3 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks Safari
3 Days Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari | Kibale & Queen Elizabeth.
Location: Kibale National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Safari Package: Private Safari / Group Safari
Major Attractions: Chimpanzee Tracking, Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Launch Trip & Scenery Safari
Departure Point: Kampala / Entebbe
Return Point: Kampala / Entebbe
Our 3 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari combines two of the best wildlife sites located in Western Uganda within one well-thought-out safari.
This Uganda safari starts off at the tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, which is well known for its primate variety and chimpanzee trekking safari. After the rainforest, the safari heads over to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which features savannahs, woodlands, swamps and lakes.
This itinerary gives you the opportunity to experience chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat, search for wildlife on a game drive and cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and numerous waterbirds may be seen.
Rather than spending several days travelling between destinations, our itinerary has been designed to make the most of your time in western Uganda while still allowing you to enjoy the major experiences of both parks.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Uganda, a couple looking for an unforgettable wildlife holiday, a family travelling together or a small private group, this 3 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari offers an excellent combination of primates, savannah wildlife, scenic landscapes and memorable outdoor experiences.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: transfer from Kampala / Entebbe to Kibale National Park – Bigodi Wetland Experience
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and transfer to Kampala / Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala / Entebbe – Kibale National Park – Bigodi Wetland Experience
Our safari begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel, residence or preferred location in Kampala or Entebbe.
Meet your professional guide and start the adventure to the west of Kibale National Park.
As you drive away from the hustle and bustle of Kampala city towards the lush rural landscape of western Uganda, you will witness several other scenes, like local villages, farms, trading centres, and the picturesque scenery of the countryside.
There will be an appropriate stopover for breakfast or refreshments en route to the Fort Portal/Kibale area.
Kibale National Park is especially renowned for its richness in primates, and the Kanyanchu sector of Kibale National Park is the focal point for chimpanzee trekking in the park. As per UWA’s description, the park is rich in primates, and chimpanzee tracking is among the top activities.
After lunch, proceed to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, based on your time of arrival and chosen package.
The Bigodi visit offers a great opportunity to explore the environment and community surrounding Kibale. You will learn about the environment and community conservation efforts while seeing animals such as monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other forms of wildlife during your walk.
Return to the lodge for check-in.
Dinner and overnight stay
Luxury: Primate Lodge
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Budget: Isunga Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
Wake up early, have breakfast at your lodge, then head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most popular activities carried out by visitors in Kibale National Park. It starts with the registration process, followed by briefing and entering into the forest with your guide.
UWA currently lists morning chimpanzee tracking from 8:00 AM and afternoon tracking from 2:00 PM, with the actual trek duration depending on the movements of the chimpanzees and the condition of the forest.
Upon entering the forest, your guide will help you follow signs of chimpanzee activity and identify other primates and forest species along the trail.
The forest itself is an attraction too. Listen to calls from monkeys and birds and enjoy the atmosphere in this rich primate habitat.
After the chimpanzee trekking experience, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to refresh. In the afternoon, check out and begin the scenic drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Upon arrival in the park, and depending on your arrival time, proceed for an evening game drive, as the afternoon temperature cools, and begin searching for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, antelopes and, with luck, lions and other predators.
After the game drive, proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight stay
Accommodation options
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
Mid-range: Elephant Hub Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Kampala / Entebbe
Wake up early and have breakfast before heading out for your morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The early morning is a rewarding time to experience the savannah, as most wildlife is active before the hot temperature of the day sets in.
Your guide will be able to choose appropriate routes depending on current conditions and past wildlife sightings.
As you explore the park, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Ugandan kob, warthogs, waterbucks, and other antelopes. The park is famous for the presence of lions and other predators, though nothing can guarantee wildlife sightings.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the birding sites in Uganda, as there are more than 600 bird species, according to UWA.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast or refreshments before proceeding to the Kazinga Channel.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of this safari.
As the boat makes its way down the channel, you will get an opportunity to view huge herds of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and birds on the shores of the lake.
This is a great chance to take pictures, especially since there will be lots of animals near the water.
After the boat cruise, have some lunch and begin your return journey to either Kampala or Entebbe.
You will have one last chance to travel through the beautiful Ugandan countryside on your way back to your destination.
After reaching either Kampala or Entebbe, you will be dropped at your hotel or residence.
End of our 3 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari.
Included in the Safari
- A private 4×4 safari vehicle (where available)
- Professional English-speaking driver guide
- Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe airport
- Two nights’ accommodation
- Meals
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel
- Drinking water for the duration of the safari
Exclusions
- International and internal flights
- Travel insurance
- Any additional expenses
- Hard drinks
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Excursions not part of the schedule
