Uganda · Safari

10-Day Uganda Safari with Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Big Five Parks

10 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track endangered rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
02 See Murchison Falls and cruise the Nile among hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
03 Experience chimpanzee tracking and a nature walk in the bird-rich Bigodi Wetlands
04 Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector on the way to Bwindi
05 Spend up to one hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
06 Cruise the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and birdlife up close
07 Unwind at scenic Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by terraced hills and 29 islands
08 Explore Lake Mburo National Park on both a game drive and a guided walking safari

Experience a 10-day Uganda safari through the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife-rich national parks. Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, enjoy game drives and a boat cruise at Murchison Falls, and explore Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands for primates and birdlife. Continue through Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing and a Kazinga Channel cruise, then trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey also includes scenic Lake Bunyonyi and a walking safari and game drive in Lake Mburo National Park before returning to Entebbe.

Spend up to one 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 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 Hotel Transfer

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
Meet and be welcomed by a JM Jungle Safaris representative and your assigned English-speaking driver-guide.
Transfer to your booked accommodation.
Check in and rest, adjusting to the time zone and recovering from jet lag.
Optional (extra cost):
- Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens to view 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 for an on-foot rhino tracking experience.
Proceed to Masindi town for lunch.
Continue the journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
View wildlife including lions, giraffes, hartebeests, elephants, and buffalos.
Optional: If time permits, enjoy a late afternoon or evening game drive.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Have breakfast and embark on a morning game drive across the rolling plains.
Look out for lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.
Take an afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
View hippos, crocodiles, and several water birds.
Optional (extra cost USD 15): Hike to the top of the falls for stunning views.

Day 04

Top of the Falls Visit and Transfer to Kibale Forest

Have breakfast and visit the top of Murchison Falls to admire the scenery.
Begin the drive to Kibale Forest National Park.
Pass through villages, tea plantations, and lush green countryside.
Arrive at your lodge on the edge of the forest and check in.
Optional (extra cost USD 15): Take an excursion to explore the crater lakes.

Day 05

Bigodi Wetlands Walk and Queen Elizabeth Transfer

Have breakfast and go for a nature walk at Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
Spot primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
Observe bird species including the Great Blue Turaco.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately two hours).
Arrive for lunch, rest, and then go for a game drive.
Alternatively, choose the explosion crater drive for dramatic landscapes.

Day 06

Kalinzu Chimpanzee Tracking and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Have breakfast and drive to Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Track chimpanzees and view other primates and bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Spot hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
Optional: Proceed for a short game drive before returning to the lodge.

Day 07

Kasenyi Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Wake early and go for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Look out for lions, buffalos, elephants, and leopards.
Return to the lodge, check out, and transfer to the Ishasha sector.
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha region.
Continue to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Arrive in the evening and check in at your accommodation.

Day 08

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Have breakfast and proceed to the ranger station for a briefing.
Begin gorilla trekking in the forest with a trained guide.
Spend up to one hour with a mountain gorilla family.
Return to the lodge, check out, and drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Enjoy the scenic lake surrounded by terraced hills and 29 islands.

Day 09

Transfer to Lake Mburo and Afternoon Game Drive

Have breakfast and depart for Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara.
Arrive at the lodge and rest before your afternoon game drive.
Look out for elands, zebras, 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

Enjoy an early breakfast.
Embark on a guided walking safari in the company of an armed ranger.
Encounter wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, elands, and topis on foot.
Hike to a hilltop viewpoint for panoramic views of Lake Mburo and surrounding lakes.
Return to the lodge, check out, and drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight.

Where this trip takes you

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi with terraced hills and 29 islands

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 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)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver-guide
Round-trip 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

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
Light packing 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.