3 Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari
Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable journey deep into Uganda’s lush rainforests on this 3 day chimpanzee tracking safari to Kibale Forest National Park—Africa’s primate capital. This short but immersive tour is perfect for primate enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture seekers. You’ll not only trek wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat but also explore the crater lake region, visit tea plantations, and enjoy a touch of culture at Nyakasura Caves and the Tooro King’s Palace.
With over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species, Kibale Forest is considered one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee trekking. Add to that the friendly people of Fort Portal, stunning crater lake views, and guided nature walks in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, and you’ve got a perfectly packed experience in the heart of Uganda.
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3 Days/ 2 Nights
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Uganda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelChimpanzee permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your adventure begins after an early breakfast in Kampala or Entebbe, as your guide picks you up for the drive to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. This scenic journey takes you through beautiful rolling hills, traditional homesteads, lush tea estates, and colorful local markets—perfect for photos and quick stops along the way.
Arrive in Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s cleanest and most picturesque towns, nestled at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy a short tour of the town, visit Nyakasura Caves (believed to be the historic home of the legendary “Bachwezi”), and stop by the Tooro King’s Palace for a cultural insight into the kingdom.
If time allows, you can explore some of the nearby crater lakes, surrounded by verdant hills and forests, before heading to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge – A stunning lodge with breathtaking views of the crater lake
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Midrange: Primate Lodge – Nestled in the heart of the forest, close to the chimp tracking trailhead
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Budget: Kibale Forest Camp – A cozy, eco-friendly option near the park
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Here, you’ll be assigned a small group and an experienced ranger guide who will lead you into the forest in search of the wild chimpanzees of Kibale. The trek can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimps, and once found, you’ll have a magical hour observing them up close—watching them play, feed, communicate, and swing through the trees.
Along the way, keep an eye out for other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and countless bird species. Kibale is also rich in butterflies, rare trees, and lush vegetation that adds to the rainforest experience.
After lunch back at the lodge, spend the afternoon on a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area that is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. Expect to see colorful birds, more primates, and interesting plants, all while supporting eco-tourism efforts that benefit local communities.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
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Midrange: Primate Lodge
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Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 3: Drive Back to Kampala or Entebbe
After an early breakfast, you’ll check out and begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, passing through more scenic countryside and vibrant towns along the way. There will be a lunch stop en route and time to stretch your legs before you continue the journey.
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kampala, or directly at Entebbe International Airport if you have a scheduled flight. This marks the end of your 3-day chimpanzee tracking safari in Uganda—but the memories will stay with you forever.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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Suggested East Africa Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
