A 4-day Semuliki National Park and Kibale National Park safari is all you need to explore Uganda’s natural beauty. On this short trip, you will enjoy chimpanzee trekking, visiting the Sempaya hot springs, exploring crater lakes, and meeting local communities. The safari begins and ends in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport.
The journey starts with Kibale National Park in western Uganda, known as the “Primate Capital of the World” with 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. From Kibale, the safari continues to Semuliki National Park, passing through Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, where you will enjoy a game drive and a boat ride.
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Crater Lake tour
In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After a briefing, you will drive to Kibale National Park, about 276 kilometers away, taking 5–6 hours. You will stop in Fort Portal city for lunch.
After lunch, visit the Ndali Crater Fields, about 26 kilometers from Fort Portal. Hike around the craters, enjoy the views, and listen to stories from the local guide about their formation and folktales. You may also see birds and primates here. Later, drive to Kibale, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and rest overnight.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Village tour
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor’s Center for chimpanzee trekking. After a briefing, park rangers will lead you into the forest to find a habituated chimpanzee group, which you will watch for one hour. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a community tour in Bigodi Village. Meet local people, learn about their culture, and enjoy music and dances. You can buy handmade crafts like baskets, mats, and artwork. Bird lovers can spot species like the great blue turaco. You may also see monkeys and baboons. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Semuliki National Park, game drive and boat trip
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive to Semuliki National Park, about 90 kilometers away (2 hours). Enjoy the views of the Rift Valley and Rwenzori Mountains along the way. Continue to Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve for a game drive. Look out for animals such as warthogs, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, hippos, waterbucks, colobus monkeys, and baboons.
After lunch, go for a boat trip on Lake Albert. This gives you a chance to see waterbirds, including the rare shoebill. Later, continue to Semuliki, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and rest overnight.
Day 4: Nature walk to Sempaya hot springs and return to Kampala
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and go for a guided walk to the Sempaya hot springs. Visit both the male and female hot springs, learn about their formation, and hear local stories linked to them. You may see demonstrations of how hot the water is by boiling an egg inside. Birds are also common around the springs.
After the walk, start your journey back to Kampala through Fort Portal and Mubende. The 290-kilometer drive takes about 7–8 hours with lunch in Fort Portal. You will arrive in Kampala in the evening. If you have a flight on the same day, you will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport. This marks the end of your 4-day Semuliki and Kibale safari.
