6-Day Chimpanzees & Ngamba Island Safari (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Group Tour Only
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and eco-camps with essential amenities, guided primate activities, and community-based experiences
Destinations: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary • Entebbe • Kibale Forest National Park • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Uganda’s Primate Conservation Circuit
This 6-day itinerary offers a rare opportunity to engage with chimpanzees both in the wild and in a protected sanctuary setting. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the dense forests of Kibale, you’ll witness the intelligence, emotion, and social complexity of our closest relatives. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, community-led nature walks, and the comfort of midrange accommodations designed for group travel.
Whether you're a student group, wildlife club, or conservation-minded traveler, this safari delivers depth, discovery, and connection.
Tour Highlights
- Guided chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest with expert rangers
- Visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary via boat across Lake Victoria
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk for birding and community interaction
- Scenic drive through tea plantations and crater lakes
- Midrange lodges with forest and lakeside views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for educational groups, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation travelers
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Ngamba Island Sanctuary | Chimpanzee rescue, feeding sessions, lake views |
| Kibale Forest NP | Wild chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys |
| Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Birding, primates, community tourism |
| Lake Victoria | Boat cruise, island scenery |
| Fort Portal Region | Tea estates, crater lakes, Rwenzori views |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Entebbe → Kibale (~6 hours via Fort Portal), Kibale → Entebbe (~6 hours)
- By Boat: Entebbe → Ngamba Island (~45 minutes by speedboat)
- Transfers: All ground and water transport provided in 4x4 safari vehicles and licensed boats with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Ngamba Island Visit
Activities:
- Boat Transfer to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Depart from Entebbe pier and cruise across Lake Victoria to the sanctuary. Duration: ~45 minutes each way
- Chimpanzee Feeding & Interpretation Session Learn about chimpanzee rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. Duration: ~2 hours on the island
Accommodation: Midrange Option: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Lake Heights Hotel
Amenities: Lakeside views, en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, pool
Day 2: Entebbe → Kibale Forest & Crater Lake Visit
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Kibale via Fort Portal Enjoy lunch en route and arrive mid-afternoon. Duration: ~6 hours
- Crater Lake Exploration or Tea Estate Walk Visit Lake Nyinambuga or hike through nearby tea plantations. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Amenities: Forest views, en-suite rooms, eco-friendly design, group dining
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Join rangers for a guided trek to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours depending on chimp location
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Community-guided nature walk through swamp trails, birding, and cultural interaction. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Forest Walk & Community Visit
Activities:
- Guided Nature Walk near Kibale Forest Spot birds, butterflies, and forest flora with a local guide. Duration: 1.5 hours
- Visit to Bigodi Village or Craft Center Learn about local conservation efforts, traditional crafts, and community life. Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5: Kibale → Entebbe & Equator Stop
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer Back to Entebbe Depart mid-morning with lunch en route and optional stop at the equator monument. Duration: ~6 hours
- Evening Leisure at Hotel or Optional City Tour Relax at the lodge or explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens or craft markets. Duration: Flexible
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 6: Departure from Entebbe
Activities:
- Optional Morning Visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) Learn about Uganda’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. Duration: 1.5 hours
- Transfer to Airport for Departure Group check-out and airport drop-off. Duration: ~30 minutes
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight hiking clothes (quick-dry recommended)
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Rain jacket and sun protection
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for forest trekking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and boat transport in licensed vehicles
- 5 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit and ranger fees
- Ngamba Island Sanctuary visit and boat transfer
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary entry and guide
- Crater lake and community visits
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Friends Beach Hotel | Entebbe | Lakeside views, pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant |
| Turaco Treetops | Kibale Forest | Forest canopy views, en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi |
| Isunga Lodge | Fort Portal | Crater lake views, eco-friendly design |
Meet Uganda’s Chimps & Cruise Lake Victoria
This midrange group safari offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, conservation education, and lakeside serenity-ideal for wildlife clubs, student groups, and nature lovers.