The 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park with classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a rewarding short Uganda safari for travellers who want to experience both forest primates and savannah wildlife.
The journey starts from Entebbe or Kampala and travels through Fort Portal to Kibale, one of Uganda’s best destinations for chimpanzee trekking and other primates. From Kibale, you continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and wildlife viewing across its open savannahs and wetlands.
A major highlight is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many waterbirds along the shoreline.
This safari is ideal for couples, solo travellers, friends and families with older children looking for a well-paced Uganda adventure combining chimpanzees, wildlife, scenic drives and a relaxing boat safari.
Explore the Highlights of This 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari
Discover the key experiences that make this safari special, from chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park to game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and enjoy one of Uganda’s most rewarding primate experiences in a beautiful tropical forest.
Classic Wildlife Viewing
Explore the rich savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park and look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and more.
Boat Cruise Safari
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel with excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds.
Safari at a Glance
A simple overview of your 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari, covering Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the main experiences planned for each day.
| Day | Route / Destination | Main Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Entebbe / Kampala → Kibale National Park | Scenic transfer through western Uganda to Kibale |
| Day 2 | Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee trekking and exploration of the Kibale region |
| Day 3 | Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park | Scenic transfer and evening wildlife viewing |
| Day 4 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Morning game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise |
| Day 5 | Queen Elizabeth National Park → Entebbe / Kampala | Scenic return journey and departure |
Safari Route
Entebbe / Kampala → Fort Portal → Kibale National Park → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Entebbe / Kampala
Day by day Safari Details
Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will meet your safari guide and begin the journey west towards Kibale National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda’s countryside, passing small towns, farming communities and scenic landscapes before reaching the Fort Portal region.
You will continue to Bweza Kibale Lodge, where you will check in and settle into your room. The remainder of the afternoon is reserved for relaxation after the road journey and preparation for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking experience.
Accommodation: Bweza Kibale Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point in Kibale National Park. Rangers will explain the trekking guidelines before you enter the forest with an experienced guide in search of a habituated chimpanzee community.
The trek gives you the opportunity to observe chimpanzees as they move through the forest, feed, rest and interact with one another. Kibale is also home to several other primate species, forest birds and rich tropical vegetation, making the experience rewarding beyond the chimpanzees themselves.
After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing. Depending on your energy levels and interests, you may also enjoy an optional community or nature experience around the Kibale area.
Accommodation: Bweza Kibale Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale and continue south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with views of crater areas, local villages and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
On arrival, you will check in at Enganzi Game Lodge and have time for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short game drive in the park. This gives you your first opportunity to search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other savannah wildlife.
You will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, you will set out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cooler morning hours are ideal for wildlife viewing and give you a good chance of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other animals across the savannah.
After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. The cruise offers a relaxed way to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many waterbirds along the shoreline.
After the boat safari, you will return to Enganzi Game Lodge for your final evening in the park.
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe or Kampala
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and begin the return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive takes you through the countryside of western and central Uganda, with stops along the way for refreshments and lunch.
Depending on your travel arrangements, your guide will drop you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or continue to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari, after experiencing chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Accommodation: Can be Arranged if neccessary
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
What Is Included & Excluded
Your 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari includes the essential services required for a comfortable and well-planned journey through Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Safari Includes
Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park
All national park entrance fees included in the itinerary
Morning and evening game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Private safari transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
Four nights of mid-range safari accommodation
Accommodation at Bweza Kibale Lodge and Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
Bottled drinking water during safari transfers and game drives
Pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
All scheduled road transfers between safari destinations
Safari Excludes
International and domestic flights
Uganda visa fees and other immigration expenses
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and telephone calls
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and drinks not included with meals
Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff and other service providers
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Any services or activities not specifically listed under inclusions
Why Book This Tour?
The 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari is a great choice for travellers who want to combine Uganda’s famous primate experiences with classic wildlife viewing without spending too many days on the road. The route connects Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park naturally, giving the safari a good balance of forest, savannah, wildlife and scenery.
One of the main reasons to choose this tour is the opportunity to trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s best-known primate destinations. The experience offers a close look at chimpanzees in their natural forest environment while also introducing you to the rich biodiversity of western Uganda.
The safari then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives provide opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, lions and other wildlife. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise adds a more relaxed experience, with excellent chances of seeing hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and animals gathering along the shoreline.
This tour also offers a comfortable mid-range safari experience with stays at Bweza Kibale Lodge and Enganzi Game Lodge, private transport, a professional safari guide and a well-paced itinerary that avoids unnecessary backtracking.
For travellers with limited time who still want to experience chimpanzees, wildlife, a boat safari and Uganda’s beautiful western landscapes, this 5 Days Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari provides a rewarding and well-rounded introduction to the country.