Explore two of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations on this 5-day chimpanzees and Wildlife safari. Take a road trip into the verdant forests of Kibale to discover how closest relatives in the animal Kingdom (Chimpanzees), then continue to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park for a thrilling game viewing experience and boat ride.
Highlights
- Enjoy a guided walk through Kibale Forest to search for the chimpanzees and other primates that call this forest home.
- See lots of African game species in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Learn about different plant species, primates and birds during the Bigodi wetland walk
- Spot lots of aquatic wildlife and bird species in Kazinga Channel through the boat ride.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park road trip.
- Day 2: Kibale Forest Tour- Chimpanzee trekking experience and Bigodi wetland walk.
- Day 3: Journey to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat ride.
- Day 4: Full-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour- Morning and evening game drive, community visit.
- Day 5: Leave the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kampala.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park road trip
Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel in Kampala and then hit the road for a transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Your 5-6-hour journey will be filled with stunning views of the lush forests, roadside markets, huge rock boulders, savannah plains and banana plantations as well as tea estates as you get ushered into your Lodge for lunch.
Accommodation options:
- Kyaninga Lodge for luxury option
- Primate Lodge for the midrange option.
- Kibale Forest camp for the budget option.
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Journey Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Kibale Forest Tour- Chimpanzee trekking experience and Bigodi wetland walk
This morning, after breakfast, your driver will head/or drive you to Kanyanchu (depending on location of the Lodge) for your chimpanzee trekking tour. The Trek starts with briefing from the Park Rangers, followed by the 1-4-hour guided walk through Kibale Forest to search for these Great Apes and while walking, you will get the chance to see other primates especially the Olive baboons, L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and others, alongside birds and butterfly species among others. You will return for Lunch at the Lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Later In the afternoon, you undertake a guided walk through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary where you are likely to see the Papyrus Canary, great blue turacos, and Papyrus gonolek among others.
Accommodation options:
- Kyaninga Lodge for luxury option
- Primate Lodge for the midrange option.
- Kibale Forest camp for the budget option.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Journey to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat ride
After breakfast at the Lodge, set out on the 3-hour driver to Queen Elizabeth National Park while enjoying views of banana plantations, Crater Lakes, tea estates, Valleys, roadside markets and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Check in and relax at the Lodge before continuing for the afternoon activity.
Your Kazinga boat ride starts at 2pm and lasts 2-3 hours with sights of Nile crocodiles and Hippos, crocodiles as well as visiting Cape buffaloes and African bush Elephants. Did I tell you that the Boat ride is a birding opportunity? Well you will be treated to sights of the shoebill storks, African skimmers, African fish eagles, pied and giant Kingfishers, Pink-backed pelicans, to mention but a few.
Accommodation options:
- Elephant Plains or Kyambura Gorge Lodge for luxury travelers.
- Buffalo Safari Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge for the midrange travelers.
- Bush Lodge for the budget travelers
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Full-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour- Morning and evening game drive, community visit.
On this day, you will experience the “Medley of Wonders” on a full-day game drive. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and transfer into the Northern Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park where you are likely to come across lions, African bush elephants, spotted hyenas, leopards, serval cats, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, Mongoose, jackals, Topis, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, duikers and Hippos among others. Later, have proper breakfast at the Lodge, rest, have lunch and continue for the game drive
The afternoon increases your chances of seeing more elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Topis, and ends with a sundowner in the middle of the wilderness, with snacks and drinks while watching the sun set over the extensive horizon.
Accommodation options:
- Elephant Plains or Kyambura Gorge Lodge for luxury travelers.
- Buffalo Safari Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge for the midrange travelers.
- Bush Lodge for the budget travelers
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Leave the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kampala
This day is when you say Kwaheri to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After one last cup of tea/coffee, take a transfer back to Kampala with stops along the way for lunch and photography.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari Inclusions:
- Entry fees where applicable.
- Kibale Chimpanzee permit @ $200 per person.
- Private transfer by a 4WD Vehicle.
- A private safari driver.
- Bigodi wetland walk.
- 4 nights’ accommodation.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Meals according to the program.
- Bottled water and snacks.
Exclusions:
- Souvenir shopping.
- Visa fees.
- Airfares.
- Drinks and cigarettes.
- Laundry fees.
- Gratuities.
- Optional Activities not on the program.
- Travel and medical insurance.