Uganda · Safari

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

10 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
02 Enjoy thrilling game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks
03 Experience chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest and birding in Bigodi Wetlands
04 Encounter endangered mountain gorillas during a guided trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
05 Take part in a guided bush walk to observe wildlife on foot in Lake Mburo
06 Travel through Uganda's stunning countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes
07 Spot diverse wildlife including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes

Experience a 10-day Uganda safari through the Pearl of Africa, travelling from Entebbe across diverse ecosystems including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo. Enjoy up-close encounters with rhinos, chimpanzees, and endangered mountain gorillas, along with game drives to spot a wide range of wildlife. Cruise the Nile and the Kazinga Channel, search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and take in Uganda's scenic countryside of tea plantations, rolling hills, and crater lakes.

Experience a 10-day Uganda safari through the Pearl of Africa, travelling from Entebbe across diverse ecosystems including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo.

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 Entebbe, Mbarara, 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 and Transfer to Your Hotel

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
Meet and be welcomed by a JM Jungle Safaris staff member and an English-speaking driver-guide.
Transfer to your booked accommodation and check in.
Rest and recover from jet lag while adjusting to the time difference.
Optional (extra cost):
- Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens to spot primates and birds.
- Take an excursion to Mabamba Wetland to search for the prehistoric shoebill stork.

Day 02

Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Murchison Falls

Wake up early and have breakfast.
Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and track rhinos on foot.
Stop for lunch in Masindi town.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
Observe wildlife such as lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffalos, and elephants.
Optional: Enjoy a late afternoon or evening game drive if time permits.

Day 03

Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Depart early for a game drive across the park's plains.
Spot lions, leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.
Take an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Optional (extra cost - USD 15): Hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.

Day 04

Top of the Falls Visit and Scenic Drive to Kibale

Have breakfast and visit the top of Murchison Falls.
Begin a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park.
Pass through tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural villages.
Check in at the lodge and relax.
Optional (extra cost - USD 15): Explore the crater lakes for stunning landscapes.

Day 05

Bigodi Wetlands Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Enjoy breakfast and take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
Spot colobus monkeys, baboons, and the Great Blue Turaco.
Drive for approximately two hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrive for lunch and some rest.
Take a late afternoon game drive or opt for the scenic crater drive.

Day 06

Chimpanzee Tracking and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

Depart early to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee tracking.
Spot other primates and bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Take a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
View hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and numerous birds.
Optional: Go for a brief game drive before heading back to the lodge.

Day 07

Sunrise Game Drive, Ishasha, and Transfer to Bwindi

Head out for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Search for elephants, lions, buffalos, and other savannah species.
Check out and transfer to the Ishasha sector.
Look for tree-climbing lions in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Continue to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi and arrive by evening.

Day 08

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy breakfast and receive a briefing at the park headquarters.
Begin the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Spend up to one hour with the gorilla family once located.
Return to the lodge for lunch and then check out.
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting surrounded by terraced hills and islands.

Day 09

Transfer to Lake Mburo and Afternoon Game Drive

Have breakfast and depart for Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara City.
Arrive at your lodge and rest briefly.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive and spot zebras, elands, topis, impalas, and buffalos.
Optional (extra cost - USD 30): Take a night game drive to observe nocturnal species.

Day 10

Walking Safari in Lake Mburo and Return to Entebbe

Begin the day with an early breakfast.
Embark on a guided bush walk in the presence of a UWA ranger.
Encounter giraffes, zebras, elands, topis, and buffaloes up close.
Climb to a hilltop viewpoint to see Lake Mburo and nearby crater lakes.
Return to the lodge, check out, and drive back to Entebbe International Airport for departure.

Where this trip takes you

Murchison Falls National Park Nile cruise, Kazinga Channel boat trip, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla trek, Lake Bunyonyi terraced hills

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 9 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 accommodations (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)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Roundtrip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and after 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

Valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond travel dates
Uganda visa obtained in advance or on arrival, if eligible
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate required for entry
Travel insurance documents, including emergency contact details
COVID-19 PCR test result or vaccination certificate, as per current regulations
Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
Malaria prophylactic medication after consulting a doctor
Lightweight neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, beige, or olive
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from sun and insects
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho for unpredictable showers
Sweater or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for use around lodges
Gardening or work gloves for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
Gaiters for extra protection and to keep out debris during treks
Moisture-wicking socks to reduce the chances of blisters
Daypack for carrying essentials on treks and game drives
Binoculars for better wildlife viewing
Camera with extra memory cards and spare batteries
Headlamp or flashlight for areas with limited lighting
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Sunglasses with UV protection
Wide-brimmed sun hat for extra sun coverage
Insect repellent, preferably with DEET
Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene
Toiletries, preferably biodegradable products
Power adapter compatible with UK-style three-pin plugs
Soft-sided luggage for ease of storage in safari vehicles
Pack lightly if planning to use lodge laundry services
US dollars in small denominations for tipping and small purchases
Modest clothing to respect local cultural customs
Reusable shopping bags, as single-use plastic bags are banned in Uganda

Know before you go

Secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance.
Ensure vaccinations for yellow fever and other recommended immunizations.
Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, and a good camera.
Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications.
June to August and December to February are ideal for wildlife viewing during the dry season.
March to May and September to November may present challenges due to muddy trails but offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
Consider staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge or Baker's Lodge while visiting Murchison Falls.
Choose Kibale Forest Camp or Crater Safari Lodge for your stay near Kibale Forest.
Stay at Pumba Safari Cottages or Kyambura Gorge Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Book accommodation at Gorilla Mist Camp or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge when visiting Bwindi.
Select Rwakobo Rock or Mihingo Lodge for your time in Lake Mburo National Park.
Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, and Nile crocodiles in Murchison Falls.
Expect to see chimpanzees and a variety of monkey species in Kibale Forest.
Watch for tree-climbing lions, hippos, and an abundance of birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Encounter mountain gorillas and rich birdlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Spot zebras, impalas, and elands in Lake Mburo National Park.
Engage experienced local guides for more insightful wildlife and cultural experiences.
Respect local customs and communities throughout your journey.
Expect limited internet access in remote areas and national parks.
Carry some Ugandan Shillings for small purchases, as credit cards may not be widely accepted.