10-Day Uganda Chimpanzee & Wilderness Safari (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and tented camps with essential amenities, guided wildlife activities, and authentic local hospitality
Destinations: Entebbe • Ngamba Island • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Murchison Falls NP • Budongo Forest • Kibale Forest NP • Queen Elizabeth NP • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Uganda’s Primate & Wilderness Circuit
This 10-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s most iconic wildlife, from chimpanzees and rhinos to lions and elephants, while exploring lush forests, mighty rivers, and crater lakes. You’ll track primates in Kibale and Budongo, cruise the Nile beneath Murchison Falls, and enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. With midrange accommodations offering comfort and charm, this safari balances adventure with relaxation and cultural depth.
Tour Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest
- Visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary via Lake Victoria boat cruise
- Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP
- Boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Bigodi Wetland walk and crater lake exploration
- Midrange lodges with forest and savannah views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Ngamba Island Sanctuary | Chimpanzee rescue, feeding sessions, lake views |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | On-foot rhino tracking |
| Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
| Budongo Forest | Chimpanzee tracking, birding, mahogany forest |
| Kibale Forest NP | Wild chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Birding, primates, community tourism |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Entebbe → Ziwa → Murchison → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Kampala (~1,500 km total)
- By Boat: Entebbe → Ngamba Island (~45 minutes)
- Transfers: All ground and water transport provided in licensed safari vehicles 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
- Chimpanzee feeding and interpretation session
Accommodation: Midrange Option: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Lake Heights Hotel
Amenities: Lakeside views, en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, pool
Day 2: Entebbe → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls
Activities:
- On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Transfer to Murchison Falls NP and visit to top of the falls
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison
Amenities: River views, en-suite rooms, pool, restaurant
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Activities:
- Morning game drive in northern Murchison
- Afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking & Nature Walk
Activities:
- Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
- Guided nature walk or birding session
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Budongo Eco-Lodge
Amenities: Forest cabins, solar power, hot showers, local meals
Day 5: Murchison → Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Activities:
- Scenic transfer through tea plantations and crater lakes
- Evening crater lake walk or tea estate visit
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Amenities: Forest views, en-suite rooms, eco-friendly design
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Activities:
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Rwenzori foothills
- Afternoon game drive in Kasenyi Plains
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hub Lodge
Amenities: Panoramic views, en-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 8: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Mweya Peninsula Game Drive
Activities:
- Morning boat safari on Kazinga Channel
- Afternoon game drive in Mweya Peninsula
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 9: Crater Lake Exploration & Community Visit
Activities:
- Visit Lake Katwe or Lake Munyanyange for birding and salt mining
- Optional cultural visit to a local village or craft center
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth → Kampala
Activities:
- Scenic transfer back to Kampala with lunch en route
- Optional stop at the equator monument or Mpambire drum makers
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 safari vehicle
- 9 nights midrange 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 cruises
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Friends Beach Hotel | Entebbe | Lakeside views, pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant |
| Murchison River Lodge | Murchison Falls NP | Riverfront suites, pool, en-suite rooms |
| Budongo Eco-Lodge | Budongo Forest | Forest cabins, solar power, local meals |
| Turaco Treetops | Kibale Forest | Forest canopy views, eco-friendly design |
| Twin Lakes Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth NP | Panoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms |
Track Chimps, Cruise the Nile & Explore Uganda’s Wild Heart
This midrange safari offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, big game viewing, and scenic immersion, ideal for solo travelers and group adventurers.