10 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 10 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Safari is a comprehensive journey through Uganda’s most celebrated national parks, offering an exceptional combination of Big Five wildlife viewing, unforgettable primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. From the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this safari showcases the remarkable diversity that has earned Uganda the title “The Pearl of Africa.”

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this itinerary includes thrilling game drives, boat cruises along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Every destination offers a unique ecosystem and outstanding opportunities to observe Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

Tour Highlights

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.
Visit to the top of the spectacular Murchison Falls.
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
Equator stop for photography and souvenir shopping.
Luxury and midrange accommodation options throughout the safari.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax or enjoy a walk along the shores of Lake Victoria.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe / No.5 Boutique Hotel
Midrange: The Boma Hotel Entebbe / 2 Friends Beach Hotel

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience before continuing to the park. In the afternoon, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging dramatically into the river below.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Victoria Nile Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the northern sector of the park, where you may encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, offering excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, drive southwest through Uganda’s scenic countryside toward Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as East Africa’s primate capital. The journey passes tea plantations, traditional villages, and rolling hills before arriving at your forest lodge.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Start the day with an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Besides chimpanzees, the forest is home to twelve other primate species, making it one of Africa’s richest primate habitats.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, offering excellent birdwatching and opportunities to spot monkeys and other wildlife.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the scenic Kasenda Crater Lakes region. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge

Day 7: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Enjoy a morning boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.

After lunch, continue through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Buhoma Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trek. Accompanied by experienced rangers, hike through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection after this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 9: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park

Depart Bwindi after breakfast and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger, offering a unique opportunity to observe zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, and other wildlife on foot.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Kigarama Wilderness Lodge

Day 10: Return to Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive as you exit Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at the Uganda Equator for photography, souvenir shopping, and lunch before continuing to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and safari camps
Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
All park entrance and conservation fees
Game drives as per the itinerary
Victoria Nile boat cruise
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Full-board meals during the safari
Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International and domestic flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel insurance
Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, porters, and lodge staff
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Any services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions