7-Day Primate Circuit Safari (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Budget Safari – Affordable lodges and camps with essential amenities, guided primate tracking, and community-based experiences
Destinations: Ngamba Island • Kibale Forest National Park • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda’s Primate Heartland
Uganda is home to over 20 primate species, including half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and a thriving population of wild chimpanzees. This 7-day circuit takes you from the shores of Lake Victoria to the misty forests of Bwindi, offering a rare chance to observe primates in both sanctuary and wild settings. Along the way, you’ll explore wetlands, savannahs, and crater lakes, all while staying in budget-friendly accommodations that prioritize comfort and authenticity.
Tour Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland walk
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary via Lake Victoria boat cruise
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP and boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Scenic drives through tea plantations and crater lakes
- Budget lodges with forest and savannah views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for solo travelers, student groups, wildlife clubs, and nature lovers
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 |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Gorilla trekking, rainforest hiking |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Entebbe → Kibale (~6 hours), Kibale → Queen (~2.5 hours), Queen → Bwindi (~4 hours), Bwindi → Kampala (~8 hours)
- By Boat: Entebbe → Ngamba Island (~45 minutes)
- Transfers: All ground and water transport provided in licensed safari vans and 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 Cruise across Lake Victoria to the sanctuary for a guided tour. Duration: ~3 hours round trip
- Chimpanzee Feeding & Interpretation Session Learn about chimpanzee rescue and rehabilitation. Duration: ~2 hours
Accommodation: Budget Option: Airport Guesthouse / ViaVia Entebbe
Amenities: En-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, garden restaurant, hot showers
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: Budget Option: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp (Budget Tent)
Amenities: Basic rooms or tents, forest views, local meals
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Guided trek to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Community-guided nature walk through swamp trails and birding. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Activities:
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Rwenzori Foothills Scenic drive with lunch en route. Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Budget Option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Tembo Safari Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, local cuisine, Wi-Fi (limited)
Day 5: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Mweya Peninsula Game Drive
Activities:
- Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
- Afternoon Game Drive in Mweya Peninsula or Optional Nature Walk Explore the peninsula or take a guided walk near the lodge. Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Queen → Bwindi & Gorilla Trekking Briefing
Activities:
- Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector (tree-climbing lions) Scenic drive with wildlife sightings and lunch en route. Duration: ~4 hours
- Evening Lodge Check-In & Gorilla Trekking Briefing Meet your guide and prepare for the next day’s trek. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Budget Option: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge / Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Amenities: Basic rooms, shared facilities, forest views
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kampala
Activities:
- Morning Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest Guided trek to observe a habituated gorilla family. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
- Transfer Back to Kampala (or overnight stop in Mbarara) Depart mid-afternoon with lunch en route. Duration: ~8 hours
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 to high fitness level for gorilla and chimp trekking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and boat transport in licensed safari vehicle
- 6 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
- Ngamba Island Sanctuary visit and boat transfer
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary entry and guide
- Game drives and boat cruise
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Guesthouse | Entebbe | Garden restaurant, Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms |
| Kibale Forest Camp (Budget) | Kibale Forest | Budget tents, forest views, local meals |
| Pumba Safari Cottages | Queen Elizabeth NP | En-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, local cuisine |
| Bwindi Backpackers Lodge | Bwindi | Forest views, shared facilities |
Track Chimps, Cruise the Channel & Meet the Gorillas
This budget safari offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, conservation education, and scenic diversity, ideal for solo travelers and group adventurers.