3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Student Package

Safari Overview

This 3-day student safari is designed for young adventurers seeking an immersive East African wildlife experience on a budget. The journey takes you to two of Uganda’s most celebrated national parks Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel. Over three days, you’ll trek through rainforests to encounter chimpanzees, glide along hippo-filled waterways, and traverse savannah plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, and lions. This is Uganda at its wildest, tailored for students who want adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park then Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk

• Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth then Kazinga Channel boat cruise

• Day 3: Morning game drive then Return to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park then Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup in Kampala, where your professional safari guide will greet you. After a brief introduction and orientation about the journey ahead, you’ll depart for Kibale National Park, located approximately 5–6 hours west of Kampala.

The drive takes you through Uganda’s lush countryside, passing through tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural villages. As you approach Kibale, the landscape transforms into dense tropical rainforest a preview of the primate paradise awaiting you.

Kibale National Park is widely known as the primate capital of the world, hosting the largest concentration of primates in Africa. While chimpanzees are the main attraction, the forest is also home to several other species, including:

• Red colobus monkeys

• L’Hoest’s monkeys

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys

• Uganda mangabey

• Olive baboons

• Vervet monkeys

The park also boasts over 370 bird species, numerous butterfly species, and beautiful crater lakes scattered throughout the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area known for its rich biodiversity. This guided nature walk provides an excellent opportunity to spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife while learning about local conservation initiatives. The sanctuary is famous for its population of the rare great blue turaco, as well as sitatunga antelope and numerous primate species.

After the walk, you will proceed to your lodge, where you will check in and relax for the evening. The sounds of the forest birds calling, monkeys rustling will lull you to sleep.

Activities:

• Early morning pickup in Kampala

• Scenic transfer to Kibale National Park

• Guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth then Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on your chimpanzee trekking experience. Your guides will explain the rules of the trek stay quiet, keep distance, and follow instructions before leading you into the forest. The trek through Kibale’s dense rainforest is an adventure in itself. Expert trackers and guides lead the way, following signs of the chimpanzees’ overnight nests, feeding trails, and vocalizations. The terrain can be steep and muddy, but the reward is extraordinary. Once the chimpanzees are located, you’ll have up to one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch as they swing through the canopy, feed on figs, groom each other, and interact with one another. These are our closest living relatives intelligent, social, and endlessly fascinating.

After the trekking experience, you will continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserves. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, passing through the scenic hills of western Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, hosting over 95 mammal species and more than 610 bird species. The park’s varied ecosystems savannah, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes support an incredible array of wildlife.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the highlights of the entire safari. The boat glides along the channel, bringing you face-to-face with enormous pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants drinking at the water’s edge. Fish eagles dive for their catch, and countless water birds kingfishers, cormorants, and herons line the shoreline. The concentration of wildlife along the channel is staggering. After the cruise, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Activities:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive then Return to Kampala

Your final day begins with an early morning wake-up call the best time for game viewing in the savannah. After breakfast, you’ll head out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi Plains. This is when the park is most alive. Lions are active, hunting in the cool morning light. Buffalo herds graze across the grasslands. Elephants move through the acacia woodland, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive leopard. The plains are dotted with Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and bushbucks all part of the predator-prey drama that unfolds daily.

Your guide will navigate the park’s tracks, adjusting the route based on wildlife movements and recent sightings. The open savannah, framed by the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance, is the perfect backdrop for photography. After the game drive, you will begin the journey back to Kampala, enjoying views of Uganda’s countryside along the way. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, with stops for lunch and refreshments. Upon arrival in Kampala, you will be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your memorable safari experience.

Activities:

• Early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Transfer back to Kampala

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• All activities mentioned in the itinerary

• Accommodation during the safari

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• English-speaking professional safari guide

• 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel

• All park entrance fees

• Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale

• Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

• All road transportation

• Drinking water during the trip

• Government taxes and park fees

Safari Exclusions

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Visa fees

• Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry

• Tips and gratuities (recommended $10 per person per day)

• Alcoholic beverages

• Items of a personal nature

Important Information for Students

Permits: Chimpanzee trekking permits are limited and must be booked well in advance. We recommend reserving your permits at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date.

Packing: Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives. Bring a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes for the trek, and rain gear (the forest can be wet).

Health: Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis and other recommended vaccinations before traveling.

Photography: Bring a good camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography. Binoculars are also recommended.

Student Budget: This package is designed for students, with comfortable but budget-friendly accommodation and activities that offer maximum value for money.

Email us at: usokeexplorer@gmail.com or visit our website: https://www.usokeexplorers.com/    or Fill our contact form for a detailed itinerary