Explore Uganda

10-Days Uganda Safari Gorilla, Wildlife and Chimpanzees

Safari Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day safari in Uganda, where you will encounter the renowned Big Five in Murchison Falls National Park. Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for stunning wildlife sightings, especially along the picturesque Kazinga Channel. The pinnacle of this adventure will be the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your journey doesn’t end there; you will also explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Lake Mburo National Park, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

This safari combines the best of both primates and wildlife adventures in Uganda. The 10-day Uganda Safari, featuring gorilla, wildlife, and chimpanzee encounters, showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural experiences. Uganda is teeming with a variety of wildlife and bird species, many of which are endemic to the region, offering a unique experience for every nature lover and adventurer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Begin your adventure with a morning transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, which boasts an impressive array of biodiversity, including over 451 bird species and 76 mammal species, as well as the world’s most powerful waterfall. As you travel, enjoy the captivating sights along the route, including stunning landscapes, lush plantations, bustling urban centers, and vibrant fruit and vegetable markets.

Stop for lunch at Kabalega Dinners, where you can refuel for the journey ahead. Afterward, make your way to the top of the falls—an exhilarating experience where you will witness the Nile River forcefully squeezing through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunging nearly 45 meters down. The immense power of the falls creates a thrilling atmosphere, and you may even spot a rainbow forming in the mist.

After soaking in the breathtaking views, proceed to your lodge for check-in. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the evening before a restful overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hornbill Safari Lodge

Start your day with a delicious morning breakfast before heading out for an exhilarating game drive in the vast savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Your safari guide will lead you into the heart of the African wilderness, where you can capture unforgettable photographic moments amidst stunning landscapes. As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife, including lions in their dens, African elephants roaming, Rothschild’s giraffes gracefully grazing, Cape buffaloes, leopards, and a variety of antelopes.

After an adventurous morning, return to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation as you prepare for the afternoon Nile launch cruise.

Set sail on the majestic Victoria Nile, where you will enjoy spectacular views and wildlife sightings as you cruise towards the bottom of the falls. Watch for African elephants, Nile crocodiles, and a high concentration of hippos basking in the sun. You may also spot various bird species, including the striking shoebill stork, fish eagle, and the shadowed bill stork. At the bottom of Murchison Falls, take in the breathtaking sight of the mighty waterfalls as the Nile plunges through the gorge. After a day filled with adventure and awe, retire to your lodge for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Hornbill Safari Lodge

Begin your day with a delightful early morning breakfast at the lodge before embarking on your scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. As you journey through the picturesque countryside, you’ll be treated to stunning views that make the trip both exciting and enjoyable. Along the way, we will make a stop in Fort Portal Town for lunch, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere before continuing your journey. As you proceed towards Kibale Forest, keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges, which will add to the charm of your adventure.

Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge. Depending on the time, you may have the opportunity to explore the Bigodi Swamp on a guided nature walk. This area is renowned for its diverse bird species and primates, providing a fantastic introduction to the rich biodiversity of the region. After a day filled with exploration, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge

On this exhilarating day, rise early to enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the park offices. Here, you will receive an informative briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. By 8 AM, you will embark on your journey into the lush Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its incredible diversity of primate species.

As you trek through the flourishing forest, keep an eye out for a variety of monkeys, including the black-and-white colobus, vervets, olive baboons, and mangabeys. The park’s breathtaking crater lakes further enhance its beauty, making every step of your journey a visual delight. Encountering the playful chimpanzees up close will undoubtedly be a highlight of your safari, offering a truly rewarding experience that you will cherish forever.

After a thrilling morning, enjoy lunch before transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, take in the stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges. Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge, where you can unwind and savor a delicious dinner, followed by a restful overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages

Wake up early in the morning for your breakfast and head out for the morning game drive through the Kasenyi track and other tracks where you have a chance to view several wildlife species like lions, African elephants, antelopes, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, Rothschild’s giraffes and if you’re lucky enough leopards alongside the variety bird species. Queen Elizabeth is rich with the diversity of Uganda’s ecosystems such as the Savannah, lakes, wetlands, forests, and about 600 bird species that find their livelihood in the park. With this, its scenery is stunning with crater lakes like Nyamunuka and various shrubs and forests. Later transfer back to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon go for a boat ride on Kazinga channel; this is one of the most unforgettable experiences from this park. Take pleasure in observing various water birds with their echoing sweet sounds and wildlife species like the hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, and many more. After experiencing the true African wilderness you will transfer back to the lodge for a night’s rest and dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on an exciting guided forest walk in Maramagambo Forest. This enchanting trek offers the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, as well as the intriguing python and bat caves that add an element of adventure to your experience.

After your forest exploration, continue your journey with a community tour around the vibrant areas of Katwe, Katungulu, and Kyambura. Engage with the local community to observe their daily lives, traditions, and livelihoods. You will have the chance to witness how they use traditional tools for harvesting and enjoy a captivating cultural performance by the local women, providing you with a deeper understanding of their rich heritage. Following this immersive experience, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. Later in the afternoon, gear up for an exhilarating evening game drive through the park, where you can spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages

After enjoying your morning breakfast, you will embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, traveling through the breathtaking Ishasha sector. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous tree-climbing lions that inhabit this unique area, adding a touch of excitement to your journey.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a true biodiversity hotspot, boasting approximately 346 bird species, 120 mammal species, 400 plant species, and 27 frog species within its 331 sq km expanse. As you make your way to the park, you will be treated to stunning views of lush banana and tea plantations, complemented by the vibrant vegetation that characterizes this remarkable region.

Take a break for lunch along the way, soaking in the beautiful surroundings before continuing your adventure. Upon arrival at the park, check-in at your lodge, where you can unwind and prepare for the thrilling experiences that await you in this enchanting rainforest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp

After enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee, you will set out with your safari guide to the park headquarters for an important briefing conducted by the park warden. This session will cover the dos and don’ts while interacting with the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Once fully prepared, you will embark on your gorilla trekking adventure through the misty rainforest. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to you. You will have the incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close for one hour, learning about their behaviors, lifestyles, and social structures.

Make sure to pack your picnic lunch, plenty of water, trekking shoes, a rain jacket, non-flash cameras, and walking sticks for this exciting day ahead. After your unforgettable experience with the gorillas, you will return to the lodge for some much-deserved relaxation.

In the evening, set off for a Batwa community walk. This is a unique opportunity to meet the indigenous Batwa pygmies, who have lived in the forest for generations. Enjoy their traditional dances and gain insight into their rich culture and way of life. After an enriching day, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will embark on your transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, a scenic journey that takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. As you travel, you will be treated to the stunning landscapes of the Kigezi region, characterized by terraced hills, lush forests, and vibrant banana and tea plantations.

Your first stop will be in Mbarara Town for lunch, where you can savor some local cuisine before continuing your journey to Lake Mburo National Park. This park covers an area of 371 square kilometers and is home to an impressive 332 bird species along with various wildlife, including zebras, elands, impalas, warthogs, topis, waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, giraffes, and reedbucks.

Upon arrival, prepare for an exhilarating boat ride on Lake Mburo. This adventure will allow you to observe the diverse wildlife that calls the lake home, including water birds, Nile crocodiles, hippos, and zebras, all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery around you. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

As your 10-day adventurous safari comes to a close, you will start the day with a relaxed breakfast before heading out for an early game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This is your chance to witness a variety of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffalos, warthogs, and antelopes, all thriving in their natural habitat. Be sure to have your camera ready, as this is a perfect opportunity to capture the essence of Uganda’s stunning landscapes and the true African wilderness.

After your game drive, you will continue your journey back to Kampala, with a delightful stopover for lunch at the Equator. Here, you can take memorable photos to commemorate your adventure, enjoying the unique experience of standing in two hemispheres at once.

You will arrive in Kampala in the evening, where you will be dropped off at your designated point of call, bringing your unforgettable safari experience to a satisfying conclusion.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Includes & Excludes

  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Phone calls and bar bills.
  • Airfare.
  • Personal/travel insurance.
  • Driver guides gratuity.
  • Entry Visa to Tanzania
  • All activities stated as “Optional”
  • All kinds of drinks except water.
  • All other Services of a personal nature.

Travel Date & Pricing

  • All meals and accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable Park entry fees
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
  • Services of a full-time English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Bottled water while on a safari.
  • All airport/hotel pick-ups and drop off.
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary. (Except those stated as optional)
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Phone calls and bar bills.
  • Airfare.
  • Personal/travel insurance.
  • Driver guides gratuity.
  • Entry Visa to Kenya
  • All activities stated as “Optional”
  • All kinds of drinks except water.
  • All other Services of a personal nature.

National Parks

Other Uganda Safaris