4 Days Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

This 4-day safari offers a thrilling exploration of two of Uganda’s most famous national parks: Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you from the dense, primate-filled forests of Kibale to the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of Queen Elizabeth. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this safari provides a rich blend of chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and stunning scenery, all packed into an unforgettable short adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your safari begins with your arrival in Entebbe, where you will be greeted by your guide. After a brief introduction and overview of the safari, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda. The drive takes you through picturesque rural landscapes, past tea plantations, and lush hillsides, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you’ll check into your lodge, situated near the edge of the park. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the serene environment, preparing for the exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure that awaits the next day.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

The second day is dedicated to an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “primate capital of the world.” After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers who will guide your trek.

Kibale is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as 12 other primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Your trek takes you deep into the forest, where you’ll track the chimpanzees by following their calls and signs. The moment you come across a troop of chimpanzees in their natural habitat is truly magical. Watching them interact, feed, and play offers a unique insight into their complex social structures.

After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can opt for a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you can spot more primates, birds, and other wildlife. The sanctuary is also known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery, making it a perfect complement to the morning’s trek.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Game Drive

On the third day, you’ll leave Kibale and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, including the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge before heading out on an evening game drive in the park’s northern sector. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which range from savannah and wetlands to lowland forest, and support a wide variety of wildlife. During the game drive, you may encounter elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the elusive leopard. The park is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, which you may spot lounging in fig trees.

As the sun sets over the savannah, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

The final day of your safari begins with an early morning game drive, offering the best chance to see predators like lions and hyenas as they are most active at dawn. The game drive takes you through the park’s diverse landscapes, where you can also spot a variety of herbivores, such as Uganda kobs, warthogs, and waterbucks.

After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before heading to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is famous for its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles, as well as a wide variety of bird species. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife, allowing you to observe animals up close as they come to the water’s edge to drink and cool off.

Following the boat safari, you’ll have lunch before starting your journey back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief stop at the equator crossing for photos and souvenirs.

Conclusion

This 4-day Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari is a compact yet richly rewarding adventure that showcases some of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife and natural beauty. From the thrilling chimpanzee encounters in Kibale to the diverse wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth, this safari offers a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and discovery. Ideal for those with limited time, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s incredible wilderness.