6 Day Uganda Safari: Chimpanzees, Big Game & Scenic Boat Cruises

Overview

This 6 day Uganda safari takes you to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking and a Bigodi swamp walk, then to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The journey ends in Lake Mburo National Park with sightings of zebras and impalas, plus a game drive and boat cruise—offering a perfect blend of primate encounters, big game viewing, and scenic wildlife experience.

 Brief itinerary 

Day 1: Pick-up and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi swamp walk

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & boat cruise

Day 4: Morning game drive & crater exploration

Day 5: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 6: Game drive & transfer to Kampala

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

In the morning after your meal, your guide will brief you on the 6 Day Uganda Safari. You’ll then set off for western Uganda, enjoying scenic views and roadside markets along the way. Expect cultural insights and varying landscapes before reaching Fort Portal for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you may opt to visit Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru, a fascinating site with stalactites and stalagmites linked to local legends. Following this cultural stop, you’ll proceed to your lodge in Kibale Forest for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Kibale Forest National Park

Start your day early with breakfast before heading to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point. After a short orientation, you’ll be joined by a ranger and security personnel for your forest walk. Once the chimpanzees are located, you’ll spend an hour observing their behavior—feeding, grooming, and playing in their natural habitat.

Return to the lodge for lunch and later head out for the Bigodi swamp walk and cultural experience. Activities include local liquor brewing, basket weaving, traditional dances, and visiting a community healer. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early in the morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Rwimi. On the way, you’ll enjoy views of crater lakes such as Lake Nyinambuga and Kasenda. As you near Kasese town, the Rwenzori Mountains come into view.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 42km waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to spot buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of bird species including African skimmers and flamingos. Afterwards, you can either enjoy a sundowner or head to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This area is ideal for spotting predators and herbivores alike. Expect to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, and more than 600 bird species.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short break. In the afternoon, take a crater drive leading to the Baboon Cliff for panoramic views. You can also explore the Queen’s Pavilion before heading back to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Queen to Lake Mburo National Park

Upon completion of your breakfast, you’ll journey to Lake Mburo National Park with a stop near Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Here, you may join locals in tea-picking activities or spot primates such as red-tailed monkeys and colobus monkeys.

Next, head to Mbarara for a delicious lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre. Afterward, you have the option to visit the Biharwe Eclipse Monument, a unique site tied to the history of the Ankole Kingdom. Finally, arrive in Lake Mburo National Park for dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 6: Lake Mburo National Park>Kampala

Your final safari day begins with an early game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Look out for animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and klipspringers.

Following the game drive, depart for Kampala with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. You will arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your 6 Day Uganda Safari.

Accommodation is booked in accordance with your preference and depending on your budget and availability.