Uganda · Safari

10-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Big Game Encounters

10 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alongside experienced rangers
02 Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, a primate-rich tropical rainforest
03 Explore the savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks on exciting game drives
04 Cruise along the Nile River and Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife
05 Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and walk with guides to see Southern White Rhinos
06 Walk with a ranger on a guided nature trail in Lake Mburo National Park for a close-up safari experience

Embark on a 10-day safari adventure through the heart of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This expertly crafted itinerary takes you from the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe to the lush rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, and the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. Track wild chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, witness spectacular wildlife on thrilling game drives and guided nature walks, and enjoy scenic boat cruises along the Nile River and Kazinga Channel.

Spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family.

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, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
Meet our staff for a welcome briefing and assistance with immigration formalities.
Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe.
Enjoy a scenic walk around the lakeside town of Entebbe if time allows.
Relax and prepare for the safari ahead.

Day 02

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park

Eat breakfast and begin your drive northwards.
Travel through Kampala and continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Take a guided walk to see the Southern White Rhinos.
Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest national park.
Check in to your lodge and relax for the evening.

Day 03

Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Wake up early for a game drive across the savannah plains.
Spot wildlife including lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Take an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the falls.
Optionally, hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 04

Transfer to Kibale National Park

Eat breakfast and depart for Kibale National Park.
Pass through tea plantations and rural villages.
Stop en route for photos and community interaction.
Arrive at Fort Portal and continue to your lodge near Kibale Forest.
Check in and relax for the evening.

Day 05

Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

Eat breakfast and head to the Kibale Forest Headquarters.
Begin your guided chimpanzee trek in the rainforest.
Observe chimpanzees along with other primates and bird species.
Enjoy lunch and then drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enter the park with a scenic drive and spot wildlife along the way.
Check in at your lodge for the night.

Day 06

Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Look out for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and antelopes.
Return to your lodge for breakfast and rest.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and various water birds.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 07

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Bwindi Transfer

Eat breakfast and drive to the Ishasha Sector.
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Arrive at your lodge and check in.
Relax and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 08

Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up early and attend a gorilla trekking briefing.
Trek through the forest with experienced rangers.
Spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family.
Return to the lodge for lunch and receive your trekking certificate.
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in Africa.
Check in and relax by the lakeside.

Day 09

Lake Mburo National Park Safari

Eat breakfast and depart for Lake Mburo National Park.
Enter the park and enjoy a game drive.
Spot zebras, impalas, elands, topis, and warthogs.
Explore the park's varied terrain, including forests and wetlands.
Check in at your lodge and relax for the evening.

Day 10

Nature Walk and Return to Entebbe

Wake up early for a guided nature walk with a ranger.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
Depart for Entebbe, stopping at the equator crossing for photos.
Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Kibale National Park chimpanzee rainforest, Nile River boat cruises, Lake Bunyonyi lakeside shores

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 10 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)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
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)
Drinks

What to bring

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants in neutral colors like khaki or olive.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.
Thick socks to tuck over pant legs and prevent insect entry.
Gardening or trekking gloves to protect hands from nettles and branches.
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho for unpredictable forest rain.
Wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain protection.
Neutral-colored T-shirts and shorts suitable for daytime temperatures.
Lightweight sweater or fleece for cool evenings and higher altitudes.
Comfortable sandals or casual shoes for lodge wear or short walks.
Daypack for carrying essentials during treks.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Insect repellent with DEET for protection against mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm to prevent sunburn.
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife spotting.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for use in low-light lodges.
Travel adapter Type G for Ugandan power sockets.
Personal first aid kit, including plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, and personal medication.
Antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate, mandatory for entry.
Face masks and hand sanitizer to protect yourself and the primates.
Valid passport and Ugandan visa, if required.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits; carry physical or digital copies.
Travel insurance documents with emergency contact details.
Cash in small denominations; US dollars are widely accepted for tips and souvenirs.

Know before you go

Gorilla trekking permits are mandatory and cost $700 USD for foreign non-residents.
Permits are limited and should be secured 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (June-September, December-February).
Treks can last 2-6 hours and include a strict 1-hour encounter with a gorilla family.
This 1-hour rule helps minimize disturbance to the endangered gorillas.
Visitors showing signs of illness such as colds or flu are not permitted to trek.
This precaution helps protect gorillas from human-borne infections.
Gorilla trekking requires navigating dense forests and uneven terrain.
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
Wear waterproof hiking boots with ankle support.
Dress in long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against insects and vegetation.
Carry a rain jacket or poncho for sudden weather changes.
Use gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns and stinging nettles.
Walking sticks are often provided and helpful on slippery slopes.
Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited during gorilla encounters.
Stay near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to reduce travel time on trekking days.
Book accommodations well in advance, ideally when purchasing your permit.
Lodges near trekking points are limited and fill up quickly during peak months.
Gorilla trekking permit costs $700 USD.
Accommodation expenses vary by comfort level, from budget to luxury.
Transportation costs include inter-park transfers and airport pickups.
Additional activities may include chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, or cultural visits.
Guides and porters typically receive tips of $10-$20 USD per day.
A full 10-day safari may cost between $2,500 and $4,000 USD per person, depending on preferences and inclusions.
Dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer the best trekking conditions with minimal rainfall.
Wet seasons (March-May and October-November) are more challenging due to muddy trails but may come with discounted rates.
Ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Use insect repellent daily to protect against bites.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and evacuations.
Join cultural tours to engage with local communities and support sustainable tourism.
Follow eco-friendly practices such as avoiding single-use plastics.
Respect all park guidelines, including keeping a safe distance from wildlife.