5 Day Chimpanzee trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari
Kibale forest national park is home to 13 species of primates, most commonly sought primate in this park is the Chimpanzee. Kibale is well known for chimpanzees which are the main attraction of tourists to Uganda for chimpanzee tracking. Queen Elizabeth national park is Uganda’s second-largest national park best known as a home for the tree climbing lion and other exciting animals. Kibale forest national park is home to 13 species of primates, most commonly sought primate in this park is the Chimpanzee. Kibale is well known for chimpanzees which are the main attraction of tourists to Uganda for chimpanzee tracking. This trip also features Queen Elizabeth national park which is Uganda’s second-largest national park best known as a home for the tree climbing lion and other exciting animals. Queen Elizabeth national park also has an exciting boat cruise on Lake Edward connecting to Lake George hence the Kazinga channel which a home of the hippos and crocodiles. This trip also features visiting the Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki national park. The park is mainly known as home to Uganda’s largest hot springs which consist of male and female with an interesting history. These hot springs are one of a kind in Africa and visiting them is one of the most rewarding experiences in Uganda.
Safari highlights
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk
Day 3: Visit the hot springs – transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
Day 4: Lion tracking/morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise.
Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale national park (5-6 hours’ drive)
On the 1st day of your 5 Day Chimpanzee trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, on this first day of your trip with Elephant whispers Safaris, you shall meet our company representative alongside the safari driver for meet and greet before the trip starts. After briefing, depart for Kibale national park located in the western part of Uganda. It’s a 5-6 hours’ journey to the park with en-route stop for lunch in Fort portal town. After lunch, since your time is still available, you will visit the Amabera caves and waterfalls not forgetting the crater lakes. Later afternoon, connect to your booked accommodation for dinner and overnight at Isunga Lodge – Budget option/Chimpanzee Guesthouse – mid-range option/Kyaninga lodge – luxury option
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk
On this day you will have an encounter with the endangered Chimpanzees. Wake up quite early, meet your safari driver after breakfast to connect to Kanyachu head offices you’re your trekking gears where you will gather with other visitors for a briefing from the park warden about the chimpanzees. Thereafter, you will be allocated 2 -3 rangers for the chimpanzee trekking activity, enter the rainforest and search for the chimpanzees. This takes about 2-5 hours to find and view them depending on their location. Visitors are allowed to only spend 1 hour in their presence before you return to the starting point where you will meet your safari guide waiting for you.
Later afternoon, drive to Bigodi wetland for a nature walk experience. The wetland is abundant with different species of birds, trees, butterflies and primates. Enjoy the sounds of different birds like the Great blue Turaco, the rare papyrus Gonorek and other birds. Before night fall, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at lodge as above
Day 3: Visit the Sempaya hot springs – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
After breakfast, check-out of the lodge to connect to Semiliki national park (2 hours’ drive) to visit the Hot springs. These hot springs are the largest in Uganda, divided into female and male however they both have a geyser that shoots up from 8 meters’ holes with a high temperature of up to 100 degrees Celsius. The strength and hotness of the springs are amazing as one can boil eggs and in few minutes, it is ready to eat. The community around the park also visit the springs to perform rituals basin on their beliefs.
Have en-route lunch in fort portal town and proceed to Queen Elizabeth national park. It’s a 3 hours’ drive to Queen Elizabeth national park arriving at the park late afternoon with stop at the Uganda Equator. Proceed to your booked lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Pumba Safari Cottages for budget/Bush lodge for mid-range/Kyambura Gorge lodge for luxury
Day 4: Game game drive in Kasenyi area and boat cruise along the Kazinga channel
On the 4th day of your 5 Day Chimpanzee trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, on this day, enjoy your breakfast then meet your safari guide for a game drive adventure in Kasenyi area. This area has a lot of animals to see including the savannah elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks and on a lucky day, you will stop the lions, leopards and hyenas. Retreat from the activity and return to your lodge for lunch.
Have en-route lunch in Mweya peninsular then proceed for a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel where you will get an opportunity to see a number of bird species, elephants and buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles at the lake shores. Return to your accommodation as of the previous day. All meals provided on full board
Day 5: Transfer back to Entebbe (6-7 hours’ drive) – departure
On this last day of your trip with Elephant Whispers safaris, enjoy your breakfast then depart the lodge to return to Kampala/Entebbe depending on where you will advise. Lunch will be served in Mbarara town, stop at the equator for pictures and refresh. Drop off either at your own booked lodge or at the airport for your onward flight. End of Safari
Safari inclusions
Pick up and drop off
Ground transfers in 4X4 Safari van and fuel for the trip
Park entry fees and boat cruise fees
Chimpanzee trekking permits
Well knowledgeable and professional safari driver guide
Accommodation and meal indicated on the itinerary
Bottled water for the whole trip
Safari exclusions
International flight fares and Visa fees for Uganda
Activities of your own interest (Optional activities)
Porter and tipping fees
Personal expenses like insurance, beverages, laundry, internet usage, telephone calls to mention a few
