Uganda · Safari

10-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Experiences

10 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

View all 7 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy thrilling game drives with chances to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and more
02 Cruise the Nile River and Kazinga Channel to witness hippos, crocodiles, and birds up close
03 Visit Bigodi Swamp, a birdwatcher's paradise with diverse wetland species
04 Spot rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
05 Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, spending an hour with a habituated family

Discover the wild heart of Uganda on this immersive 10-day safari through some of the country's most iconic national parks and natural wonders. Travel from Entebbe to Murchison Falls for game drives and a Nile boat safari with chances to see elephants, lions, hippos, and more, then continue to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching in Bigodi Swamp. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and cruise the Kazinga Channel before passing through the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions. The journey culminates in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with the life-changing experience of gorilla trekking.

Spend one hour with the gorillas once they are located.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Hotel Transfer

Meet your driver-guide upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe Town.
Receive a welcome briefing about Uganda and your upcoming safari.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02

To Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Depart Entebbe after breakfast.
Drive through the historic Luwero Triangle en route to Masindi.
Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking experience.
Have lunch en route.
Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.
Check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Game Drive and Boat Safari at Murchison Falls

Begin with an early morning game drive along the northern banks of the Nile.
Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, hartebeests, and bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Take a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls.
Observe hippos and other animals along the riverbanks.

Have dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 04

Transfer to Kibale National Park

Depart after breakfast for Kibale National Park.
Drive through scenic landscapes with views of the Albertine Rift.
Pass local villages, farmlands, and homesteads.
The travel duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Check in at your lodge on arrival for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05

Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Take breakfast and report to the park headquarters for a briefing.
Embark on a guided chimpanzee trekking experience.
Spend one hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Return for lunch.
Visit Bigodi Swamp for birdwatching and a guided nature walk.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have breakfast and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Pass through the Crater Lake region with scenic views.
Arrive at the lodge and check in.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07

Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start with a morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains.
Spot buffaloes, lions, elephants, antelopes, and birdlife.
Return for lunch at the lodge.
Take an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, and other animals along the shoreline.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 08

Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector

Have breakfast and drive to Bwindi Forest.
Travel through the Ishasha Sector, known for tree-climbing lions.
Arrive and check in at your lodge.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 09

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Take an early breakfast and report to park headquarters.
Receive a briefing and enter the forest for gorilla trekking.
Carry a packed lunch, water, and trekking gear.
Spend one hour with the gorillas once they are located.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10

Return to Entebbe

Depart Bwindi after breakfast.
Stop in Mbarara Town for lunch.
Pause at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenirs.
Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe.
Drop off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls, Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 8 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
A professional driver/guide
Park fees (for non-residents)
Roundtrip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral colors like khaki or green to protect against insects and sun exposure.
Lightweight T-shirts and shorts for comfort at lodges or during light activities.
Warm layers such as a fleece or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings.
Rain jacket or poncho to prepare for sudden rain in forested areas.
Swimwear for accommodations with pools or lake visits.
Comfortable sleepwear suitable for changing temperatures.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots essential for treks in rugged terrain.
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for relaxing or travel between destinations.
Daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.
Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during treks and drives.
Sunglasses to shield your eyes from sun glare.
Insect repellent with DEET for effective protection against mosquitoes.
High-SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Gardening gloves to protect your hands during treks.
Binoculars to enhance wildlife spotting experiences.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture your journey.
Flashlight or headlamp for navigating lodges at night.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go.
Personal toiletries including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap.
Quick-dry towel that is compact and easy to pack.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for hygiene when facilities are limited.
First-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, and personal medications.
Anti-malarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Face masks recommended for primate treks to protect wildlife health.
Travel insurance documents with coverage for medical and trip interruptions.
Passport with a valid Uganda visa and at least six months' validity.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry.
Copies of your travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.
Emergency contact information, including your embassy in Uganda.

Know before you go

Secure permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking well in advance due to limited availability and high demand.
Book permits at least 2 to 6 months ahead for peak travel seasons.
Gorilla trekking permits cost around 800 USD per person as of 2025.
Chimpanzee trekking permits range from 200 to 250 USD depending on the location.
Prepare physically for gorilla trekking, which may involve steep and muddy terrain.
Expect treks to last between 1 and 6 hours based on gorilla location.
Hire a porter to carry your gear and offer support on difficult hikes.
Get your vaccinations updated, including yellow fever, which is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Carry anti-malarial medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and trekking activities.
Visit Murchison Falls National Park for game drives with elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary nearby.
Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park with a high success rate of sightings.
Explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and primate viewing.
Spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector.
Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birds.
Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world's gorilla population.
Observe rich birdlife in Bwindi's dense forest environment.
Explore Lake Mburo National Park, which offers walking safaris with zebras, giraffes, and antelope.
Enjoy nature walks in a predator-free environment with guides.
Bring lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors for sun and insect protection.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with strong ankle support for trekking.
Pack a waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
Include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Carry insect repellent with DEET, a personal first-aid kit, and necessary medications.
Bring binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
A 4x4 vehicle and driver-guide are provided for safe travel on rough roads.
Choose from budget camps to luxury lodges based on your preference, and book early in peak seasons.
Interact respectfully with local communities and learn a few local phrases to enhance the experience.