3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale National Park

This 3-day chimpanzee safari offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter our closest primate relatives, sharing nearly 99% of their DNA with humans. Kibale National Park is renowned for its thriving chimpanzee population and is home to 12 other primate species, including red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The park also boasts more than 350 recorded bird species.

Covering approximately 766–795 square kilometres, Kibale provides an incredible setting for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Beyond chimpanzee tracking, the safari allows you to explore beautiful crater lakes and experience a variety of exciting activities around the region. The journey from Kampala is approximately 300–326 kilometres and generally takes around six hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

A highlight of the experience is a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation and tourism destination located near Kibale National Park. The sanctuary offers opportunities to discover diverse wildlife, birdlife, and the natural beauty of the surrounding wetlands while supporting local communities.

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• A guided nature walk through Bigodi Swamp
• An immersive community walking tour

Depending on your starting point in Kampala or Entebbe, your 3-day chimpanzee safari begins with a morning pick-up by our professional safari guide. From there, you will embark on a scenic journey westwards toward Kibale Forest National Park, a drive of approximately five hours.

Along the way, you will have a lunch stop in Fort Portal, where you can relax and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. After lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to one of the beautiful crater areas around Fort Portal, offering an opportunity to appreciate the region's remarkable volcanic landscapes.

From the crater area, you will proceed to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in time to settle into your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner. Overnight at your chosen lodge in or around Kibale Forest.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Rise early and enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. The park rangers will provide important information on the guidelines, safety measures, and responsible practices to follow while encountering the chimpanzees.

After the briefing, proceed into the forest accompanied by experienced park rangers who will lead you through the habitat of these remarkable primates. With your tracking equipment, packed picnic lunch, and drinking water ready, begin the search for the chimpanzee community. The trek may take approximately 2–5 hours, depending on the location and movement of the chimpanzees.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have up to one hour to observe them in their natural environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to watch their social interactions, learn about their behavior, and capture memorable photographs while maintaining the required distance and respecting park regulations.

Following the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to freshen up and relax. Later in the afternoon, venture out for a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The walk offers an excellent chance to explore the area's rich ecosystem and spot a variety of colorful bird species, butterflies, monkeys, and wetland wildlife, including the elusive sitatunga antelope.

As the day comes to an end, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge or equivalent

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the fascinating Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru Caves, a site steeped in history, culture, and legend. Explore the remarkable caves before continuing to the beautiful Amabere Waterfalls and enjoying a memorable Crater Lakes tour, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

After the morning's exploration, enjoy lunch before beginning the 5–6-hour journey back to Kampala. Alternatively, guests with onward travel plans can connect directly to Entebbe International Airport for their flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch