Kibale Forest & Queen Elizabeth Safari (4 Days/3 Nights)

Both destinations offer excellent wildlife experiences year-round, with the optimal times being the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, forest trails are less muddy, and in Queen Elizabeth, wildlife congregates around water sources. The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) bring lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and can offer good chimpanzee viewing as fruit abundance draws chimps to lower branches. Bird watching is exceptional year-round, with migratory species present from November to April.

Our safari offers three accommodation tiers. Standard options include Kibale: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge; Queen Elizabeth: Parkview Safari Lodge or Enganzi Lodge. Luxury options include Kibale: Kyaninga Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge; Queen Elizabeth: Mweya Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge. Budget options include Kibale: Kibale Forest Camp; Queen Elizabeth: Simba Safari Camp. All provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, dining facilities, and strategic locations for optimal wildlife access.

This safari requires moderate fitness, particularly for chimpanzee tracking which involves 2-4 hours of walking on uneven forest trails with some inclines. Game drives and the boat cruise require minimal exertion. The pace is relaxed with adequate rest periods. Early morning starts maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, lightweight breathable clothing, and sufficient water during activities. This safari is suitable for most reasonably fit travelers, including seniors and families with children over 12.

Kibale hosts 13 primate species including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and mangabeys. Queen Elizabeth offers four of the “Big Five”: elephants, buffaloes, lions (including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), and elusive leopards. You’ll likely encounter hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, and antelopes including Uganda kob, waterbuck, and bushbuck. Both parks boast spectacular birdlife, with over 600 species in Queen Elizabeth alone, from giant kingfishers to colorful turacos and iconic fish eagles.

During chimpanzee tracking, visitors are required to maintain a minimum distance of 8 meters (26 feet) from the chimpanzees for both human and chimp safety, helping prevent potential disease transmission. However, chimps move freely, and sometimes approach closer out of curiosity. Kibale’s chimps are well-habituated after decades of research, typically continuing their natural behaviors while being observed. This creates authentic viewing experiences without disrupting their activities. A good camera with zoom lens enhances the experience.

Absolutely! This safari pairs perfectly with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The geographical flow works well, as you can continue from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi (approximately 3 hours’ drive). Adding 2 nights in Bwindi creates the ultimate 6-day primate and wildlife experience. We handle all logistics including securing the required gorilla permits ($700 per person). This combination is our most popular request, offering encounters with both of humankind’s closest living relatives alongside classic safari experiences.

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) that can be layered. Include long-sleeved shirts and pants for forest walks to protect against insects and scratches. Bring sturdy closed walking shoes with good traction, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Essential equipment includes binoculars, camera with zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory cards. Don’t forget insect repellent containing DEET, rain jacket, daypack, and quick-dry clothing as humidity can be high.

This safari is appropriate for families with children 12 and older who can maintain attention during wildlife viewing and handle the physical demands of chimpanzee tracking. Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations specify children must be at least 12 for chimpanzee tracking. For families with younger children, we can customize the itinerary with alternative activities while parents take turns tracking chimps. Most lodges offer family-friendly accommodations and meals. The varied activities keep children engaged, making this an excellent educational wildlife experience.

Your chimpanzee permit ($200) directly funds primate protection, habitat conservation, and community projects. Park fees in both locations support anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, and ecosystem management. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is entirely community-run, creating sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism. Many lodges employ local staff and support community initiatives like schools and healthcare facilities. By demonstrating the economic value of living wildlife, tourism creates incentives for conservation among local communities who might otherwise see forests and wildlife as resources to be exploited.