Book our 4 days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari if you are limited by time yet yearning to encounter the chimpanzees in their natural habitats in addition to wildlife viewing. This short trip begins from Kampala and leads to Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee trekking as well as wetland walk then Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing and boat cruises. Both Parks are nestled within western Uganda and offer combined views of chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoests monkeys, Defassa waterbucks, olive baboons, Uganda Kobs, Vervet monkeys, savannah and forest elephants, lions, Hippos, Sitatunga, giant forest hogs, Cape buffaloes, leopards, Topis, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks and many others.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park and guided wetland walks
On the first day of the safari, visitors are picked-up from any location in Kampala and transferred to Kibale Forest National Park, western Uganda for the chimpanzee tracking adventure. This 6-7 hours’ drive involves visit to Nakayima Ancestral Tree on Mubende Hill, a fantastic cultural site where locals make animal or crop sacrifices for blessings and wealth. Then continue for Lunch in Fort Portal Town before proceeding for Bigodi wetland Sanctuary for guided walks. This stretch of wetland sanctuary is home to over 200 species of wetland birds in addition to over 6 primate species.
After the guided wetland walk, drive to the booked Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Unforgettable chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This day is devoted to tracking the outstanding chimpanzees within Kibale Forest National Park. Extending for over 795 square kilometers, Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 1500 of Uganda’s total 5000 chimpanzees in addition to sheltering black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys among others. This day starts with breakfast at the Lodge, followed by assembling at Kanyanchu Visitor Center for briefing on chimpanzee trekking etiquette and expectations from the jungle. Start trekking the chimpanzee and this lasts 1-3 hours before the troop of habituated chimpanzee is found. Return back to the Lodge after spending one hour with them and be served a hot meal on arrival. Check-out of the Lodge and embark on a transfer to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 3: Early morning wildlife Viewing and afternoon boat ride on Kazinga Channel
A lovely breakfast is followed by a game drive through the extensive stretch of savannah grasslands in Kasenyi Plains. This area is home to large savannah elephant herds, Uganda Kobs, Oribis, Topis, warthogs and Cape buffaloes. The area being a breeding place for Uganda Kobs also means that prides of lions and solitary leopards can be spotted on their hunting expeditions. Also look out for the spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, olive baboons and many others. After the fulfilling 3-4 hours’ game drive through the Park’s hot spots, drive back to the Lodge for Lunch.
The afternoon boat cruise offers visitors an intimate cruise through Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. During this boat cruise, you get the chance to be up-close to herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs and warthogs that usually make their way to the banks to drink water and feast on the lush grass. Also, schools of Hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the sun close to the water are views not to miss during the boat cruise. Not only that, more than 200 species of birds can be seen during the 2 hours’ boat cruise and ends by sunset with views that make your trip memorable. After experiencing the beauty of Kazinga Channel through the boat ride, drive back to the Lodge for a hot meal, overnight stay and unwinding with breathtaking views of the savannah Plains.
Day 4: Travel back to Kampala City with several stopovers
Breakfast and check-out of the Lodge or Tented Camp for a drive back to Kampala City or Entebbe International Airport if your flight is booked for the evening. This marks the end of your fascinating 4 days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari.
