3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Safari
from $950 per person
This 3-day safari is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking and rainforest experience in Uganda. Explore the lush landscapes of Kibale Forest National Park, encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and discover the incredible diversity of primates, birds, and forest wildlife. The safari can also include a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offering opportunities to experience local communities, birdlife, and the rich biodiversity surrounding Kibale. The combination of intimate primate encounters, tropical rainforest scenery, nature walks, and authentic cultural experiences makes this one of Uganda’s rewarding short safari adventures.
Prices are indicative and may vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transport arrangements, group size, activities selected and current UWA tariffs. Please contact us for a confirmed quotation.
Safari Details: 3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Safari
Overview
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
Safari Type: Chimpanzee Trekking & Primate Safari
Start Point: Entebbe International Airport or Kampala
End Point: Entebbe International Airport or Kampala
Main Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking, Bigodi Wetland Walk, Primate Viewing, Forest Walks, Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Cultural Encounters
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Safari Lodges
Best Time to Visit: June to September & December to February
The 3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Safari offers an exciting short Uganda safari focused on chimpanzee trekking and the remarkable biodiversity of Kibale Forest. The journey takes travelers into one of Uganda's most important tropical rainforest destinations, where chimpanzees, monkeys, forest birds and other wildlife can be encountered in their natural habitat.
The safari combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest with the opportunity to explore the surrounding ecosystem through activities such as the Bigodi Wetland Walk. Travelers can experience the sounds and scenery of the rainforest while looking for chimpanzees and other primates, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
Beyond wildlife, the safari provides opportunities to experience the communities and landscapes around Kibale. Depending on the itinerary and travel arrangements, visitors can enjoy bird watching, nature walks and cultural experiences around the forest and Bigodi area.
This 3-day Kibale safari is ideal for travelers looking for a short Uganda primate adventure without committing to a longer safari. It can also be combined with other destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Murchison Falls National Park for a longer Uganda safari itinerary.
Detailed Itinerary: 3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Safari
Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, meet your professional safari guide and begin your journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda's most important rainforest destinations and a renowned habitat for chimpanzees and other primates.
The journey takes you through Uganda's scenic countryside, passing local villages, agricultural communities, rolling hills, tea plantations and beautiful landscapes of western Uganda. Depending on the route and travel conditions, you may enjoy views of crater lakes and the green foothills surrounding the Albertine Rift.
A lunch stop will be made en route before continuing toward Kibale Forest. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax after the journey.
If time permits, you may take an optional nature or community activity around the Kibale area, depending on your arrival time and lodge location.
Kibale Forest is particularly known for its remarkable primate diversity, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and other forest species. The surrounding area also supports an impressive variety of birds and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge in or near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
Enter the rainforest with your experienced guide and ranger team as you search for habituated chimpanzee communities. The trek takes you along forest trails surrounded by towering trees, dense vegetation, birds, butterflies and the sounds of the rainforest.
Chimpanzees are wild animals, so sightings and the duration of the trek can vary. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have an opportunity to observe them according to the applicable park regulations and visitor guidelines.
During the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and L'Hoest's monkeys, along with numerous forest bird species.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, depending on your interests and the available time, you can visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is known for its birdlife, primates, vegetation and community-based tourism experiences.
Return to the lodge in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge in or near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park – Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey from Kibale Forest National Park to Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a short morning nature activity or a final walk around the lodge before beginning the journey.
Travel through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, passing tea-growing areas, farms, villages and rolling landscapes. A lunch stop will be made en route before continuing toward Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on traffic, road conditions and your final destination, you will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Safari.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Includes
- Private safari transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park
- Park entrance fees where applicable to the itinerary
- 2 nights' accommodation in or near Kibale Forest National Park
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
- All planned activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Bigodi Wetland visit where included in the selected package
- Fuel and transportation costs for the safari
- All applicable government taxes and fees
Trip Excludes
-
- International flights
- Domestic or charter flights unless specifically included
- Uganda entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls
- Alcoholic and other premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Porter fees where applicable
- Activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Souvenirs and other personal purchases
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not listed under What’s Included
Important: The exact inclusions should match the final quotation, particularly chimpanzee permit fees, accommodation category, Bigodi Wetland activities and park-related fees, because these can vary depending on the package selected.
Trip Gallery
Related Trip Inspirations
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari
From $1280 per person
Travel to Bwindi for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
5 Days Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
from $1500 per person
Embark on an unforgettable Wildlife Journey to one of Uganda's Popular parks, spotting Tre
6 Days Primate Uganda Safari
from $2400 per person
A primate-focused safari combining chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking with wildlife viewing.
7 Days Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla
from $2400 per person
Blend of the Big Five experience and gorilla trekking. One of the most popular Uganda safari packages.
8 Days Best of Uganda Safari
from $2850 per person
A complete western Uganda circuit combining wildlife, primates, landscapes, and culture.
9 Day Luxury Uganda Honeymoon Safari
from $7000 per person
Romantic luxury safari with wildlife adventures, primate encounters, and exclusive private experiences
What our travelers say
Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .
Maltes TravellerHighly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!
bharti nExceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.
vjparGreat service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.
Adam John SmithMagical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired
mo-marvinSuch a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.
Katelyn OA must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.
HoehlenhonkAnimals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.
Dilip PUGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star