Overview
This 5-day Primate and Wildlife Safari in Uganda offers an unforgettable journey through the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Explore the wildlife treasures of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to lions, elephants, and hippos, and enjoy game drives and a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Trek deep into the rainforest of Kibale National Park to encounter chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat. This adventure provides the perfect blend of exciting wildlife experiences and close encounters with some of Uganda’s most iconic animals, all set against the backdrop of lush scenery and savannah plains.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- Day 5: Departure – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. After a short briefing, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey takes you through Uganda's lush countryside, with rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages along the way. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest in the late afternoon or early evening. Settle in and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the next day's exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.
Drive time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an early breakfast and head to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. You will then embark on an exciting trek through the rainforest, led by experienced park rangers, to track down one of the chimpanzee communities living in the park. As you trek, you may also encounter other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. Once you find the chimpanzees, you'll spend an hour observing their playful and social behavior in their natural habitat.
After lunch, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation area that’s home to diverse bird species, including the great blue turaco, and various primates. The walk offers a peaceful encounter with nature and insight into the local community's efforts to protect the environment.
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous and scenic wildlife park. The drive takes you through the beautiful Rwenzori Mountains and along the Rift Valley escarpments. Upon arrival in the park, enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting out for an afternoon game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, antelopes, and warthogs. The game drive will offer opportunities to spot animals as they graze, hunt, and relax in their natural habitat. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Drive time: 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas in the park for spotting predators like lions and leopards. You’ll also see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and Uganda kobs. The early morning is an ideal time for wildlife viewing as the animals are most active.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat cruise offers a chance to view large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including pelicans and fish eagles, as they gather along the banks. You may also spot elephants and buffaloes coming to the water to drink. The boat safari provides excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing way to experience wildlife.
Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day, enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Continue your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, where your guide will drop you off at the airport for your departure flight or at your hotel if you plan to stay longer.
Drive time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking guide/driver
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale National Park)
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
- Park entry fees for Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided walk
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Accommodation for four nights at mid-range or luxury lodges
- Bottled water while on safari
- Airport transfers in Kampala or Entebbe
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Laundry services
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Items of personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)