10-Day Best of Uganda: Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife
The Pearl of Africa from top to bottom: rhinos at Ziwa, Murchison Falls, chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and its tree-climbing lions, gorillas in Bwindi, a rest at Lake Bunyonyi and a walk at Lake Mburo.
- Length
- 10 days
- Countries
- Uganda
- Starts
- Entebbe or Kampala
- Ends
- Entebbe
- Dates
- Private trip, any start date
- Minimum age
- 15
- Guides speak
- English, French and German
- Price
- On request
Highlights
- Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa
- Nile boat safari to the foot of Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Tree-climbing lions at Ishasha
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Quiet days at Lake Bunyonyi
- Guided nature walk at Lake Mburo
Day by day
Day 1: Rhino tracking at Ziwa, on to Murchison Falls
An early pickup in Entebbe or Kampala and the drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where a trained guide leads you on foot to southern white rhinos. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
- Stay Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp. Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge.
- Meals Lunch, dinner
Day 2: Game drive and Nile boat safari
A morning game drive for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, hartebeest and kob; lions are possible and leopards more elusive. In the afternoon, cruise the Nile toward the foot of the falls, among hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
- Stay Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp. Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: South to Kibale
A long, scenic drive through farmland and villages to the green tea country around Fort Portal, stopping for refreshments and lunch.
- Stay Budget: Kibale Forest Camp. Mid-range: Turaco Treetops. Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking, on to Queen Elizabeth
After a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek into the forest to find a habituated chimpanzee community. Standard permits usually allow up to an hour with them. After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Stay Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages. Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge. Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Game drive and Kazinga Channel
A morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains for kob, elephants, buffalo and lions. In the afternoon, a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, between Lake George and Lake Edward, with hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
- Stay Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages. Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge. Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Ishasha, then Bwindi
Search the Ishasha sector for lions that sometimes rest in fig trees, though sightings cannot be guaranteed, then drive up into the forested hills of Bwindi.
- Stay Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. Mid-range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Luxury: Burunga Gorilla Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Mountain gorilla trekking
After a ranger briefing, enter Bwindi to find your assigned gorilla family. Trek times vary, and trails can be steep and muddy. Standard permits usually allow up to an hour with the gorillas.
- Stay Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. Mid-range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Luxury: Burunga Gorilla Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi
A short drive to Lake Bunyonyi, among terraced hills. Relax, or choose an optional canoe trip, boat trip or community visit.
- Stay Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort. Mid-range: BirdNest Resort. Luxury: Arcadia Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: To Lake Mburo
Drive through rolling countryside to Lake Mburo National Park. An afternoon game drive for zebras, impalas, giraffes, eland and buffalo.
- Stay Budget: Eagle’s Nest Camp. Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock. Luxury: Mihingo Lodge.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Nature walk, back to Entebbe
A guided walk in the park, breakfast, then the drive to Entebbe with a possible stop at the Equator. We drop you at your hotel or the airport.
- Meals Breakfast, lunch
Route
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Mburo
- Kibale
- Murchison Falls
- Queen Elizabeth
- Bwindi
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap
Parks visited, in order. Starts at Entebbe or Kampala and ends at Entebbe.
What's included
Included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel throughout
- Nine nights’ accommodation
- Meals as listed
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- One Kibale chimpanzee permit per person
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa
- Park entrance fees for included activities
- Game drives, Nile and Kazinga boat safaris
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
- Guided nature walk at Lake Mburo
- Bottled water on road transfers
- Pickup in Entebbe or Kampala and drop-off in Entebbe
- Applicable taxes on included services
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Getting around
A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide and fuel throughout.
Where you stay
Nine nights, at the level you choose: budget, mid-range or luxury. A hotel in Entebbe on the last night can be arranged on request.
Price and payment
Price on request. Lodges, permits and group size change the cost, so we quote in writing for your dates.
A booking is confirmed when you accept the quote and pay a 25% deposit. See the booking and cancellation policy.
Pay with PayPal
Scan the code with your phone, or use this link:
Please wait until we have confirmed your dates, then send the amount on your quote and put your booking reference in the note.
Dates and availability
This is a private trip: you choose the start date. We need at least 14 days' notice to arrange permits and lodges, so the earliest start date available now is Thu, Nov 19, 2026.
Times are local: EAT (UTC+3, Kampala).
Permits and preparation
Age
This itinerary is planned for travelers aged 15 and over.
Along the way
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Questions
How much time will I spend with the mountain gorillas?
Standard gorilla permits usually allow up to one hour with the family once you find them. How long the trek takes varies, because the gorillas move through the forest.
What animals can I see on this safari?
Rhinos, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, kob, hippos, crocodiles, lions, zebras, impalas and eland, along with chimpanzees and gorillas. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What lodge levels can I choose?
Budget, mid-range or luxury. Each day of the itinerary lists the lodges for each level.
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It covers Uganda’s main highlights in one trip, with a private vehicle and driver-guide throughout. Gorilla and chimpanzee treks can be steep and muddy, so expect some walking.