5-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari Itinerary
5 Days Uganda chimpanzee and wildlife safari. This 5-day safari adventure through Uganda combines the thrill of tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and experiencing unforgettable wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, this safari offers primate tracking, game drives, and scenic boat cruises.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 4: Morning Game Drive/Lion Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Day 5: Return to Kampala with Equator Stop
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your safari begins with a pick-up by your driver guide from your location in Kampala or Entebbe. After a short briefing on the trip, set off for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital” of Uganda. Enjoy scenic views of traditional homesteads, tea plantations, the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, and crater lakes along the way. Stop for an en-route lunch and arrive at your lodge in Kibale for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale’s park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Grouped into small teams, you’ll be guided through the forest in search of chimpanzees. Trekking takes 2-4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are, as they roam the forest in search of food, especially in the dry season.
During your trek, you may also see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and various bird and plant species. When you find the chimpanzees, spend an hour observing their fascinating behaviors, including playing, feeding, and social interactions. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp, an eco-tourism site with diverse bird species, primates, and lush flora. After your walk, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Game Drive
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, enjoy panoramic views of crater lakes. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and have lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for an exciting game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, lions, leopards, and warthogs. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive or Lion Tracking & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive or choose the thrilling Lion Tracking Experience in Kasenyi Plains. During this experience, you’ll have the chance to see lions closely with the guidance of expert trackers, along with other animals like buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, set out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat ride provides a unique view of the dense populations of hippos and crocodiles in the water, as well as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of waterbirds like kingfishers, fish eagles, and cormorants along the shore. Return to your lodge after the cruise for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Return to Kampala
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out and starting your journey back to Kampala. Stop for lunch along the way and make a brief visit to the Equator in Kayabwe, where you can take photos and purchase local crafts and souvenirs. Upon arrival in Kampala, your driver guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport or any location of your choice in Kampala, concluding your 5-day Uganda chimpanzee and wildlife safari.
Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Lion tracking experience
- Park entry fees and game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full-board accommodation
- Ground transfers in a 4WD vehicle with fuel
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- International flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Life insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, porter services, tips)
End of 5-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari
Prepare for an incredible journey into Uganda’s natural beauty, where every day offers unique and thrilling encounters with the region’s wildlife and landscapes.