Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale – 3 Days
from $1,450
This 3-day safari is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable primate experience in Uganda’s renowned Kibale National Park. Known for its remarkable diversity of primates and exceptional chimpanzee tracking experiences, Kibale offers the chance to explore lush tropical rainforest while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities in their natural habitat. The safari also includes time to discover the surrounding forest and experience the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you can encounter more primates, birds and other wildlife. The combination of chimpanzee tracking, rainforest scenery and rich biodiversity makes this one of Uganda’s most rewarding short primate safaris.
Safari Details: Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale – 3 Days
Overview
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Destination: Kibale National Park, Uganda
Safari Type: Chimpanzee Tracking & Primate Rainforest Adventure
Start Point: Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda
End Point: Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda
Main Activities: Chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee viewing, rainforest exploration, primate viewing, birdwatching, Bigodi Wetland experience
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodge
Best Time to Visit: June to September & December to February
The 3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale National Park takes travelers into one of Uganda’s most renowned tropical forests for an unforgettable encounter with wild chimpanzees. Located in western Uganda, Kibale National Park is widely recognized for its exceptional primate diversity and offers one of the country’s most popular chimpanzee tracking experiences.
Kibale’s lush tropical rainforest provides an important habitat for chimpanzees and a wide range of other primates, mammals, butterflies, and forest birds. The park is particularly famous for its rich primate population, making it an excellent destination for travelers interested in chimpanzees, monkey species, rainforest ecology, and wildlife photography.
This short 3-day chimpanzee tracking safari in Uganda is designed for travelers who want to experience Kibale’s remarkable primate diversity while making the most of limited travel time. The highlight is a guided chimpanzee tracking experience through the forest, where you follow experienced trackers and guides in search of habituated chimpanzee communities in their natural habitat.
In addition to chimpanzee tracking, the itinerary can include a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area near Kibale. The wetland provides opportunities to see additional primates, colorful bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife while learning about local communities and conservation initiatives.
Depending on your interests and travel arrangements, the safari can also include opportunities to explore the surrounding Kibale rainforest, enjoy birdwatching, discover the region’s diverse wildlife, and experience local culture.
Combining chimpanzee tracking, rainforest scenery, primate viewing, birdwatching, and community experiences, this 3-day Kibale safari offers an immersive introduction to Uganda’s chimpanzee tourism and the extraordinary biodiversity of western Uganda.
Detailed Itinerary: Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale – 3 Days
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Kibale National Park
After breakfast at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, meet your professional safari guide and begin the scenic journey westward to Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s premier destinations for chimpanzee tracking and primate safaris.
The journey takes you through changing Ugandan landscapes, with opportunities to see rolling countryside, local communities, farmlands, plantations, trading centres, and scenic rural landscapes. Depending on your departure point and selected route, you may stop along the way for photography, refreshments, and lunch.
Continue toward western Uganda as the landscape becomes increasingly green and forested. As you approach Kibale, you begin to see the lush vegetation surrounding the park and the communities living near the rainforest.
Kibale National Park is renowned for its exceptional primate diversity and is home to habituated chimpanzee communities. Your guide can provide an introduction to the park, chimpanzee tracking experience, and what to expect during the following day’s activity.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and the starting point of your safari. Check in, relax, and prepare for your chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale National Park
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park – Bigodi Wetland Experience
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Kibale chimpanzee tracking briefing point. After registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and guides, begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure in the lush Kibale rainforest.
Enter the forest with your experienced ranger guides as you search for habituated chimpanzee communities. The duration and walking conditions can vary depending on the location and movement of the chimpanzees, and the trail may involve uneven or muddy sections through the forest.
During the trek, your guides will help you interpret signs of chimpanzee activity while introducing you to the wider rainforest ecosystem. Kibale is known for its rich primate diversity, so you may also encounter other monkeys, forest birds, butterflies, and a variety of plant species along the trail.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural habitat. Watch their social interactions, feeding behaviour, movement through the trees, grooming, and communication while maintaining the required distance and following the guidance of your trackers.
After chimpanzee tracking, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Later, depending on your safari arrangements and interests, continue to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The wetland is known for its biodiversity, with opportunities to see additional primates, colourful birds, butterflies, and other wildlife while learning about the local community’s conservation and tourism initiatives.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kibale National Park – Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the return journey from Kibale National Park to Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with opportunities to enjoy views of rolling hills, tea plantations, farmland, local communities, forests, and rural settlements along the route.
Depending on your departure schedule and the selected route, you may have an opportunity to make a short stop for photography, refreshments, or lunch.
Continue toward Kampala or Entebbe while enjoying the final views of Uganda’s countryside. On arrival, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel for an additional overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Entebbe International Airport
- Transport in a comfortable private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide
- 2 nights' accommodation in a lodge near Kibale National Park
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park
- Kibale National Park entry fees where applicable
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided nature walk
- Drinking water during safari drives
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Trip Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks and souvenirs
- Alcoholic and other beverages not included in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal items and equipment for chimpanzee tracking
- Porter services where required
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any costs arising from changes to the itinerary or additional activities requested by the traveler
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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