6 Days Uganda Primate Safari & Chimpanzee Tracking | Kibale & Queen Elizabeth
Experience a 6-day Uganda primate safari with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland, Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
6 Days Uganda Primate Safari & Chimpanzee Tracking
Embark on an unforgettable 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari through some of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife and nature destinations. This carefully designed Uganda safari combines the thrilling experience of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park with birdwatching, wetland exploration, cultural encounters, game drives and a scenic boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Known as one of Africa’s leading destinations for primate experiences, Uganda offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from lush tropical forests and wetlands to the vast savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this journey, you will explore Kibale Forest National Park, discover the biodiversity of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, visit the fascinating hot springs of Semuliki National Park, and enjoy classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Your Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari offers opportunities to encounter chimpanzees and other primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The adventure also includes the chance to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs and a remarkable variety of birdlife.
This 6-day Uganda safari is ideal for wildlife lovers, primate enthusiasts, photographers and travellers seeking an immersive East African adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
- Discover Uganda’s incredible primate diversity
- Explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Experience a nature and cultural walk around Kibale
- Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park
- Enjoy scenic views of western Uganda’s beautiful landscapes
- Go on a wildlife game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and Uganda kobs
- Enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Spot hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species
- Explore Lake Katwe and its traditional salt-mining area
- Experience the Uganda Equator on your return journey
Detailed 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Entebbe or Kampala
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide from Travel Oltepesi. After a short safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional city tour or visit selected local attractions before checking in at your hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting Uganda primate safari ahead.
Destination: Entebbe or Kampala
Meal Plan: Dinner or Half Board, depending on arrival time
Accommodation Options
Budget: K Hotel Entebbe or similar
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge or similar
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe or Serena Kigo Hotel or similar
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe or Kampala and begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s best destinations for chimpanzee tracking and primate encounters.
The scenic drive takes you through Uganda’s countryside, offering views of rolling hills, traditional villages, tea plantations and changing landscapes.
Arrive in the Kibale region and check in at your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk or community experience around the park, where you can learn about the cultures and daily lives of communities living near Kibale Forest.
Kibale is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to an impressive variety of primates, making it the highlight of many Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Budget: Jungle Lodge Kibale or Lake Nkuruba Camp
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge or Papaya Lake Lodge
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today is one of the major highlights of your 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the chimpanzee tracking starting point for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. You will then enter the lush tropical forest of Kibale in search of habituated chimpanzee families.
Follow forest trails while listening for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees. Once located, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment as they feed, play and interact.
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the world’s premier destinations for primate viewing. In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to several other primate species and a wide variety of birds and forest wildlife.
After the chimpanzee tracking experience, return to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area known for its exceptional biodiversity. Enjoy a guided walk through the wetland and look out for primates, butterflies and colourful birdlife.
Later, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2
Day 4: Semuliki National Park & Sempaya Hot Springs – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, check out and travel to Semuliki National Park, located in western Uganda.
Semuliki is renowned for its tropical forest environment, rich biodiversity and excellent birdwatching opportunities. One of the highlights of your visit is the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where you can explore the scenic forest surroundings and learn about this unique natural attraction.
After the visit, continue your journey towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive offers beautiful views of western Uganda’s landscapes and, on clear days, spectacular scenery around the Rwenzori region.
Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in and relax. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an evening game drive in search of wildlife.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other animals that inhabit the park’s savannah.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Budget: Bush Lodge or similar
Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or similar
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early for an exciting morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations.
Explore the park’s savannah plains with your experienced driver-guide in search of wildlife. Possible sightings include African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, warthogs, hyenas and numerous bird species.
After the morning game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast or enjoy a relaxed break before lunch.
In the afternoon, head to the famous Kazinga Channel for a memorable boat cruise. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and provides one of the best opportunities to observe wildlife from the water.
Watch large numbers of hippos in the channel, crocodiles resting along the banks, elephants coming to drink and an impressive variety of water birds.
After the boat safari, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 4
Optional Experience: Lion Tracking
Enhance your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari with an optional lion-tracking experience, subject to availability and park regulations. This unique activity offers an opportunity to learn more about lion monitoring and conservation while enjoying an exceptional wildlife experience.
Optional Experience: Kyambura Gorge
You may also choose to explore Kyambura Gorge, popularly known as the Valley of Apes. This dramatic gorge is home to a variety of primates and birds and offers a completely different landscape from the open savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 6: Lake Katwe & Crater Lakes Experience – Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the final day of your Uganda primate and wildlife safari.
Visit the Lake Katwe area, where you can learn about traditional salt production and the cultural importance of the region. Continue through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda as you travel towards Kampala or Entebbe.
Enjoy a stop for lunch along the way. Depending on your route and schedule, you will also have an opportunity to stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and the famous Equator experience.
Continue to Kampala, Entebbe or Entebbe International Airport, where your unforgettable 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour comes to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation Options
This safari can be customized with budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation depending on your travel style and budget.
Budget Safari
Comfortable and affordable lodges or camps selected for location, cleanliness and good service.
Mid-range Safari
Well-appointed safari lodges offering excellent comfort, beautiful surroundings and quality service.
Luxury Safari
Premium lodges and hotels offering exceptional comfort, scenic locations, personalized service and an exclusive safari experience.
COST OF THE PACKAGE
BUDGET From $1675 MIDRANGE From $2380 LUXURY From $3500 PPS
Package Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park entry fees as indicated in the itinerary
- All scheduled game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary as indicated
- Semuliki National Park and Sempaya Hot Springs experience
- Lake Katwe and crater area experience as indicated
- Accommodation as per the selected package
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
- All government taxes and levies included in the package where applicable
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Any additional accommodation required before or after the safari unless stated
Why Book This 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari?
This safari offers an excellent combination of chimpanzee tracking, primate encounters, wildlife game drives, birdwatching, cultural experiences and scenic exploration.
In just six days, you will experience some of Uganda’s most diverse safari environments, including the tropical forests of Kibale, the wetlands of Bigodi, the unique landscapes of Semuliki and the wildlife-rich savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Whether you are visiting Uganda for the first time or adding chimpanzee trekking to your East African safari, this carefully planned itinerary offers a rewarding and unforgettable adventure.
Book Your Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari
Ready to track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and experience the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Contact Travel Oltepesi today to customize your 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari, choose your preferred accommodation category and receive a personalized safari quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chimpanzee tracking included in this 6 Days Uganda Primate Safari?
Yes. The safari includes a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, including the required permit as stated in the package inclusions.
Where will we track chimpanzees in Uganda?
Chimpanzee tracking takes place in Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s leading destinations for observing chimpanzees and other primates.
What other destinations are included in this Uganda safari?
The itinerary includes Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Semuliki National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Can I see the Big Five on this safari?
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers opportunities to see several iconic African wildlife species, including lions, elephants and buffaloes. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
What animals can I see on the Kazinga Channel boat cruise?
The boat cruise may offer sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous bird species along the water’s edge.
What is the best time for a Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari?
Chimpanzee tracking can be enjoyed throughout the year. Weather and trail conditions may vary between wetter and drier periods, so the best time can depend on your preferred travel conditions.
What should I wear for chimpanzee tracking?
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, long trousers and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Rain protection, insect repellent and drinking water are also recommended.
Can this Uganda safari be customized?
Yes. Travel Oltepesi can customize the itinerary, accommodation level, pickup and drop-off arrangements, and additional activities according to your preferences.
HEALTH
- Yellow fever and malaria prophylactics are required
- COVID19 vaccination certificates are no longer a requirement to enter Uganda.
- Officials have a right to reject entry if you are found to have or show signs of communicable diseases.
Included/Excluded
- 4*4 Ground Transport with English speaking local guide/drive.
- Bottled drinking water while in the vehicle.
- All park entrance fees.
- All mentioned activities.
- Accommodation and all meals.
- Chimpanzee Permit
- Top and bottom the falls
- Boat cruise and game drive
- International Flights, it is imperative that you confirm your onward/ return flights. Please contact our office for assistance.
- Accommodation facilities while in Kampala
- Laundry services and any Tips.
- Visas, most nations require a visa to enter Uganda which can be obtained on arrival at USD 50 per person, single entry. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months
Tour Plan
On your arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be picked up by our representative, your driver guide, who will brief you about the day’s program and transfer you to your place of accommodation. You will do a city tour in the afternoon and visit local sights depending on your time.
DESTINATION: Entebbe/Kampala
Meal Plan: Half Board.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Kooki Hotel/ K Hotel Entebbe
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge/ Via Via Hotel
Luxury: Serena Kigo Hotel/ Protea Hotel Entebbe.
Early morning, the City is already astir, after your breakfast, our driver guide will drive you through the City’s street lights towards KNP. Get to see and understand the city life, proceed on a 310 kilometers drive to Kibale National Park in the Southern region via the Kampala-Mubende-Fortportal highway. Enroute observe nature offerings, the pointing adjacent hill with tea plantations, the grazing local herds of cattle, different town suburbs with locals selling off their merchandise and so much more.
Later, you will check in your preferred lodge in Kibale and have lunch. After your lunch, prepare for a nature walk in the last remaining forest expanses to comprise of both lowlands and montane forests in eastern Africa, engage with the mothers’ nature store as you experience the whole biodiversity of the park.
Encounter with the two tribes. Batoro and Bakiga communities living around the park which after you will return to the lodge and relax.
LOCATION: Kibale Forest National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Budget: Jungle Lodge Kibale/ Lake Nkuruba Camp Site
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp/ Chimpanzee Guest House
Luxury: Kyaninga Safari Lodge/ Papaya Lake Lodge.
Early morning after your breakfast, you will be briefed about your Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest, along with you armed game ranger you penetrate the forest following trails in the park as you track the chimps guided by their evocative pant-hoot calls. Kibale Forest NP is an ideal center for Eco- tourism and Safari Destination, and is popular for its population of habituated Chimpanzee and twelve other species of primate, meaning that you can interact with the Chimpanzees in Kibale forest not forgetting that the park has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa.
Encounter with the unique forest dwellers inclusive of the red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest’s monkeys, the black and white colobus and the blue monkeys. Enjoy bird watching to over 325 sited species of birds. The park is also home to other wildlife species that include elephants, duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, after the chimpanzee tracking you will return back to your lodge and have your lunch.
After lunch in the afternoon, enjoy nature walks in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary! A fascinating area, located in Magombe swamp, this area is recognized for an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the red colobus, baboon, black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, grey cheeked mangabey, vervet monkey, red-tailed monkey, and the L’Hoest’s monkey. After the visit, you will return back to your lodge.
Location: Kibale Forest NP
Meal plan: Full Board
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Lake Nkuruba Camp Site/ Jungle Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp/ Chimpanzee Guest House
Luxury: Kyaninga Safari Lodge/ Papaya Lake Lodge.
Wake up on the golden awakening sunlight, after your breakfast, check out from the lodge and transfer to Semliki National Park, drive through the rocky escarpments to a 1 to 1.5hrs road drive to the only tract of lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals. Here will shall have a visit to the male and female hot springs. After the hot springs, we drive back to Fortportal for lunch.
Thereafter, we proceed with the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Uganda’s most visited Savannah Park in Western region of Uganda that is comprised of prominent touristic hubs like the Maramagambo Forest, the Kigezi Game Reserve, the Kyambura Game Reserve.
Drive through the open rocky escarpments, to 2-3 hours road drive to Queen, the region is Uganda’s tourist hub encompassed by the Snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Check-in at your lodge, and prepare for an evening game drive.
The evening game drive is a gateway for the big game safari, visiting the Savaannah to see the whole host that includes: African buffaloes, Ugandan Kobs, Hippopotamus, Crocodiles, African Bush Elephants, African Leopards, Lions and other grazing wild-species in the Savannah. The park is home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge/ Bush Lodge
Midrange: Twin Lake Safari Lodge/ Wilderness Safari Camp
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Elephant Plains Game Lodge.
Wake up on the whispering jungles, with intermixed sounds emanating from the wilderness, after your breakfast, drive through the game to spot out the early risers including the nocturnal. This offers an authentic approach to define the Savannah, spot our hyenas coming out from their dens, Buffaloes crossing to their grazing short Savannah, unique bird species whirling in open clouds. Visit the Ishasha sector famous for the great kings of the jungle described as the tree-climbing lions, the area around Ishasha in Rukungiri District is famous for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes.
After game drive, you will have a short relaxation as well on ground nature sightings, this is a magnificent picturesque for good photo captions and have lunch as well. Then after your lunch, transfer to the Kazinga for a launch trip, the channel connects two lakes, L. Edward and L. George. The launch trip introduces you to a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world’s largest concentration of hippos and numerous Crocodiles seen throughout the year. After the experience drive back to the lodge for relaxation.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge/ Bush Lodge
Midrange: Twin Lake Safari Lodge/ Wilderness Safari Camp
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Elephant Plains Game Lodge.
JOIN A RESEARCH TEAM AND TRACK THE MAJESTIC LIONS OF QENP
For visitors who would wish to have a closer look at African wildlife, while contributing to an important conservation program at the same time, a lion tracking research trip can be a rewarding adventure. This unique experience allows visitors to join a research team who track and monitor some of lions in the park through locator devices. The data collected will further the conversation program while you get a unique and intimate insight into the lives and habit of these fascinating predators.
The additional cost for this optional activity is $140 person (it includes 10% community fee and vehicle fee)
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE THE VALLEY OF THE APES
For your Safari to be a bit too sedentary for your taste, hike the Kyambura Gorge and it will get your heart rate up. This stunning geological feature is known as “the Valley of Apes” and is another world into itself.
The view from the top is incredibly impressive with a deep sunken gorge covered in lush tropical vegetation. As its nick-name reveals, the gorge is home to several primate species including chimpanzees, the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. Your will enjoy the different bird species. While the chances of spotting chimpanzees are not as high as in Kibale Forest or Budongo Forest, this landscape is among the most impressive in Uganda and absolutely worth visiting.
The additional cost for this optional is $50 per person.
After your breakfast check out the lodge and visit the Kasenyi fishing villages. In this sector, see the local methods used to catch fish as well as identifying different fish caught on the channel. Proceed and visit the Lake Katwe crater deposits, see and learn how the locals especially women get into the lake extract salt deposits using their hands and other local tools, a method that is risky and dangerous to their human life, Yes its survival for the fittest.
Later you will embark on your journey through Mbarara- Masaka- Kampala. Have a short stopover for in Mbarara for your lunch. Proceed passed L.Mburo National Park in Kiruhura district with unending sightings as you see the Ankole’s long-horned cattle graze in the park with adjacent acacia trees covering the park. Proceed passed Masaka up to Kampala City/Airport/Your hotel or preferred destination in Kampala BUT not forgetting to have the Equator experience.
Explore
Our staff members are highly professional and take their roles seriously. They are committed to providing exceptional service to customers and ensuring that every aspect of their experience is top-notch.
ABOUT US
CONTACT INFO
- Nairobi: Macjo Plaza, Magadi Road, 3rd-floor suite 13D Eldoret: Zion Mall office B09
PHOTO GALLERY
- © 2025 Otepesi All Rights Reserved
Leave a Reply