5-Day Uganda Luxury Fly-In Safari: Queen Elizabeth & Kibale

Safari Highlights

• Private Charter Flights: Seamless, time-saving transfers between Entebbe and the National Parks, avoiding long drives and maximizing safari time.
• Ultimate Primate Immersion: The exclusive Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) in Kibale, allowing a full day with the chimpanzees (instead of the standard 1 hour).
• Exclusive Wildlife Encounters: A private boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and the specialized Experiential Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Ultra-Luxury Accommodation: Stays at Uganda's most sought-after luxury lodges, known for their stunning locations, impeccable service, and fine dining.

Luxury Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Private Charter & Kazinga Cruise

Your luxury safari begins immediately after an early, private breakfast near Entebbe. A representative will transfer your clients to either Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield to board their private charter flight to the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). This scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Uganda's diverse landscapes.

Upon landing at the Kasese or Mweya Airstrip, your clients will be met by their dedicated safari guide from Heuvel Explorer Safaris Limited and transferred in a luxury 4x4 vehicle to their chosen high-end lodge. After check-in and a gourmet lunch, the afternoon features a highlight of QENP: an exclusive private boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour experience on a private vessel offers prime viewing of the world's largest concentration of hippos, along with buffalo, elephants, and abundant birdlife, all enjoyed with refreshments. The evening concludes with sundowner cocktails and a multi-course fine dining experience at the lodge.

Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Premium Game Drive & Lion Tracking

The day begins with an early wake-up call and tea/coffee before embarking on a premium private game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area is renowned for excellent predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, alongside vast herds of Uganda Kob and elephants.

For a truly exceptional experience, an optional upgrade to the Experiential Lion Tracking is highly recommended. This allows clients to join researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP) to actively track collared lions, gaining unique, in-depth insight into their behavior and conservation efforts.

The remainder of the day is at leisure back at the lodge for relaxation, perhaps a spa treatment or a dip in the pool. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the breathtaking Crater Lakes region, offering exceptional photographic opportunities before returning for dinner.

Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth (Kyambura Gorge) to Kibale Forest National Park

Following breakfast, clients have the option for a specialized chimpanzee tracking experience in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the "Valley of Apes." This unique jungle environment provides a different perspective on primate tracking.

Following the morning activity, clients will be transferred to the airstrip for their second private charter flight, connecting them directly to the Fort Portal/Kibale area. Upon landing, their guide will transfer them to one of the region's ultra-luxury lodges, which are typically set on a ridge overlooking a stunning crater lake or the pristine Kibale Forest.

After a delicious lunch, the afternoon allows for relaxation and immersion in the tranquility of the surroundings. A gentle, guided walk around the scenic lodge property and a Crater Lake viewpoint will set the scene for the following day's main event.

Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale (Luxury) | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

This day is dedicated to the ultimate primate encounter: the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX). Unlike the standard 1-hour trek, the CHEX involves an exclusive full day spent with the chimpanzee community. Clients will join researchers before dawn to observe the chimps leaving their nests, and then follow them throughout the forest for their entire day—witnessing them forage, play, and interact until they build their new nests in the evening. This immersive experience is the pinnacle of primate viewing, offering maximum observation and photography time.

A catered, upscale picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the forest to maximize the time spent with the primates. The evening back at the lodge will be marked with a celebratory dinner, allowing time to reflect on the day's profound wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale (Luxury) | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Kibale to Entebbe International Airport – Departure

Enjoy a final, unhurried breakfast with spectacular forest views. Clients may choose a final, leisurely private nature walk or an optional ecological walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its fantastic birdlife and various primate species.

Late morning, clients will be transferred to the local airstrip for their final private charter flight back to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Upon arrival in Entebbe, they will be assisted with their luggage and check-in procedures for their onward international departure, concluding their exclusive five-day luxury safari.

Accommodation: N/A | Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (depending on flight time)

Inclusions

• Transportation:
  • Private Charter Flights: All inter-park and return flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to the National Park Airstrips.
  • Private Luxury 4x4 Vehicle: Exclusive use of an extended, customized safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for all game drives and transfers.
  • Airport Transfers: Private meet-and-greet and transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Accommodation & Meals:
  • 4 Nights Luxury Accommodation as per the selected lodges.
  • Full Board (FB) Meal Plan: Includes all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
  • Premium House Beverages: Typically includes soft drinks, local beers, house wines, and bottled water at the luxury lodges (to be confirmed with specific lodges).
  • Gourmet Picnic Lunch during the CHEX activity.
• Activities & Permits:
  • Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) Permit: Full-day experience in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Experiential Lion Tracking Permit: Specialized tracking activity in the Kasenyi Plains, Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Park Entrance Fees: All required Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Park fees.
  • Private Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise (exclusive boat hire).
  • All standard game drives and guided walks as per the itinerary.
• Professional Services:
  • Services of a highly experienced, private, professional, English-speaking Driver-Guide.
  • Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) park rangers and trackers.

Exclusions

• International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
• Uganda Tourist Visa fees
• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory).
• Gratuities/Tips for the Safari Guide, lodge staff, and trackers.
• Premium Drinks (Champagne, fine spirits, cellar wines).
• Personal expenses (laundry, spa treatments, souvenirs, telephone calls).
• Any activities listed as 'Optional' (e.g., Bigodi Swamp Walk or Kyambura Chimp Trek on Day 3).

Destinations