Is It Safe to Cross the Border Between Uganda and Tanzania?

Is It Safe to Cross the Border Between Uganda and Tanzania?

If you’re planning a multi-country safari in East Africa, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe and easy to cross the border between Tanzania and Uganda? The answer is yes. Border crossings between the two countries are generally smooth and safe for tourists. Both Uganda and Tanzania have relatively stable governments and well-established tourism infrastructure.

To ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s best to travel with a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions. We handle all logistics, including permits, airport pickups, accommodation, and border formalities—so you can relax and enjoy your safari adventure.

11-Day Uganda & Tanzania Safari: Chimpanzees and Serengeti Wildlife

This itinerary combines the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s lush forests with classic big game safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti. It’s a perfect blend of primate encounters and iconic savannah wildlife viewing.

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Welcome to East Africa

Your safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. A friendly guide from Trek Africa Expeditions will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the charming town of Entebbe—perhaps visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for western Uganda, heading toward Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its rich primate population.

Enjoy scenic views along the way—rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Arrive in the afternoon, check in to your lodge, and spend the evening relaxing in the forested surroundings.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.

With an expert guide, trek through the lush jungle in search of wild chimpanzees. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch them swing through the trees, interact socially, and forage for food.

After your trek, you can choose to relax at the lodge or explore nearby attractions like the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

Day 4: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse safari parks. The drive offers beautiful landscapes, and you may spot monkeys, birds, and local farm life along the way.

In the afternoon, go on your first game drive through the savannah plains—keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and even tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with a morning game drive, exploring more of the park’s diverse habitats. You may encounter hyenas, warthogs, leopards, and a variety of birdlife.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway is home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, plus crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and countless birds.

Day 6: Cross the Border to Tanzania

Today you’ll transfer from Uganda to Tanzania—either by road or via a short flight, depending on your customized itinerary.

Trek Africa Expeditions will assist with all border arrangements to make your crossing smooth and stress-free. Once in Tanzania, travel to Serengeti National Park and settle into your safari lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 7: First Game Drive in the Serengeti

Wake up in the heart of one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Today’s game drive will take you across the endless plains of the Serengeti, where wildlife roams freely.

Look out for herds of zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, giraffe, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Your expert guide will help you track animals and share insights about their behavior and ecosystems.

Day 8: Full-Day Serengeti Safari Experience

Enjoy a full day of game drives, exploring different regions of the Serengeti. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife activity.

If you’re traveling between June and October, you might witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, a world-famous spectacle involving millions of animals.

Optional experiences include a sunrise hot air balloon safari or a guided bush walk for a more intimate look at the landscape.

Day 9: More Wildlife Adventures in the Serengeti

Spend another exciting day in the Serengeti. With the park’s vast size, each game drive reveals new surprises. Track elusive leopards, observe playful lion cubs, or marvel at massive herds on the move.

Take in the scenery—acacia-dotted plains, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and dramatic skies—perfect for photography and pure safari magic.

Day 10: Last Day in the Serengeti – Wind Down

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your lodge or one final game drive, depending on your flight time.

This is a great opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Serengeti one last time. Reflect on your journey—from chimpanzees in Uganda’s rainforests to lions on Tanzania’s plains.

Day 11: Departure or Optional Extension

Transfer to the nearest airport for your flight home—or extend your trip with a visit to Zanzibar, the Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Victoria.

Trek Africa Expeditions will help with all arrangements for your departure or onward travel.

Why Kibale National Park Is a Primate Paradise

Kibale Forest National Park is best known for its incredible primate diversity. It’s home to 13 different species of primates, making it one of the best destinations in Africa for primate lovers. Alongside the thriving chimpanzee population, you may spot nocturnal creatures like bush babies and pottos, as well as L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

The park is also a hotspot for birdwatching, with over 335 bird species recorded, including the rare green-breasted pitta.

Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in two daily sessions—morning and afternoon. The session you join depends on your travel schedule and the permit you’ve booked in advance.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park, Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s top wildlife experiences and a must for anyone interested in primates. The park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, the largest population in the country. These intelligent and social creatures share about 98% of our DNA, and observing them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable adventure. You might even find them behaving in surprisingly human-like ways—posing for photos, using tools, or grooming each other.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Uganda or a seasoned safari-goer, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest offers an up-close wildlife encounter that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

Where Is Chimpanzee Trekking Done in Kibale National Park?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is primarily done around the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, the main starting point for most treks. This area is home to several habituated chimpanzee groups that are accustomed to human presence, making it easier for visitors to observe them at close range.

While on the trek, you’ll not only track chimps but also encounter a variety of other primates such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and baboons. The forest is also rich in birdlife and plant species, adding depth to the overall experience.

Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Costs

Planning to see chimpanzees in Uganda? Here’s what you need to know about permit costs:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $250 per person

• Foreign Residents: $200 per person

• East African Citizens: UGX 180,000

The permit includes:

• One hour of chimpanzee viewing

• Entry fees to Kibale National Park

• Ranger and guide services

Permits are limited and sell out fast—especially during peak travel months—so booking in advance is essential.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to March. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to navigate, and the vegetation is less dense—making it easier to spot and photograph the chimpanzees.

That said, chimp trekking is available year-round, and sightings are almost guaranteed with a 99% success rate. During the rainy months of April, May, and November, the trails can be muddy and the vegetation thicker, but chimpanzees tend to stay closer to their feeding areas, which can result in shorter treks and quicker sightings.

How to Get to Kibale Forest National Park

By Road:

Kibale Forest is accessible via Uganda’s main safari routes. The most common drive is from Entebbe or Kampala to Fort Portal, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala–Mbarara–Kasese route, which allows access to the park from the south, taking around 1 to 2 hours from Kasese to Kibale.

By Air:

You can also fly to Kasese Airstrip from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. Domestic airlines like Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda operate both scheduled and charter flights. From Kasese, it’s about a 1–2 hour drive to the park—your tour operator can arrange a transfer.

Where to Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Kibale offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget:

Budget Options ($90–$100 per person per night)

• Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

• Isunga Lodge

• Mountains of the Moon Hotel

• Rwenzori View Guest House

• Kibale Homestay

Mid-Range Options ($150–$200 per person per night)

• Kibale Forest Camp

• Turaco Treetops Lodge

• Prime Lodge Kibale

Luxury Options ($250–$700 per person per night)

• Ndali Lodge

• Crater Safari Lodge

• Papaya Lake Lodge

• Kyaninga Lodge

These lodges offer comfortable stays with easy access to the chimpanzee trekking trailheads, forest views, and great service.

Combine Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti Safari in Tanzania

For a truly epic East African adventure, combine chimpanzee trekking in Kibale with a classic wildlife safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Trek Africa Expeditions offers tailor-made itineraries that connect these two unforgettable experiences.

Start with the rich rainforests of Uganda and end your journey on the vast savannahs of Tanzania—tracking chimpanzees one day and watching lions and wildebeests the next.

We handle all the logistics, including border crossings, domestic flights, and park permits, to ensure a seamless and safe experience from start to finish.

Plan Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted local tour operator with years of experience guiding visitors across Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. We specialize in primate-focused safaris, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation, and wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and beyond.

With real-time access to permit availability, a network of local guides, and 24/7 customer support, we ensure every detail of your safari is covered.