5 Days Lake Mburo & Kibale Forest Safari – Uganda

Wildlife Game drive, Swamp Walk & Boat Cruise

Learn About & Visit Local Communities

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This 5-day safari offers a wonderful combination of savannah wildlife, lakeside relaxation, and rainforest primate encounters. Begin with game drives and a boat cruise at Lake Mburo National Park, then head into the lush Kibale Forest National Park to trek chimpanzees and explore Bigodi Swamp. Excellent for wildlife lovers who also enjoy scenery, birds, and cultural experiences.

Tour Highlights

Game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, zebras, Uganda kobs, and many bird species.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Bigodi Swamp walk: birdwatching, smaller forest mammals, lush wetland scenery.

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Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo

Picked up at agreed point and leave Kampala heading west. Stop at the Equator for photos & refreshments. Continue to Lake Mburo, enjoy an afternoon game drive en route with sightings of zebras, eland, topis, sitatungas, bush duikers, Uganda kobs. Dinner and overnight at the Lake Mburo lodge and overnight.

Day 2: Lake Mburo – Boat Cruise & Game Drive

After breakfast, take a boat ride on Lake Mburo to see aquatic wildlife (hippos, crocodiles) and plenty of birdlife. Lunch, then an afternoon drive through savannah terrain seeking zebras, buffalos, impalas, etc. Evening at lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest

Depart after breakfast, drive via scenic countryside to Fort Portal/Kibale Forest. On arrival, enjoy a cultural community walk to engage with local tradition. Overnight near Kibale.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Morning chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with rangers; observe chimps interacting in their habitat for an hour. After lunch, walk in Bigodi Swamp for birdwatching and forest life exploration. Overnight at lodge.

Day 5: Return to Kampala

After breakfast, depart for Kampala. Travel through the scenic region of crater lakes, stop for lunch en route, finish at Kampala or airport depending on arrangement.

Safari Locations

Kampala (start & picking up point)
Lake Mburo National Park (western Uganda)
Fort Portal region (gateway to Kibale)
Kibale Forest National Park
Bigodi Swamp adjacent to Kibale

Transport
Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, guided by an English-speaking professional driver.

Trekking Notes

Gorilla & chimpanzee permits included (UWA-issued).
Treks last 2–6 hours, depending on primate location.
Fitness level: moderate, with some uphill forest trekking.

Best Time to Visit
Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) are best for trekking, but safaris run year-round.

What to Pack
Hiking boots, rain jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, gloves, and a reusable water bottle.

Safari Package Includes

Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Gorilla trekking & chimpanzee tracking permits
Budget lodges with full board (meals included)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Park entrance fees & ranger services

Excludes

International flights, visas, and travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips and personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)