Embark on a thrilling 5-day Uganda Primate Trek to Kibale National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to track chimpanzees and go on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale National Park is home to an impressive 13 primate species, including over 1500 chimpanzees, 350 bird species, and numerous other mammals. Located in western Uganda, it’s approximately 5-6 hours drive from Kampala.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second largest park, is a haven for diverse savannah wildlife species. Located in western Uganda, it’s approximately 6-7 hours drive from Kampala.
Your 5-day Kibale National Park and wildlife adventure begins and ends in Kampala or Entebbe. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Uganda’s breathtaking natural beauty and encounter some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife species.
Here are the exciting activities you will take part in during your 5 day tour of Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Nature walks
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, meet your driver guide, who will transport you from Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale National Park in western Uganda. You’ll take the scenic route through Kampala, Mubende, and Fort Portal, which should take around 5-6 hours.
Once you arrive at Kibale National Park, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in and relax at your chosen safari lodge. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, you can opt for Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge. Mid-range options include Isunga Lodge or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, while budget travellers can stay at Kibale Forest Camp.
After checking in, take some time to unwind and enjoy your surroundings before sitting down to a delicious dinner.
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation choices at Kibale national Park:
- Luxury: Ndali lodge or Primate lodge
- Mid-range: Isunga lodge or Chimpanzee forest guesthouse.
- Budget: Kibale forest camp.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and nature walk
After a satisfying breakfast in the morning ,meet up with other visitors at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking guidelines. At 8:00am, it’s time to embark on your adventure. You’ll either start your trek from the visitor centre or be driven to a starting point. Trekking for chimpanzees in their natural habitat can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and once you find them, you’ll have up to an hour to observe and interact with these amazing creatures, take photos, and study their behaviours. Along the way, keep an eye out for other primates, colourful butterflies, unique flora species, and a variety of bird species.
After your magical encounter with the chimpanzees, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch in the afternoon. Later on, enjoy a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, bird species, and other mammals, all while learning about the unique ecosystem of the wetlands. This is a great opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the area and experience Uganda’s incredible biodiversity firsthand.
Accommodation options:
- Luxury: Ndali lodge or Primate lodge.
- Mid-range: Isunga lodge or Chimpanzee forest guesthouse.
- Budget: Kibale forest camp.
Day 3: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day off right with a satisfying breakfast, then check out of your lodge in Kibale National Park and get ready for a 2-3 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. When you arrive, take some time to settle in before enjoying a delicious lunch at your lodge.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This will give you an opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife species, including hippos, basking crocodiles, and numerous water birds as they go about their daily activities along the water banks. You may even catch a glimpse of other animals that come to the water’s edge to drink and cool off.
After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and some well-deserved rest.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari lodge or Ishasha wilderness Camp.
- Mid-range: Kyambura Game lodge.
- Budget: Bush lodge in the camp.
Day 4: Morning game drive and afternoon Boat cruise
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out on a game drive. You’ll be driven via the Kasenyi track, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including African Bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, antelopes, and a variety of birds. The landscape and scenery are breathtaking, making for an unforgettable experience. The game drive in this part of the park lasts 2-3 hours and is best done in a luxurious 4×4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced guide.
After the game drive, head back to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, which is known for its abundant wildlife. On this 2-3 hour excursion, you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, including pelicans, shoebill storks, fish eagles, kingfishers, and more. The channel provides a unique perspective and a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat from the water.
After the boat trip, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing night’s stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation options:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari lodge or Ishasha wilderness Camp.
- Mid-range: Kyambura Game lodge.
- Budget: Bush lodge in the camp
Day 5: Return to Kampala
Start your day by waking up early and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Then, visit the Lake Katwe crater area of Queen Elizabeth National Park to experience the unique geological formations. Afterward, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. On the way, be sure to make a stop at the Equator for some photography and to experience standing at the intersection of the northern and southern hemispheres.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 5-day tour of Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
A 5 day Kibale national Park and Queen Elizabeth national Park tour includes:
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Nature walk
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Accommodation and meals
- Relevant government taxes
Not included in a 5 day Kibale national Park and Queen Elizabeth national Park tour:
- Visa fees
- International flights
- Insurance
- Beverages
- Laundry services
- Additional activities
Prices for a 5 day Uganda trek.
- Luxury: from $6248 per person
- Mid-range: from $4148 per person
- Budget: from $3348 per person
