5-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari, is a thrilling journey that immerses you in the heart of Uganda’s primate and wildlife kingdom. From the enchanting Kibale National Park, famously known as the Primate Capital of the World, to the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this safari offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural discovery.
Imagine standing face-to-face with playful chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat, cruising along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and watching elephants, lions, and hippos up close. Each day of this group safari is packed with unforgettable experiences — from guided nature walks in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to scenic drives through crater lakes and traditional salt-mining villages.
Perfect for groups seeking a balance of discovery and relaxation, this safari promises not only breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife but also deep cultural connections with Uganda’s warm and welcoming communities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or first-time visitor, this 5-day adventure guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Your group safari begins with a morning departure from Kampala City. After a short briefing from your tour guide, you will set off on a scenic drive heading west towards Kibale National Park. This journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and rewards you with breathtaking views of lush countryside, tea plantations, and traditional villages along the way.
Upon arrival in Fort Portal, a charming town nestled beneath the Rwenzori Mountains, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue to your lodge near Kibale National Park, also known as the “Primate Capital of the World. In the evening, unwind as you enjoy the tranquility of the forest environment. The guide will brief the group about the chimpanzee tracking experience scheduled for the following day.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, the group will proceed to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing from park rangers. Soon after, embark on an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure through the tropical forests of Kibale National Park. The tracking experience typically lasts between two to five hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee community.
As you walk through the forest, expect to encounter other primates like red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves creates a magical atmosphere throughout the trail. Once the group meets the chimpanzees, you will spend a full hour observing their fascinating behavior — grooming, playing, and communicating.
After lunch, the group will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project. This guided nature walk introduces you to diverse bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco, and several primates. The local guides also share stories about the surrounding communities and their cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, the group departs Kibale National Park for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. The 3 to 4-hour drive passes through scenic crater lakes, rolling hills, and fertile farmlands.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park’s Kasenyi plains. This drive offers an excellent opportunity to spot elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and warthogs grazing freely across the savannah. You may also spot lions resting under acacia trees or leopards lurking in the shadows. As the sun sets, the group will return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner, while sharing the day’s experiences around a campfire.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Park View Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive through the Kasenyi sector, the most wildlife-rich area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This early morning drive increases your chances of spotting predators like lions and hyenas returning from a night hunt. The group will also encounter herds of antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes roaming freely.
After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for a spectacular boat cruise. The channel connects Lake George to Lake Edward and hosts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos. You’ll also see crocodiles basking along the shores and a variety of water birds, including pelicans and African fish eagles. Elephants often come to the water to drink, creating perfect photo moments. This two-hour cruise provides a relaxing yet immersive experience of Uganda’s natural beauty.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Park View Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a cultural visit to Lake Katwe, a traditional salt mining site. Here, you’ll learn about the local salt extraction process and the history behind this fascinating community-based industry. The group will then explore the crater lakes region, which offers panoramic views of volcanic landscapes dotted with lakes and lush vegetation.
After this enriching experience, begin your journey back to Kampala City with an en-route lunch in Fort Portal. Upon arrival in Kampala, the guide will drop the group at their preferred location, marking the end of the 5-day Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
