Discover Kibale Forest & Queen Elizabeth National Park, two of Uganda’s top wildlife destinations. Trek chimpanzees in Kibale, enjoy thrilling game drives, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and explore the stunning landscapes of western Uganda on this 5-day adventure.
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Embark on an incredible 5-day adventure through Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, two of Uganda’s most iconic destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Kibale is a haven for primate lovers, especially famous for its chimpanzee trekking experiences. Home to over 13 species of primates, Kibale offers some of the best opportunities for observing both wild chimpanzees and a variety of other primates, such as red colobus monkeys and blue monkeys.
Just a short drive away, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a diverse array of wildlife experiences. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is Uganda’s most visited national park, known for its classic savannah landscape, hippo-filled lakes, and large populations of lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Queen Elizabeth is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the Kazinga Channel, which provides a great boat safari experience. The combination of chimpanzee trekking and a thrilling safari makes this itinerary a must for wildlife enthusiasts.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest: Track wild chimpanzees in one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa.
Primate Species Diversity: See a variety of primates, including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Spot classic African wildlife like lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel: Cruise through the Kazinga Channel for close-up views of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha: Witness the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Birdwatching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 species recorded.
Morning:
7:00 AM – Depart from Kampala/Entebbe
Begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, located approximately 5-6 hours from Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside, with opportunities to observe local villages and landscapes along the way.
1:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge near Kibale, such as Kyaninga Lodge or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, and check-in. Take in the fresh air and tranquil surroundings of the rainforest.
Afternoon:
2:30 PM – Optional Nature Walk or Cultural Experience
After settling in, you can either join a nature walk in the surrounding forest or take part in a cultural experience with the local communities. The Batwa people, the original inhabitants of Kibale, offer fascinating cultural insights into their traditional way of life.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Relaxation
Return to the lodge for dinner. Enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Morning:
6:00 AM – Early Breakfast and Briefing
Start the day with an early breakfast at your lodge, followed by a transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for your chimpanzee trekking briefing.
8:00 AM – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Head into Kibale Forest with a guide to track wild chimpanzees. The trek can take 1-4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Once you find the group, you’ll have one hour to observe their behavior, interactions, and family dynamics. You may also encounter other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Afternoon:
12:00 PM – Return to Lodge for Lunch
After your trek, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a lunch break.
2:00 PM – Primate Walk or Visit to Bigodi Wetland
After lunch, take a primate walk through the forest to spot more monkeys and learn about the park’s biodiversity. Alternatively, you can visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a nearby birdwatching hotspot known for its primates, birds, and reptiles.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Relaxation
Enjoy dinner at your lodge and unwind for the evening.
Morning:
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, with scenic views of Uganda’s landscape along the way.
11:30 AM – Arrival and Check-in at Lodge
Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp. After check-in, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful park surroundings.
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Enjoy a delicious lunch at your lodge while taking in the stunning views of the park.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth
After lunch, head out for an exciting afternoon game drive. This is a great time to spot wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park is also home to lions, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha can be seen here.
6:00 PM – Return to Lodge for Dinner
Return to your lodge for dinner and relax after a full day of exploration.
Morning:
6:30 AM – Early Morning Game Drive
Start the day with an early game drive to spot wildlife while they are most active in the cooler hours. You may encounter hyenas, elephants, and buffaloes, among others.
8:30 AM – Return to Lodge for Breakfast
Head back to the lodge for breakfast.
Afternoon:
11:00 AM – Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll have the chance to get close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds like African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers. The boat ride is a peaceful way to experience the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth from the water.
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive or Optional Cultural Visit
In the afternoon, you can either embark on another game drive or visit a local community to learn about the region’s culture and traditions.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Relaxation
After a full day of wildlife experiences, enjoy dinner at your lodge and unwind.
Morning:
6:00 AM – Early Breakfast and Drive to Ishasha
After breakfast, check out and head south to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours.
8:00 AM – Game Drive in Ishasha Sector
Embark on a game drive through Ishasha to see the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and topis.
Afternoon:
12:00 PM – Lunch at a Lodge in Ishasha
After your morning game drive, stop for lunch at one of the lodges in Ishasha or picnic in the park.
1:00 PM – Depart for Kampala/Entebbe
After lunch, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, which will take around 6-7 hours.
7:00 PM – Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe
Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the evening, marking the end of your thrilling Kibale & Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest: Track wild chimpanzees in one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa.
Primate Species Diversity: See a variety of primates, including red colobus, L'Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Spot classic African wildlife like lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel: Cruise through the Kazinga Channel for close-up views of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha: Witness the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Birdwatching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 600 species recorded.
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