Can I See Chimps and Gorillas on the Same Trip?

Introduction: Exploring Uganda and Rwanda’s Primate Kingdom

If you’re planning a Uganda safari or a Rwanda tour, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Are roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in good condition? Equally important, many travelers also wonder: Can I see chimps and gorillas on the same trip? With Samz Tours Uganda, the answer to both questions is a confident yes. Our expertly crafted itineraries allow you to explore the very best of Uganda and Rwanda while ensuring a smooth, safe journey on some of East Africa’s most scenic and wildlife-rich routes.

Bwindi and Mgahinga are global icons for Gorilla Trekking, drawing adventurers from around the world to experience the rare chance of standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas. These incredible parks are nestled in Uganda’s mountainous southwest and are reachable by road or air. However, understanding the condition of the roads—and the logistics involved—can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

Better still, the same safari can be customized to include Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, allowing travelers to see both great apes on a single journey. Whether you’re focusing on a Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure, crossing into Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, or combining it with a traditional wildlife safari, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip with ease and insight, brought to you by Samz Tours Uganda.

Best Uganda Rwanda Safari Packages

Can I See Chimps and Gorillas on the Same Trip?

Road Access: Are Roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in Good Condition?

Infrastructure and Accessibility to the Parks

The condition of roads leading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has improved significantly over the years, thanks to Uganda’s commitment to boosting its tourism sector. These remote parks are located in the southwestern region of Uganda, accessible from major urban centers such as Kampala, Entebbe, and Mbarara. For most of the journey, particularly from Entebbe or Kampala to towns like Kabale and Kisoro, the roads are paved and in good condition, providing travelers with a smooth ride through the countryside.

However, the final stretches of the journey, especially the routes leading directly into the gorilla sectors of Bwindi (such as Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo), are gravel or dirt roads. These can become challenging during the rainy season, but with a good 4WD vehicle—standard with all Samz Tours Uganda packages—the journey remains comfortable and safe. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located near Kisoro, is also accessed via similar routes, with manageable road conditions for most of the year.

It’s important to remember that while some roads may be rough, they offer stunning views of the terraced hillsides, crater lakes, and rural Ugandan villages along the way. Our experienced guides not only ensure your safety but also provide valuable insights into the landscapes and cultures you pass through, enhancing the entire experience of your Uganda safari.

A Combined Safari Experience: Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking

Planning the Perfect Double Primate Encounter

If you’re asking Can I see chimps and gorillas on the same trip?—the answer is absolutely. Combining Gorilla Trekking with Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the most rewarding safari experiences you can have in East Africa, and Samz Tours Uganda specializes in making this dream a reality.

Start your safari with Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the “primate capital of the world.” With over 1,500 chimpanzees, the chances of sightings are high. Alternatively, the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a more adventurous option. After encountering chimpanzees, you can transition southward through Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector—famous for tree-climbing lions—before reaching Bwindi for your Uganda Gorilla Trekking experience.

This dual-primate adventure is ideal for travelers interested in wildlife and conservation. It allows you to witness the striking differences in behavior, habitat, and social structures between chimpanzees and gorillas. Such a tour can also include stops at Lake Mburo National Park or Murchison Falls National Park, offering big game sightings and boat safaris, making it a well-rounded Uganda safari.

If you’re considering a Rwanda safari extension, you can cross into Volcanoes National Park from Uganda, via border points like Cyanika or Katuna. This makes Gorilla Trekking Rwanda easily accessible, and the entire route is supported by paved and gravel roads in fair to good condition.

Cultural Enrichment: More Than Just Primates

Discover Uganda’s Diverse Traditions on the Road

While many travelers focus on primates, one of the lesser-known gems of the journey is the rich cultural experiences that dot the road to Bwindi and Mgahinga. So when you ask Are roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in good condition? also consider what lies along those roads—opportunities to connect with local communities and immerse yourself in Uganda’s vibrant traditions.

One of the most authentic encounters is with the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of the forests surrounding Bwindi and Mgahinga. These forest dwellers have a rich cultural heritage and offer guided cultural tours where they demonstrate traditional hunting methods, storytelling, music, and dance. Visiting the Batwa is not just educational—it also supports their livelihoods and fosters cultural preservation.

You can also explore rural villages near Kabale, Kisoro, and Ruhija, where you’ll meet friendly locals, learn about their farming techniques, and sample traditional Ugandan cuisine. Stops at craft markets offer the chance to purchase handmade souvenirs while directly supporting local artisans.

These cultural immersions are made possible and enjoyable by the good condition of access roads in most parts of southwestern Uganda. Samz Tours Uganda ensures that your journey incorporates not only wildlife encounters but also meaningful human interactions, making your Uganda safari experience deeper and more personal.

Wildlife Safaris Beyond Gorillas and Chimps

Expanding Your Itinerary for Maximum Adventure

A journey to Bwindi and Mgahinga doesn’t have to be limited to primates. Uganda and Rwanda are bursting with national parks that offer world-class wildlife safaris. Thanks to improving road conditions and expert logistics from Samz Tours Uganda, you can easily combine Gorilla Trekking with big game viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks.

For example, Queen Elizabeth National Park, located between Kibale and Bwindi, is a natural stop on your itinerary. This park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, and over 600 bird species. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel brings you up close to hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, providing spectacular photo opportunities.

Murchison Falls National Park, in northern Uganda, is another must-visit. Known for its dramatic waterfalls and diverse ecosystems, the park features giraffes, leopards, lions, and large herds of antelope. The paved roads from Kampala to Murchison make it a convenient addition to your safari, especially for travelers who want to see more than just primates.

Even within Rwanda, you can explore Akagera National Park, offering a classic Rwanda safari experience with savannah landscapes, game drives, and guided nature walks. With smooth tarmac roads connecting major attractions, transitioning between parks is comfortable and time-efficient.

These extended safari options are all made feasible thanks to reliable infrastructure and the trusted logistics provided by Samz Tours Uganda.

Practical Tips: Best Time to Visit and Road Safety

Making the Most of Your East African Adventure

So, are roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in good condition? Yes—but as with any safari destination, your experience will be enhanced with the right planning and support. The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are the best times to travel, as road conditions are most favorable and wildlife sightings are abundant.

During the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), some roads—especially murram roads in rural areas—can become muddy and slippery. However, Samz Tours Uganda provides 4×4 vehicles year-round and employs knowledgeable drivers familiar with the terrain, ensuring your comfort and safety no matter the weather.

For those preferring faster access, scheduled domestic flights to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips near Bwindi offer an excellent alternative to long road journeys. From the airstrip, you’ll be picked up by a Samz Tours Uganda guide and transferred in comfort to your lodge or trekking point.

Whether traveling by road or air, your Uganda or Rwanda tour will be enhanced by careful route planning, quality accommodations, and enriching activities—all managed by our experienced team at Samz Tours Uganda.

Conclusion: Seamless Journeys and Spectacular Safaris

In summary, Are roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in good condition? Can I see chimps and gorillas on the same trip?—The answers are yes and yes. With well-maintained highways, improving rural roads, and professional tour operators like Samz Tours Uganda, your journey through the heart of East Africa is both accessible and extraordinary.

By combining Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga withChimpanzee Tracking in Kibale, and even blending in wildlife safaris and cultural experiences, you get more than just a vacation—you gain a deeper appreciation of nature, people, and conservation. Whether it’s your first trip to Africa or a return adventure, let Samz Tours Uganda be your guide to discovering the wonders of Uganda and Rwanda.