13 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari | Adventure Vacation Holidays

Your safari begins with a scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at the top of the falls for a dramatic view of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. Cross the river by ferry to reach your lodge, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo along the banks.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Camp / Sambiya River Lodge / Red Chilli Camp

Start your day in the pristine Kaniyo Pabidi sector of Budongo Forest for your first chimpanzee tracking experience. As you hike among towering mahogany and ironwood trees, keep an eye out for forest birds and other primates. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.

An early morning game drive offers a chance to spot giraffes, antelopes, waterbucks, and more. Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch before heading out for another thrilling boat safari to the base of the falls, home to countless hippos and vibrant birdlife.

Travel south to Kibale Forest, passing through the scenic Albertine Escarpment. Break for lunch en route and arrive in Fort Portal by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge / Rwenzori View Guest House / Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas

Head into Kibale Forest for a full-day chimpanzee habituation experience, observing their social dynamics and natural behaviors. The forest also hosts over a dozen primate species, 335 bird species, and diverse flora. After lunch, explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on foot.

Transfer to the remote Semliki Wildlife Reserve, located along the eastern shores of Lake Albert. This biodiverse landscape blends rainforest, savannah, and riverine forest. After settling in, head out for Uganda’s only night game drive, where you might spot nocturnal creatures like genet cats, nightjars, and white-tailed mongooses.
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge

Venture into the dense Semliki Forest to track chimpanzees alongside researchers. This reserve is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and teems with birdlife and primates. Return for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive and sunset viewing.

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its varied ecosystems — from crater lakes to papyrus swamps and open savannah. Stretch your legs on a walk through the Mweya Peninsula before settling into your lodge.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge / Institute of Ecology

Begin your day with chimpanzee trekking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge. Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a multitude of bird species.

Head out for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Expect to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and a stunning variety of birds. After lunch, take another boat ride along the Kazinga Channel for more wildlife viewing.

Depart Queen Elizabeth and begin your drive back to Entebbe. Enjoy a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Boma Guesthouse / Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel

Take a boat ride across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees. Learn about their rehabilitation and watch them during feeding sessions, observing their remarkable intelligence and social interactions.
Accommodation: Ngamba Island G&C Camp

Opt for a guided forest walk among the semi-habituated chimpanzees — a rare and personal experience. Later, return to Entebbe for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable primate adventure.
End of Safari