5 Days Uganda Luxury Fly-in Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Itinerary

With Kwezi Adventures, indulge yourselves in a completely opulent expedition shared between the heart of Uganda in this 5 Days Uganda luxury fly-in chimpanzee tracking safari. An altogether unforgettable experience entails Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest National Park; thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park; soothing boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel; and soulful cultural interaction with the locals. Domestic flights tie everything together snugly with the best accommodations that provide utmost comfort, with an experience of thrill and closeness with Uganda's wild beauty.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Fly to Kibale Forest National Park

Your luxury fly-in safari begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport by our professional safari representative from Kwezi Adventures. After a short safari briefing and baggage assistance, you’ll board a scheduled domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, offering breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s lush landscape and the iconic Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Upon landing, a private transfer vehicle will transport you in comfort to your luxury lodge nestled on the edge of Kibale Forest National Park. Along the scenic drive, expect views of crater lakes, verdant tea plantations, and local communities going about their daily life. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, check-in, and unwind in your elegant suite surrounded by forest sounds. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in panoramic forest views, indulging in spa treatments, or enjoying a chef-prepared lunch made with fresh local ingredients. In the evening, gather around a crackling fireplace for a storytelling session or sip wine under the stars as the forest comes alive with nocturnal sounds.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Cultural Experience

Wake up early to a gourmet breakfast before heading to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll venture into the heart of Kibale Forest, known as the Primate Capital of the World, for an exhilarating trek in search of our closest living relatives. As you traverse dense forest trails, keep an eye out for other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as numerous colorful birds and butterflies. Once you locate the habituated chimpanzees, spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their social behavior, grooming, feeding, and playful antics in their natural habitat. After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk along raised boardwalks and forest paths teeming with biodiversity. This eco-tourism community project not only supports conservation but also provides insight into rural Ugandan life. Visit local homes and learn traditional practices such as banana gin brewing, coffee processing, basket weaving, and herbal medicine preparation. Return to the lodge in the evening with a deeper appreciation for both the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the forest canopy and prepare for the next phase of your adventure.

Day 3: Fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Evening Game Drive

Following a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for a short scenic flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse and celebrated protected area. Upon landing, your driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your luxury lodge set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward. After check-in and a brief rest, enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the savannah plains.

In the afternoon, embark on a private boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This wildlife-rich cruise is a photographer’s paradise, offering close-up views of massive hippo pods, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an astonishing variety of water birds including pelicans, storks, and the elusive African skimmer. As the sun begins to set, the warm golden hues enhance the beauty of the landscape. After the cruise, enjoy a brief refreshment stop before heading on an evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains. Spot antelope herds, warthogs, buffaloes, and with luck, a pride of lions basking on termite mounds. Return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner, and rest under the starlit African sky.

Day 4: Early Morning Game Drive – Optional Experiential Lion Tracking – Katwe Salt Lake and Crater Lake Exploration

Begin your day with a sunrise game drive through the park's northern circuit, a prime time for spotting predators like lions and leopards as they patrol or finish their early morning hunts. The Kasenyi plains, rich with Uganda kobs and other prey species, increase your chances of witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions. For guests seeking a deeper wildlife experience, you can opt for an exclusive lion and leopard tracking session led by researchers using radio collars to track these elusive big cats. This behind-the-scenes experience offers unmatched insight into carnivore ecology and conservation work.

After a rewarding morning, return to your lodge for a hot breakfast and some rest. In the afternoon, set off for a cultural and geological exploration of Katwe Salt Lake, where you’ll learn about traditional salt mining practices passed down for generations. Continue on a scenic drive through the crater lake fields, marveling at panoramic views of explosion craters, forested calderas, and the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Along the way, keep your eyes open for more wildlife and the vibrant pink hues of flamingos at Lake Munyanyange. As the sun dips, the landscape glows in rich orange and purple tones, making it perfect for photos. Return to your lodge for a farewell dinner and an evening of reflection on your journey so far.

Day 5: Fly back to Entebbe – Stopover at the Equator – Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to the nearby airstrip for your return domestic flight to Entebbe. As your flight lifts off, enjoy final aerial glimpses of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from rolling savannahs to glistening crater lakes. Upon arrival at Entebbe, you’ll have an opportunity to stop at the Equator in Kayabwe, a popular photographic and souvenir landmark where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Participate in the classic water experiment that demonstrates the Coriolis effect and grab a coffee or last-minute gifts from nearby craft shops.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief city tour or relaxing lunch before heading to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight. Depart with a camera full of incredible moments and a heart full of memories from the Pearl of Africa.

Thank you for choosing Kwezi Adventures to lead your unforgettable Uganda luxury chimpanzee safari.

What’s Included:

• Return airport transfers in Entebbe

• Domestic flights between Entebbe, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth National Park

• 4 nights in hand-picked luxury safari lodges (full board)

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 1 Chimpanzee tracking permit per person in Kibale Forest National Park

• All park entrance fees and government taxes

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided nature walk and community visit

• Kazinga Channel private boat cruise

• All meals, drinking water, fruits, and snacks throughout the safari

• Equator experience and photography stop

What’s Not Included:

• Experiential Lion and Leopard Tracking ($250 per person)

• International flights and entry visas

• Travel insurance and medical coverage

• Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included in meals

• Tips to guides, porters, and lodge staff