the form does not itself confirm a booking.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.