5 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari
This 5 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari takes you to Uganda. An excellent destination for wildlife safaris, offering a unique opportunity to see a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats, including some of Africa’s most iconic species.
Here are some of the highlights and popular destinations for a wildlife safari in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
While most famous for its mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also home to various other primates. Such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and baboons. The lush forest and hilly terrain make it a beautiful destination for trekking and wildlife viewing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
This park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests. It offers the chance to see a wide range of wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park:
This park is Uganda’s largest and offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks, is not only a must-see attraction. But also wildlife sightings for example elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, and many others.
Kibale National Park:
Famous for its chimpanzee tracking, Kibale is home to one of the highest densities of primates in Africa. Apart from chimpanzees, visitors can also spot red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other primate species.
Semuliki National Park:
This lesser-known park is a great destination for birdwatching and is home to various bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. It also offers opportunities to spot forest elephants and different primates.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
For those interested in rhino conservation, this sanctuary is the place to visit. It is the only place in Uganda where you can specifically see white rhinos in the wild.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
Though remote, this park is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. It’s a great destination for seeing large herds of buffaloes, zebras, elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Overnight Entebbe
Arrive Entebbe International Airport where you will be picked up by Njia Driver and check into your accommodation for rest. Then relax and chill by the beach or swimming pool in Entebbe as you wait for tomorrow’s adventure.
Location: Kampala/Entebbe
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Latitude 0 Degrees Serena Hotel Kigo
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge, Boma Guest House
Budget: Via Via hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth and an Evening Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
Your journey to the wild continues to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse wildlife reserves. The drive from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park will take you through picturesque landscapes, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Ugandan countryside.
Upon arrival at the park, you’ll be greeted by its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, which create a haven for a wide variety of wildlife.
However, after settling into your accommodation, you’ll embark on an exciting afternoon game drive. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll set out in a safari vehicle to explore the park’s vast plains and tracks. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an impressive array of animals, and during your game drive, you can expect to spot elephants, buffaloes, various antelope species like Uganda Kob and Topi, and many bird species.
The park’s birdlife is particularly remarkable, with over 600 recorded species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep an eye out for the African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, African jacana, and many other colorful and fascinating birds.
As the sun sets over the park, you’ll have the chance to witness breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to capture some stunning photographs of the African wilderness.
Queen Elizabeth National Park also offers other exciting activities such as boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, as well as exploring the scenic Kyambura Gorge for a chance to track chimpanzees.
Throughout your wildlife encounters, remember to maintain a safe distance from the animals and follow the park’s guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.
Enjoy your time in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and may you be enchanted by the diverse wildlife and natural wonders it has to offer.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |Katara Lodge
Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Day 3: Game drive, Hot Air Baloon Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up and have your breakfast and then prepare the day’s activities. Morning Game Drive or Hot Air Balloon Safari: You have the choice between a morning game drive and an optional hot air balloon safari. The morning game drive offers an opportunity to witness the awakening of the park’s wildlife as they start their day. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll set out in a safari vehicle to search for animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Finally, the game drive is a fantastic way to observe wildlife behaviors and interactions in their natural habitat.
On the other hand, the hot air balloon safari provides a unique perspective from the sky as you glide over the savannah and witness the park’s wildlife from a different vantage point. It’s a memorable and picturesque experience, capturing panoramic views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
Regardless of your choice, both activities promise incredible wildlife sightings and an unforgettable adventure.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel: In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. The boat cruise offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, as the shores of the channel attract a diverse range of animals.
On the other hand, as you cruise along the water, you’ll have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and more. Elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are also known to come to the water’s edge to quench their thirst, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The boat cruise is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park’s wildlife and offers a different perspective on the animals’ behaviors and interactions near the water.
Both activities – the morning game drive or hot air balloon safari and the afternoon boat cruise – offer distinct and enriching experiences, and you’ll be immersed in the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As always, remember to adhere to the park’s guidelines and maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the animals.
Finally, enjoy your day in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and may it be filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and cherished memories
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |Katara Lodge
Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive Queen To Kibale Forest N.p
After your exciting time at Queen Elizabeth N.P, you will embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. This park is famous for its incredible population of chimpanzees. And is a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking and primate enthusiasts.
Though the journey from Queen Elizabeth N.P to Kibale Forest will take you through beautiful landscapes. Passing through small towns and villages with great views of Mt Rwenzori and stopovers at the crater lakes, allowing you to get a glimpse of rural life in Uganda.
Upon reaching Kibale Forest National Park, you will check into your lodge. Where you can unwind and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Many lodges in the area offer comfortable accommodations and often blend seamlessly with the natural environment, providing an immersive experience.
Meanwhile, in the evening, you can take some time to rest and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the forest. Listen to the sounds of nature, and if you’re lucky, you might even hear the distant calls of chimpanzees echoing through the trees.
Kibale Forest offers not only chimpanzee trekking but also opportunities to see other primates. For instance red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, among others. The forest is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with a wide variety of bird species.
During your stay in Kibale Forest National Park, you’ll have the chance to connect with nature, learn about the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems, and observe some of Uganda’s fascinating wildlife.
Remember to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the park authorities. And your guides during the chimpanzee trekking to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with these incredible creatures.
Enjoy your time in Kibale Forest, and may your adventures continue to be filled with remarkable experiences!
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Lake Nkuruba Camp Site | Rweteera Safari Park
Midrange: Chimpanzee Guest House | Kibale Forest Camp
Luxury: Kyaninga Safari Lodge | Papaya Lake Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Depart back to Entebbe
Your day in Kibale Forest National Park promises to be a thrilling and nature-filled adventure!
Chimpanzee Trekking: Early in the morning, you will straightaway set off for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll venture into the lush forest in search of these charismatic primates. Kibale Forest is home to one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in Africa. Providing you with an excellent chance of encountering these fascinating creatures.
As you trek through the forest, you might also spot other primates. Such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Your guides will share their knowledge about the forest ecosystem. The chimpanzees’ behavior, and the importance of conserving their habitat.
When you finally encounter a group of chimpanzees, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe them up close. Witnessing their social interactions, grooming sessions, and playful behaviors. It’s a truly magical experience to be in the presence of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom
After your morning tracking, will have time to refresh and embark on our Journey back to Kampala passing through tea plantation farms and Market Centers. Will arrive in the early evening.
Thus the end of safari in Uganda with Njia African Adventures