8 Days Ultimate Chimpanzee Tracking Safari – Uganda

Safari Overview

This 8-day journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Uganda’s most iconic primate destinations. From the dense forests of Kibale National Park, the “Primate Capital of the World,” to Budongo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees and other wildlife species. Complemented by game drives, boat cruises, and cultural experiences, this safari blends Uganda’s rich biodiversity with stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your safari driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city or relax after your flight.

Optional activities include visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Botanical Gardens, or enjoying a sunset at Lake Victoria.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Mestil Hotel Kampala
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Kampala – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (6–7 hours)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track white rhinos — a thrilling experience that complements your primate adventure. Continue through picturesque landscapes and reach your lodge by evening.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Budongo Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking & Top of the Falls

This morning, head to Budongo Forest, located in the southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, for your first chimpanzee tracking experience. Guided by experienced rangers, follow the trails through the lush forest and listen for the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy. Once located, spend an hour observing their interactions and behaviors up close.

In the afternoon, visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 45 meters below — a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge / Kabalega Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park (7–8 hours)

After breakfast, travel southwards through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and traditional villages to Kibale National Park, the top destination for chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. This park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Arrive in the evening, relax, and prepare for another exciting tracking adventure the next day.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari — chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set out on foot with an experienced ranger guide in search of these intelligent primates. The experience of watching chimpanzees in their natural habitat — grooming, feeding, and communicating — is both thrilling and humbling.

After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk. This swamp is home to numerous bird species, monkeys, and butterflies, offering a glimpse of Uganda’s rich biodiversity and local culture.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular wildlife reserve, known for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you might spot lions, elephants, antelopes, and buffaloes.

Later, relax at your lodge overlooking the savannah or the beautiful Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Start your day with an early game drive through the park’s plains to catch predators and grazers in action. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. This scenic ride offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species along the shoreline — a paradise for photographers.

Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kampala / Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy lunch en route and a few scenic stops at local markets. You’ll arrive in the evening and be dropped off at your preferred location or the airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your 8 Days Ultimate Chimpanzee Tracking Safari filled with remarkable primate encounters and unforgettable memories.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Includes

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Professional English-speaking driver-guide

All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

Park entry fees

Chimpanzee tracking permits (Budongo & Kibale)

Ziwa Rhino tracking

Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

Bottled drinking water

Safari Excludes

International flights

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry, etc.)

Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Philippe L Jan 2025

Trip Advisor

Foncez Stuart est le meilleur guide et photographe pour découvrir ce merveilleux pays qu’est L’Ouganda. Chaque jour sera un moment exceptionnel de l’humour , du fun , une connaissance approfondie des parcs. Trop stylé. J’ai passé 16 jours avec Stuart Go ahead Stuart is the best guide and photographer to discover this wonderful country that is Uganda. Every day will be an exceptional moment of humor, fun, and in-depth knowledge of the parks. Too stylish. I spent 16 days with Stuart

Alen November 13, 2024

Google

Stuart made my visit a true gem. He has great experience, knowledge and most importantly a very genuine and kind personality. He was always there to support, assist and make me feel comfortable. Bravo, Stuart! Keep up your good work!

Alen November 11, 2024

Your contact for the best experience in Uganda and beyond Nov 2024 • Business Stuart made my visit a true gem! He has great experience, knowledge and most importantly a very genuine & kind personality. He was always there to support, assist and make me feel comfortable. Bog thumbs up for his work and dedication. I will be back for sure.

Isobel D October 13, 2024

Driver Nov 2023 • Family Stuart was a great driver and very friendly. He took us across the Rwandan border to Uganda and back again with both times being enjoyable and a good chance to learn about the local life. Would definitely recommend him!

Jeremy D 9 October 2024

Safe journey across the border Nov 2023 • Family Stuart was an amazing driver. Very safe and efficient. He drove us through from Rwanda to Uganda safely. I highly recommend him.

Sabera K 9 October 2024

Chris W September 30, 2024

Tours with Stuart Dec 2023 • Friends Excellent service and a friend. Took us to all the great places and even joined us for the evening showing us how the local's party! 100% recommend Stuart!

Val M Aug 2, 2024

Relaxing cruise ~ Lake Bunyonyi Aug 2024 • Solo I took a very informative boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi as part of our 17 day safari. We sailed the stunning waters of Lake Bunyonyi passing many of the 29 islands. My guide was Stuart who was very knowledgeable about the area, sharing the stories associated with each island. Stuart has an interest in photography, so he made sure that we stopped so I could take shots of the wildlife and birds.