Uganda · Primate Tours

3-Day Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Tour with Crater Lakes and Bigodi

3 Days Round trip from Kampala Easy pace

selfie moment when you met the Alpha Chimpazee

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
02 Visit the mesmerizing crater lakes and mystical Amabere caves
03 Engage with the Bigodi community and learn about their bond with chimpanzees
04 Enjoy a local culinary experience during the journey

Join this 3-day tour to Uganda's Kibale National Park, the premier destination for immersive chimpanzee tracking. Experience the thrill of tracking habituated chimpanzees in lush forest, visit the mesmerizing crater lakes and Amabere caves near Fort Portal, and engage with the Bigodi community. Designed for travellers who are short on time but eager for an intimate primate encounter, this journey starts from Kampala or Entebbe and returns to Kampala after a memorable wildlife escape.

Once located, enjoy an unforgettable hour observing our closest wild relatives.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Kibale National Park

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Journey to Kibale via Fort Portal

Begin your adventure as our dedicated driver-guide meets you at your hotel or lodge, or at Entebbe Airport.
After a brief overview of your journey, set out on a picturesque drive to Kibale National Park. The route reveals charming towns, quaint villages, and expansive tea plantations before reaching Fort Portal.
Enjoy a delectable lunch in the city before exploring the enchanting crater lakes and the mystical Amabere caves.
As the day wanes, check in to your chosen accommodation in Kibale, ready for an evening of relaxation.

Lodging Options:

Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge

Mid-range: Primate Lodge

Day 02

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Visit

After a hearty breakfast, head to the Kanyachu Centre for a briefing on tracking etiquette. Once assigned to a group, embark on a journey into the lush forest with an experienced ranger to search for a specific chimpanzee community.
Depending on their movements, tracking can take anywhere from a swift 30 minutes to a more demanding 3 hours. Once located, enjoy an unforgettable hour observing our closest wild relatives.
Following this mesmerizing encounter, return to your lodge for lunch. As the afternoon unfolds, immerse yourself in the Bigodi community, learning about their symbiotic relationship with the chimpanzees and browsing unique souvenirs. End the day with another restful evening at the lodge.

Lodging Options:

Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge

Mid-range: Primate Lodge

Day 03

Leisurely Morning and Return to Kampala

Savour a leisurely morning while taking in the serene ambience of the park.
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala. Enjoy a local culinary experience for lunch before continuing to Entebbe Airport for your onward trip.
As you prepare to depart, our driver-guide bids you farewell on behalf of Early Trail Expedition Uganda. As you return home, we hope you carry the spirit of the expedition and become an ambassador for Early Trail Expeditions Uganda in your homeland.

Where this trip takes you

Kibale National Park rainforest, crater lakes and Amabere caves, Bigodi community

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kampala 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

4x4 safari vehicle with comprehensive insurance
All trip fuel
Airport pick-up and drop-off
All meals and soft drinks
All park entrances and activities
One chimpanzee permit
Accommodation
Professional driver-guide

What's Not Included

Visa and air ticket
Laundry
All hard drinks
Souvenirs
Tips and gratuities
Any service or activity not mentioned in this itinerary
All international flights

What to bring

Valid travel documents, such as a photocopy of your passport.
A mask is needed for chimpanzee trekking.
Personal medication, and if you have any illness, please inform the driver-guide so they are aware.
Binoculars, cameras, memory cards, enough batteries for the camera, and any other item you find necessary for this trip. Please note that drones are not allowed.
A reasonable amount of money for your personal needs as indicated in the itinerary, including lunch en route on the first and last day.
Rain gear, hiking shoes, gloves, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, gaiters, insect repellent, and after-bite treatment.
Nature-blending coloured clothes such as green, lemon green, brown, and cream.

Know before you go

Mornings and evenings may be cooler, and it may rain at any time, so carry some sweaters or jackets.
Solid walking shoes or flip-flops and sturdy clothing are ideal for walks at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Do not forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket, as your guide will advise.
During safaris, we advise you to avoid black, white, yellow, pink, red, and dark blue clothes because they attract many insects and are not nature-friendly. Since you will travel through the community with the locals, we also advise you to wear appropriate clothing, such as trousers or long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders.
Uganda has firmly established itself as the premier destination in East Africa for immersive chimpanzee tracking experiences. Kibale National Park, in particular, offers a thrilling chimp-tracking escapade. With the park's habituated chimpanzees, adventurers are guaranteed an intimate encounter with these majestic beings. Designed for travellers who are pressed for time but eager to witness these primates, this concise three-day itinerary starts from Kampala, journeys to Kibale, and concludes with a return to Kampala. Beyond chimp tracking, the tour also includes visits to mesmerizing crater lakes, engagement with the Bigodi community, and more. Curated packages cater to both luxury and mid-range adventurers.

Logistics