Combining Game safari and chimpanzee in Uganda. Are you looking for such a combination? Uganda is one of the few destinations where travelers can experience both thrilling big-game safaris and unforgettable primate encounters in a single trip. While many countries in Africa specialize in either wildlife safaris (like Kenya and Tanzania) or primate trekking (like Rwanda), Uganda offers the best of both worlds.

A well-planned itinerary can allow you to track chimpanzees in the rainforests one day and spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes on the savanna the next. This unique combination makes Uganda an exceptional destination for adventurers who want to explore a wide spectrum of African wildlife within one country.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best places to combine game drives with chimpanzee tracking, highlight itinerary ideas, and suggest accommodations to make your journey seamless.

Why Combine Chimpanzee Tracking with a Game Safari?

• Diverse Wildlife: Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, 345 mammal species, and over 5,000 chimpanzees. Combining both experiences offers the most comprehensive safari adventure.

• Unique Landscapes: From the dense rainforests of Kibale and Budongo to the open savannas of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, travelers get to experience contrasting ecosystems.

• Convenient Locations: Most chimpanzee tracking destinations are located near or within Uganda’s top game parks, making it easy to combine the two activities.

• Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Few places in Africa let you watch playful chimps in the morning and spot lions or elephants in the afternoon—it’s a rare blend of adventures.

Best Places to Combine Game Safaris and Chimpanzee Tracking

1. Kibale Forest National Park + Queen Elizabeth National Park

   • Chimpanzees in Kibale: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale offers the best chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, with over 1,500 chimps and a success rate of more than 90%.

   • Game Safari in Queen Elizabeth: Just a short drive from Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savanna park. Visitors enjoy game drives to see elephants, buffaloes, lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha), and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos and crocodiles.

   • Why Combine Them: This pairing is perfect for travelers seeking both primate experiences and classic game safaris within a compact route.

2. Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls) + Murchison Falls National Park

   • Chimpanzees in Budongo: Located on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo is home to over 600 chimpanzees, with a habituated group available for tracking.

   • Game Safari in Murchison Falls: The park is Uganda’s largest, famous for its spectacular waterfall where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge. On game drives, expect to see giraffes, lions, elephants, antelopes, and countless bird species. Boat cruises to the base of the falls offer another magical perspective.

   • Why Combine Them: This combination is ideal for travelers looking for a blend of rainforest primates and vast savanna landscapes, all in one region.

3. Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge + Queen Elizabeth National Park

   • Chimpanzees in Kalinzu/Kyambura: Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge are both excellent alternatives to Kibale, located near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Though sightings are slightly less reliable than in Kibale, the landscapes—especially Kyambura’s deep canyon—are breathtaking.

   • Game Safari in Queen Elizabeth: These chimp destinations are within or just outside the park, so combining the two is effortless.

   • Why Combine Them: Perfect for those with limited time or on a budget, as Kalinzu offers one of the cheapest chimpanzee permits.

Suggested Itineraries

Option 1: 5 Days Kibale & Queen Elizabeth Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale.

• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale + Bigodi Wetland walk.

• Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.

• Day 4: Morning game drive + Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions.

• Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe.

Option 2: 4 Days Budongo & Murchison Falls Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Drive to Budongo.

• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest.

• Day 3: Game drive in Murchison Falls + Boat cruise to the base of the falls.

• Day 4: Morning game drive + return to Kampala.

Option 3: 3 Days Kyambura Gorge & Queen Elizabeth Safari

• Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge + Afternoon boat cruise.

• Day 3: Morning game drive and return to Kampala.

Where to Stay

• Near Kibale Forest & Queen Elizabeth National Park:

  • Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge.

  • Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp, Isunga Lodge, Enganzi Lodge.

  • Budget: Chimpanzee Guesthouse, Pumba Safari Cottages.

• Near Budongo & Murchison Falls:

  • Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge.

  • Mid-range: Budongo Eco Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge.

  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Heritage Safari Lodge.

These lodges not only provide comfort but also organize activities, transport, and guided experiences.

Travel Tips for Combining Safaris and Chimp Tracking

• Book Permits Early: Chimpanzee permits are limited, especially in Kibale, so reserve them in advance.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February are dry seasons with better forest trails and excellent game viewing.

• Fitness Level: Chimpanzee tracking can be physically demanding, so be prepared for forest hikes.

• Safari Gear: Carry sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, insect repellent, and a camera with good zoom.

• Tour Operators: Working with a trusted safari company makes planning and logistics easier, especially if combining multiple destinations.

Booking Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari with Kenlink Tours

At Kenlink Tours, we pride ourselves on being the best tour operator for unforgettable primate and wildlife adventures in Uganda. Whether you’re looking to track playful chimpanzees in Kibale or Budongo, or embark on thrilling game drives through Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, we carefully design tailor-made safaris to suit your preferences. Our experienced guides, reliable transport, and carefully selected lodges ensure a seamless journey filled with memorable encounters. Book your chimpanzee and wildlife safari with us today and experience Uganda like never before. Contact us at inquiries@kenlinktours.com to start planning.