Kibale Forest National Park hosts Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees, estimated at 1,450 individuals. Some of the chimps have undergone habituation and these are available for tracking. Expect to experience up to 13 species of primates, 375 species of birds, and a chance of sighting some animals such as forest elephants, warthogs, hippos, buffalos, branded and marsh mongoose, bush pigs, duikers and other small animals. Travel to Uganda’s most popular national park, Queen Elizabeth National Park for a memorable Uganda safari tour. Expect to experience up to 100 mammals and 606 bird species against a backdrop of striking scenery of scenic crater lakes and lush rolling hills.
Highlights
- Nature walk in Bigodi, Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Boat ride along the Kazinga Channel
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Visit the Lake Katwe Tourism Center
- Uganda Equator
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Kibale National Park – Nature Walk
Prepare for pick-up from hotel or residence at 7.00am and travel to Kibale Forest National Park. Check in at your lodge.
*Accommodations:
– Luxury : Kyaninga Game Lodge
– Midrange: Chimps Nest Lodge
– Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
*Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
*Travel Time: 5 Hours
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Have early breakfast and transfer to the ranger station by 7.00am. At 8.00am set out to track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. They are a delight to watch as they scream and play in trees. You get to experience the incredible diversity of Kibale Forest, including up to 13 species of primates including East Africa’s largest population of red Colobus and l’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby, black and white Colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and potto. The forest experience is a delight for botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders enjoy up to 375 species of birds. Forest elephants, buffalos, giant forest hogs, antelopes and many small animals are found in the park.
After the forest and chimpanzee experience return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Later set out for the evening nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Expect sightings of several monkey species, birds, trees, shrubs, beautiful flowers and other small animals.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat Ride along the Kazinga Channel
Have early breakfast and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check in at your lodge for lunch.
Later set out for the boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. The Kazinga Channel is a 40km mass of water joining lakes Edward and George. The 2 hour boat ride is a great opportunity to sight lots of wildlife along the banks, moreover at very close encounter. Hippos, crocodiles and buffalos are a constant sight along the channel. Lots of other animals like elephants, waterbucks, and kobs come to the shores to drink and cool off the scorching heat. The channel is a birds heaven, rumored to host more birds than the entire United States of America. Common birds include African fish eagles, cormorants, cattle egrets, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork, pin backed pelicans and lots more.
Return to your lodge and relax, later have dinner and overnight.
*Accommodations:
– Luxury : Mweya Safari Lodge
– Midrange: Kingfisher Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge
– Budget: The Bush Lodge
*Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
*Travel Time: 4 Hours
Day 4: Game Drive, Lake Katwe Tourism Center
Wake up to an early cup of tea/coffee and set out for the game by 7.00am. Explore the vast Kasenyi plains popular for big game and scenic crater lakes. Expect to see animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, hyenas, topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, baboons, warthogs, plus a number of savanna birds.
After the game drive return to your lodge for lunch.
Later set for the visit to the Lake Katwe Tourism Center. You get to sight thousands of flamingos at Lake Manyanyange, and have a local experience at the salt mining center & the fishing village. Drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Supper
Day 5: Game Drive, Travel to Kampala
Wake up to another early game drive and explore more game trails. Expect to increase your game count.
Continue and check out of Queen Elizabeth National Park and return to Kampala.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
*Travel Time: 7 Hours
Tour Inclusions
Transport – tour vehicle, drive, fuel
Full board accommodation for 4 nights
All meals
Bottled water
Access fees
Guide fees
Chimpanzee permit
Activities – game drives, boat ride, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, community tours
Exclusions
Gratitude and tipping
Alcoholic drinks
Travel insurance
Curion shop purchases
Phone bill and other personnal expenditure