4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

This immersive 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Uganda safari takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park—one of Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife reserves, home to tree-climbing lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and buffalos—and Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The safari features thrilling game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, offering an unforgettable experience of Uganda’s rich wildlife and landscapes.

Highlights of the 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Safari

Scenic road trip from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park with breathtaking landscapes, traditional Ankole long-horned cattle, and a stop at the Equator.
Exciting game drives through the Kasenyi plains, home to Uganda’s top predators, including lions and leopards.
Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, an area renowned for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse bird species.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species.
A second game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, increasing chances of spotting elusive leopards and tree-climbing lions.

Detailed 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Itinerary

4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Uganda

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park safari begins with an early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe as you set off on a scenic 7-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you will:

Stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for a brief demonstration of the Coriolis effect, photography, and an opportunity to purchase Ugandan souvenirs.
Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations, lush farmlands, and the long-horned Ankole cattle—a traditional symbol of the region.
Have a delicious lunch at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara, offering a taste of Uganda’s local cuisine.

On arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check in at Mweya Safari Lodge, a luxury accommodation overlooking the Kazinga Channel. Before sunset, you may take a short evening game drive near the lodge for a chance to spot elephants, warthogs, and Uganda kobs grazing in the golden savanna.

Overnight Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, the best area in Queen Elizabeth National Park for spotting lions, leopards, and large herds of Uganda kobs. The game drive starts at 6:30 AM and lasts for approximately 3–4 hours, offering spectacular sightings of:

Lions hunting prey, especially near the Kasenyi mating grounds.
Leopards, though elusive, are often seen resting in the trees or prowling in the tall grass.
Herds of elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs grazing near the acacia woodlands.
Hyenas, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, and several antelope species.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for a relaxing breakfast and lunch before heading for the afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This is one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences, as the channel links Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts an abundance of wildlife.

During the 2-hour boat safari, expect to see:

Hundreds of hippos lounging in the water.
Elephants, buffalos, and antelopes drinking at the shore.
Nile crocodiles basking in the sun.
Over 600 bird species, including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, great cormorants, and pink-backed pelicans.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

After the boat cruise, return to Mweya Safari Lodge for a relaxing evening, dinner, and overnight stay.

Overnight Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Second Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Tree Climbing lions in Uganda can only be found in the ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjoy another early morning game drive through the Ishasha sector, where you have a high chance of spotting tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Ishasha is one of the only places in Africa where lions display this rare behavior.

After the game drive, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, a journey that offers breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon). Arrive at Kibale in the afternoon and proceed for chimpanzee trekking.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

After a briefing from expert Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers, you’ll set off on an exhilarating chimpanzee trek through the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale.

During this adventure, you’ll:

Follow chimpanzees as they swing through the trees, groom each other, and call out in loud hoots.
Spot other primates, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Learn about the rich biodiversity of Kibale, which also supports over 375 bird species, butterflies, and tree species.

After spending one hour with the chimpanzees, you’ll return to the briefing center and drive to Papaya Lake Lodge for a luxurious dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight Stay: Papaya Lake Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Return to Entebbe via Kampala

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Kibale’s crater lakes before setting off for the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll have an en-route lunch stop in Fort Portal and, depending on time, a brief stopover at the Mabira Forest Reserve to stretch your legs.

Arrive in Entebbe by evening, marking the end of your 4 Days Queen Elizabeth and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Package offer includes the following services:

Exclusive Safari transport in custom made Safari Vehicle with AC
Services of English-speaking driver guides
Chimpanzee trekking Permits
Bottled water
All Meals included
All Accommodations

Package excludes the following services

International and Visa entry charges to Uganda.
All items of personal use i.e. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, personal travel insurances, etc.
Activities not listed in the itinerary

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Uganda must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Uganda Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE:

English

TIME:

GMT +3

VOLTAGE:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

CLOTHING:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER:

You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH;

East Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:

For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

GRATUITIES:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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