5-Day Kibale & Queen Elizabeth Safari (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges with forest and savannah views, guided activities, and authentic local hospitality
Destinations: Kibale Forest National Park • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary • Crater Lakes Region
Uganda’s Western Safari Circuit
This 5-day itinerary takes you through two of Uganda’s most iconic parks, Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse savannah ecosystem teeming with wildlife and bordered by crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. From tracking chimpanzees in dense rainforest to cruising the Kazinga Channel alongside hippos and elephants, this safari offers a rich tapestry of nature, wildlife, and culture.
Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest with expert rangers
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk for birding and community interaction
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP’s Kasenyi Plains and Mweya Peninsula
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel with close-up wildlife encounters
- Scenic crater lake exploration and tea estate walks
- Midrange lodges with en-suite rooms, local cuisine, and nature access
- Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Kibale Forest NP | Chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys |
| Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Birding, primates, community tourism |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Kazinga Channel | Hippos, crocodiles, water birds |
| Crater Lakes Region | Lake Nyinambuga, Lake Kyaninga, tea estates |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Kibale (~5–6 hours via Fort Portal), Kibale → Queen Elizabeth (~2.5 hours), Queen → Kampala (~6 hours)
- Nearest Airstrip (Optional): Kasese Airstrip (charter only)
- Transfers: All ground transport provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala → Kibale Forest & Crater Lake Visit
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Kibale via Fort Portal Depart early, enjoy lunch en route, and arrive mid-afternoon. Duration: ~5–6 hours
- Crater Lake Exploration or Tea Estate Walk Visit Lake Nyinambuga or hike through nearby tea plantations. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Amenities: En-suite rooms, hot showers, forest views, Wi-Fi, eco-friendly design
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Join rangers for a guided trek to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours depending on chimp location
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Community-guided nature walk through swamp trails, birding, and cultural interaction. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Activities:
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Rwenzori Foothills Scenic drive with views of crater lakes and lunch en route. Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hub Lodge / Enganzi Lodge
Amenities: Panoramic views, en-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 4: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Mweya Peninsula Game Drive
Activities:
- Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
- Afternoon Game Drive in Mweya Peninsula or Optional Nature Walk Explore the peninsula or take a guided walk near the lodge. Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth → Kampala
Activities:
- Optional Morning Craft Shopping or Equator Stop Visit a local craft market or stop at the equator monument. Duration: 1 hour
- Scenic Transfer Back to Kampala Depart mid-morning with lunch en route and group photo stops. Duration: ~6 hours
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight hiking clothes (quick-dry recommended)
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Rain jacket and sun protection
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for forest trekking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 4 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit and ranger fees
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary entry and guide
- Game drives and boat cruise
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Turaco Treetops | Kibale Forest | Forest canopy views, en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi |
| Twin Lakes Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth | Panoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms |
| Isunga Lodge | Fort Portal | Crater lake views, eco-friendly design |
Track Chimps & Cruise the Savannah in Style!
This midrange safari offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, big game viewing, and scenic relaxation-ideal for solo travelers and small groups.