Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour in Queen Elizabeth NP. Few places in Africa let you watch lions hunting on open savannah in the morning and follow chimpanzees through a hidden forest gorge the next. A game safari and chimpanzee tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers exactly that. Uganda’s most popular park combines classic big game, the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, volcanic crater lakes and the Kyambura Gorge, a sunken rainforest where a community of chimpanzees lives surrounded by grassland. It is a safari of contrasts, all within a single park.

At Kenlink Tours, Queen Elizabeth is one of the parks we know best, having guided travellers here since 2010. In this complete guide, we share a detailed four-day itinerary, everything you need to know about chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, the best game drive areas, other activities, where to stay, the best time to visit, costs, packing tips and how to extend your trip. Whether it is your first safari or your tenth, this guide will help you plan the perfect adventure.

Why Choose a Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour in Queen Elizabeth?

Most Ugandan itineraries require travelling between several parks to combine big game and primates. Queen Elizabeth is unusual because it offers both in one place. Its savannah plains support elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and thousands of antelopes, while the Kyambura Gorge and nearby forests shelter chimpanzees and other primates. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying wildlife.

The park is also remarkably diverse. Within its boundaries you will find open grassland, acacia woodland, tropical forest, papyrus swamps, crater lakes and the shores of Lake George and Lake Edward. This variety gives the park its nickname, the “Medley of Wonders”, and makes every day of your safari feel different.

Finally, Queen Elizabeth is well located for longer trips. It lies between Kibale Forest to the north and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the south, so you can easily add more chimpanzees or gorilla trekking. Explore all our options on our Uganda safari packages page.

Quick Overview of the 4 Days Queen Elizabeth Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour

• Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Equator and the Bushenyi tea hills
• Day 2: Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, crater lakes drive and Lake Katwe salt mines
• Day 4: Early game drive or Ishasha detour, then return to Kampala or Entebbe

Short on time? Our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari covers the highlights in three days, and you can compare it with the 3 Days safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Getting to Know Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 square kilometers in western Uganda, stretching from the Rwenzori Mountains in the north to the Ishasha River on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Equator runs through the park, and the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway about 32 kilometers long, connects Lake George and Lake Edward at its centre.

The park supports around 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, one of the highest totals of any protected area in Africa. Common sightings include elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, warthogs, hippos and Nile crocodiles. Lions, leopards and spotted hyenas are present, and the southern Ishasha sector is world famous for its tree-climbing lions.

The park is divided into several sectors, each with its own character: the Kasenyi plains for big game, the Mweya peninsula for the boat cruise and lodges, the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzees, the Katwe area for crater lakes and salt mining, Maramagambo Forest for bats and primates, and Ishasha for tree-climbing lions. For more background, see this guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kyambura Gorge: The Valley of Apes

Kyambura Gorge is one of the most remarkable landscapes in Uganda. Carved by the Kyambura River, it is a deep, forest-filled valley about 16 kilometres long and up to 100 metres deep, cutting through the flat savannah of eastern Queen Elizabeth. From the rim, you look down on a green canopy of tall trees, a striking contrast to the golden grassland all around.

The gorge is often called the “Valley of Apes” because it is home to a small, habituated community of chimpanzees. Because they are isolated within the gorge, these chimpanzees cannot easily move to other forests, which makes their protection especially important. The gorge also shelters red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and a wide variety of forest birds, including the blue-headed bee-eater.

Tracking in Kyambura is a more adventurous experience than in larger forests. Trails descend steeply into the gorge, cross the river and follow the forest floor. Sightings are not guaranteed, as the chimpanzees move freely through the gorge, but the scenery, birdlife and atmosphere make the trek rewarding regardless.

Kyambura, Kalinzu or Kibale: Where Should You Track Chimpanzees?

Travellers often ask which is the best place to see chimpanzees near Queen Elizabeth. Here is a quick comparison.

Kyambura Gorge: Located inside Queen Elizabeth, it offers a beautiful and unique setting with a smaller chimpanzee community. Success rates are lower than in larger forests, but the experience is very scenic and convenient if you are already in the park.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve: Just south of Queen Elizabeth, near the Maramagambo Forest, Kalinzu is managed by the National Forestry Authority. It has a larger habituated chimpanzee population and generally higher success rates than Kyambura, along with many other primates and birds. It is a popular alternative for travellers who want a better chance of sightings without leaving the region.

Kibale Forest National Park: Known as the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale has around 1,500 chimpanzees and success rates typically above 90 percent. It is about two to three hours north of Queen Elizabeth. If seeing chimpanzees is your top priority, Kibale is the best choice. Learn more about Kibale Forest National Park or our 3 Days Chimp Tracking Safari to Kibale.

Our team can include whichever option best suits your priorities, time and budget.

Detailed 4 Days Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour Itinerary

Below is our recommended day-by-day itinerary starting from Kampala or Entebbe. Timings are approximate, and every element can be customised.

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or from Entebbe International Airport. After a briefing from your driver-guide, you head southwest along the Kampala–Masaka highway, passing banana plantations, papyrus swamps and roadside markets.

Your first stop is the Equator at Kayabwe, where you can take photos in both hemispheres and watch the famous water experiment. You continue through Masaka to Mbarara, with lunch at a local restaurant or the Igongo Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the Ankole kingdom and its long-horned cattle.

After lunch, the road climbs through Bushenyi, where hills covered in bright green tea plantations offer beautiful views. You then descend the escarpment into the Albertine Rift Valley, with sweeping views of the park below. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up before sunrise for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains, the best area in the park for spotting lions. Kasenyi is the breeding ground of thousands of Uganda kobs, which attract predators looking for an easy meal. Your guide will also search for elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas and, with luck, leopards. On clear mornings, the Rwenzori Mountains rise on the horizon, creating a stunning backdrop for photographs.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast and a rest, you head to the Mweya peninsula in the afternoon for the famous two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel hosts one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with large Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge, and a spectacular variety of birds, including pelicans, African skimmers, fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants. Many travellers consider this cruise the highlight of their entire safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Crater Lakes

After an early breakfast, you drive to the Fig Tree Camp on the rim of Kyambura Gorge for a briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. From the viewpoint, you can admire the forest canopy far below before descending into the gorge.

Led by an experienced ranger, you follow trails along the river and through the forest, listening for the calls and drumming of chimpanzees. If you find them, you spend up to one hour watching them feed, groom and interact. Along the way, you are likely to see other primates, colourful birds and butterflies. The trek usually takes two to four hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements. If you prefer higher odds, we can arrange chimpanzee tracking in nearby Kalinzu Forest instead.

After lunch, you explore the Katwe explosion craters, a dramatic landscape of volcanic craters, some filled with lakes, along a scenic crater drive. You then visit Lake Katwe, where local communities have harvested salt by hand for centuries. A local guide explains the traditional salt mining process and its importance to the community. Return to your lodge for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4: Early Game Drive and Return to Kampala

On your final morning, you can enjoy one last game drive on the Kasenyi plains or along the Channel Track, looking for any animals you may have missed. Alternatively, if you are continuing south towards Bwindi or Rwanda, you can drive through the Ishasha sector in search of the famous tree-climbing lions.

After breakfast, you begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe via Mbarara and Masaka, with a lunch stop along the way. You arrive in the evening, where you are dropped off at your hotel or the airport, full of memories from your safari.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Shorter and Longer Versions of This Tour

Three-day version: If time is tight, you can combine the Kasenyi game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise on day two, then track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge early on day three before driving back to Kampala. This version is busy but rewarding, and works well for travellers with a long weekend.

Five-day version: Adding a fifth day allows a full visit to the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, a walk to the Bat Cave in Maramagambo Forest, or experiential lion tracking with researchers. It also gives you a more relaxed pace, with time to enjoy your lodge and its views.

Fly-in version: Scheduled flights from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese airstrips can replace the long drives, giving you more time in the park. This option is ideal for travellers with limited time or those who prefer to avoid long road journeys.

Top Game Drive Areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasenyi plains: The best area for lions, Uganda kobs, buffaloes and elephants, especially in the early morning.

Channel Track and Mweya peninsula: Good for elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs and hippos, with beautiful views over the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward.

Ishasha sector: Famous for tree-climbing lions resting in large fig trees, as well as topis, buffaloes and elephants. It is quieter and more remote than the northern sector.

Crater drive: A scenic route past volcanic craters and lakes, with chances to see elephants, buffaloes and birds.

Lake George and Kasenyi wetlands: Good for water birds, including the occasional shoebill in the papyrus swamps around Lake George.

Wildlife Checklist: What You Can Expect to See

• Big game: African elephant, Cape buffalo, lion (including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), leopard and spotted hyena
• Antelopes: Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck, topi, bushbuck, common duiker and sitatunga in swampy areas
• Water life: Hippopotamus and Nile crocodile in large numbers along the Kazinga Channel
• Primates: Chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboon and vervet monkey
• Others: Warthog, giant forest hog, banded mongoose, side-striped jackal and a dazzling variety of birds

Between Queen Elizabeth and nearby parks, you can see four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Rhinos are not found in the park, but they can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on a longer itinerary that includes Murchison Falls.

Conservation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth faces real conservation challenges. The park is surrounded by farming communities and fishing villages, and human-wildlife conflict, poaching and habitat pressure have affected some species, particularly lions. Over the years, conservation organisations, researchers and the Uganda Wildlife Authority have worked together on predator monitoring, community compensation schemes, anti-poaching patrols and education programmes.

The isolated chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge are another conservation focus. Because the gorge is surrounded by savannah and farmland, the chimpanzees cannot easily move to other forests to find new mates or food. Community projects around the gorge, including tree planting, beekeeping and eco-tourism initiatives, help create a buffer zone and reduce pressure on the forest.

Tourism plays a vital role in this work. Park fees fund rangers and research, while revenue-sharing programmes support schools, health centres and water projects in neighbouring communities. When you join activities such as experiential lion tracking or community walks, you directly contribute to protecting Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife for future generations.

Other Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Experiential lion tracking: In the Kasenyi area, a limited number of visitors can join researchers to track lions and other predators using radio collars, gaining insight into conservation work. Availability is limited and should be booked in advance.

Maramagambo Forest and the Bat Cave: A guided walk through this ancient forest leads to the Bat Cave, home to thousands of bats and the pythons that hunt them. The forest also shelters primates and many bird species.

Night game drives: Where available, night drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, civets and bush babies.

Birdwatching: With more than 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is a paradise for birders. Highlights include the shoebill, martial eagle, black bee-eater, African skimmer and papyrus gonolek. Dedicated birders should consider our 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda.

Cultural encounters: Community tourism groups around the park offer village walks, traditional dance performances, craft workshops and visits to local fishing villages such as Kazinga and Katunguru.

Where to Stay on Your Queen Elizabeth Safari

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, perched on a peninsula between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, is the park’s classic luxury lodge. Kyambura Gorge Lodge, on the edge of the gorge, offers stylish eco-friendly accommodation, while Ishasha Wilderness Camp provides an exclusive tented experience in the south.

Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Park View Safari Lodge, Twin Lake Safari Lodge and Jacana Safari Lodge in Maramagambo Forest offer comfortable rooms, good food and excellent value.

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages, Bush Lodge and simple guesthouses in Katunguru and Kasese provide affordable options for travellers watching their budget.

For chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura, staying on the eastern side of the park near the gorge saves driving time. Our consultants know these lodges personally and will recommend the best options. Learn more about our team on our About Us page.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits and Rules

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge requires a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit allows one tracking session, with a limited number of visitors per group to reduce disturbance to the chimpanzees. Prices differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens and are reviewed periodically, so always confirm current rates when booking. Kalinzu Forest permits are issued separately by the National Forestry Authority.

Because group sizes are small, permits can sell out during busy periods, so we recommend booking in advance. A minimum age usually applies for chimpanzee tracking, so let us know the ages of any children travelling with you.

While tracking, stay about eight metres from the chimpanzees, speak quietly, avoid eating near them and never use flash photography. Anyone who is unwell should not track, as chimpanzees are vulnerable to human diseases. Please review our terms and conditions for details on permit payments and cancellations.

Best Time for a Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour in Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth can be visited throughout the year. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are best for game viewing, as animals gather near water sources and vegetation is thinner. Trails in Kyambura Gorge are also drier and easier to walk.

The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, transform the park into a lush green landscape. Rain usually falls in short bursts, so activities continue as normal. This is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive. Some lodges offer lower rates, and the park is quieter.

How Much Does a Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour Cost?

The cost of a 4 days Queen Elizabeth game safari and chimpanzee tour depends on the number of travellers, the standard of accommodation, the chimpanzee permit and optional activities. Larger groups pay less per person because vehicle, fuel and guide costs are shared, while luxury lodges cost more than mid-range and budget options.

A typical Kenlink Tours package includes a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, fuel, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, park entrance fees, game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a chimpanzee tracking permit, accommodation and meals as listed, and bottled water. Experiential lion tracking, the Bat Cave walk, drinks and tips are usually optional extras.

To reduce costs, consider joining one of our group tours or scheduled departure safaris, or hire a vehicle through our car hire in Uganda service. For a personalised quote, contact our safari experts and we will reply within 24 hours.

What to Pack for Your Queen Elizabeth Safari

• Light, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives (avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies)
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for chimpanzee tracking
• Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes with good grip for the steep gorge trails
• A warm fleece for early morning game drives
• A lightweight rain jacket
• A hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent and any prescribed anti-malaria medication
• Binoculars for wildlife and birds
• A camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries (no flash near chimpanzees)
• A small daypack and reusable water bottle
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and travel insurance documents

Practical Travel Tips

Visas: Most international visitors need a Uganda visa, which can be applied for online. If you plan to visit Rwanda or Kenya as well, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be more convenient.

Health: A yellow fever certificate is required for entry into Uganda. Malaria is present in Queen Elizabeth, so take precautions and use mosquito nets.

Driving times: Allow about six to seven hours from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth. Domestic flights to Mweya or Kasese airstrips can shorten the journey.

Safety: Always follow your guide’s and ranger’s instructions, stay in the vehicle during game drives and keep a respectful distance from animals.

Tipping: Tips for guides, rangers and lodge staff are appreciated but not compulsory. We will share guidelines before your trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for first-time safari-goers who want a variety of experiences without long drives between parks, and for families who enjoy game drives and boat cruises. Photographers will love the Kazinga Channel, the Rwenzori backdrops and the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, while birders will find one of the richest bird lists in Africa.

It also suits travellers who want primates but are not ready for the physical demands of gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee tracking offers an exciting primate encounter, and gorillas can always be added later. Those wanting a mix of wildlife and primates may also like the 4 Days wildlife and primate safari or our 4 Days Uganda Primate Tour.

How to Extend Your Queen Elizabeth Safari

Add gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just a few hours south of Ishasha. Read about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or add gorillas with our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari and 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari.

Add more chimpanzees: Combine Kibale and Bwindi on our 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour or our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari. You can also compare the 3 Days chimpanzee tour in Uganda and the 5-Day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

Go for the complete Uganda experience: Longer itineraries such as our 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari include Queen Elizabeth alongside other top parks such as Murchison Falls National Park. You may also like the 7 Days Uganda safari one-week tour and the 10 Days Uganda primates and wildlife itinerary.

Continue to Rwanda: Explore our Rwanda safaris, including the 3-Day Akagera Game Drive Safari, or read about Akagera National Park. For more ideas, browse these Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safaris.

Why Book Your Queen Elizabeth Safari with Kenlink Tours?

Local expertise since 2010: Our Kampala-based team knows Queen Elizabeth inside out, from the best lion areas to the quietest corners of Ishasha.

Permits and planning handled: We secure chimpanzee permits, book lodges and plan efficient routes so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Professional driver-guides: Our guides are skilled wildlife spotters, knowledgeable about birds and passionate about conservation.

Comfortable 4×4 vehicles: Our well-maintained safari vehicles feature pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing and photography.

Responsible tourism: We support local communities and vulnerable children through our foundation, ensuring your safari creates positive impact.

Learn more about the country in our guide About Uganda, or explore the safari ideas of our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Queen Elizabeth Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour

Can I see chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes. A habituated community of chimpanzees lives in the Kyambura Gorge, and chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu Forest. Sightings are not guaranteed, especially in Kyambura, but the experience is rewarding.

Is Kyambura or Kibale better for chimpanzee tracking?

Kibale has much higher success rates and a larger chimpanzee population, while Kyambura offers a unique gorge setting within Queen Elizabeth. If chimpanzees are your top priority, choose Kibale or Kalinzu.

How many days do I need in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Three to four days is ideal for game drives, the boat cruise and chimpanzee tracking. Add an extra day to visit the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions.

Will I see lions in Queen Elizabeth?

Lions are regularly seen on the Kasenyi plains and in the Ishasha sector, though sightings depend on the lions’ movements. Morning game drives offer the best chances.

Can I combine this tour with gorilla trekking?

Absolutely. Bwindi is only a few hours from Queen Elizabeth, making it easy to add one or two days for gorilla trekking.

What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The dry months of June to September and December to February offer the best game viewing, but the park is rewarding all year round.

Book Your Queen Elizabeth Game Safari and Chimpanzee Tour Today

A game safari and chimpanzee tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park gives you the best of Uganda’s wildlife in one spectacular park. In just four days, you can watch lions on the Kasenyi plains, cruise past hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel, explore volcanic crater lakes and descend into the Valley of Apes in search of chimpanzees. It is a safari of variety, beauty and unforgettable moments.

Ready to experience the Medley of Wonders? Let the team at Kenlink Tours plan your perfect Queen Elizabeth safari, from permits and lodges to expert guiding. Send us your enquiry today, and we will reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made itinerary and quote.