6 Days Budget Primate Explorer
This 6 Days Budget Primate Explorer is Designed for the adventurous traveler seeking rich primate encounters without the high price tag, this 6-day budget safari offers an unforgettable journey into Uganda’s two most iconic rainforests—Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Traveling by road, you’ll experience the heart of Uganda’s landscapes and communities while keeping costs down and adventure levels high. This trip focuses on two of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale—the primate capital of World —and gorilla trekking in Bwindi, home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy simple but comfortable accommodations, scenic drives through crater lakes and highland farms, and guided forest walks that reveal a variety of other primates, birds, and local cultures. Whether you’re a backpacker, solo explorer, student, or just traveling on a tighter budget, this itinerary delivers all the wonder of Uganda’s great apes in a well-paced, affordable format—without compromising on experience or authenticity.
Safari Highlights
Scenic overland journey through Uganda’s diverse landscapes
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Authentic road-trip experience with stopovers in local towns and villages along the way
Optional cultural experiences, such as visiting tea farms, craft markets, or Batwa heritage communities
Budget Primate Explorer Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your guesthouse in Entebbe. After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the craft markets. Dinner will be available at the guesthouse or a local restaurant.
Accommodation options:
- Airport link guest house (Midrange)
- Papyrus guest house (Midrange)
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Destination: Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, begin your journey westward toward Fort Portal and Kibale Forest, a drive of approximately 6–7 hours through beautiful scenery, with rolling tea plantations, roadside villages, and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. You’ll stop for lunch in Fort Portal, a charming town with colonial-era roots. Upon arrival in Kibale, check in to your lodge or guesthouse near the edge of the forest. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or taking a self-guided nature walk around the area.
Accommodation options:
- Kibale forest camp, Chimpanzee guest cottages (Moderate)
- Isunga lodge, Turraco treetops lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Full board
Destination: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre in Kibale Forest National Park for a briefing before your chimpanzee trek. Accompanied by a trained ranger-guide, you’ll venture into the forest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee families. The trek may take between 2–4 hours depending on where the chimps are located. Once found, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them as they interact in their natural environment. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area known for its biodiversity and birdlife. The guided walk through the swamp and forest fringes offers chances to spot more primates and learn about local conservation efforts.
Accommodation options:
- Kibale forest camp, Chimpanzee guest cottages (Moderate)
- Isunga lodge, Turraco treetops lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Full board
Destination: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Depart after breakfast for the scenic drive south to Bwindi, approximately 6–8 hours depending on your overnight sector (Buhoma or Rushaga). The route winds through the foothills of the Rwenzori’s, tea estates, crater lakes, and local communities before entering the highland regions of southwestern Uganda. You’ll have lunch enroute and continue to your lodge near Bwindi, arriving in the afternoon or early evening. Settle into your room and prepare for the next day’s gorilla adventure.
Accommodation options:
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate)
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Orugano Lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla group and guided into the forest by armed rangers and trackers. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location and terrain. Once you locate the gorillas, spend one hour in their presence, observing their movements, feeding habits, and family interactions. This intimate encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the forest atmosphere, or take an optional community visit or guided walk, depending on your energy level.
Accommodation options:
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate)
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Orugano Lodge (Midrange)
- Four gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 6: Bwindi – Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe by road, with lunch en route. The drive takes approximately 8–9 hours. You’ll arrive in the evening and can be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight or transferred to a guesthouse if you are staying an extra night (on request).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Destination: Entebbe
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation for 5 nights in budget/mid-range lodges and guesthouses as mentioned in the itinerary
One chimpanzee trekking permit per person (Kibale Forest)
One gorilla trekking permit per person (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided walk
All park entry and ranger fees for scheduled activities
Meals as outlined in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Drinking water in the vehicle during transfers and activities
Government taxes and conservation levies
Exclusions
International flights to and from Uganda
Uganda visa (approximately USD 50, obtainable online or on arrival)
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for driver-guide, rangers, and lodge staff
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, souvenirs, and internet/phone use
Extra accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged upon request)