10 Day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari
This 10-day Uganda safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through the country’s most iconic national parks and landscapes. From the powerful waterfalls of Murchison Falls to the rich wildlife plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
You will experience rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. The safari also includes relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park.
This journey is ideal for first-time visitors to East Africa who want to explore Uganda’s wildlife, primates, and beautiful scenery in comfort.
Safari Highlights
- Warm welcome and transfer from Entebbe International Airport
- Rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls
- Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest
- Relaxation and canoeing at Lake Bunyonyi
- Walking safari and game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
- Kampala city tour and cultural experience
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a professional guide from Journey Smiles Expeditions. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala where you can relax after your flight.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard: Airport Guest House
- Comfort: Karibu Guest House
- Luxury: Hotel No.5
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls & Rhino Tracking
After an early breakfast, you will begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot.
After lunch in Masindi, continue to the park and arrive in the evening for check-in at your lodge.
Accommodation:
- Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Comfort: Entiko Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early morning game drive where you may see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and possibly leopards.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species along the riverbanks.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way. You will arrive in the evening and check into your lodge.
Accommodation:
- Standard: Bush Lodge
- Comfort: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, known for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you will see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. This forest is home to a variety of primates and birds.
Later, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening.
Accommodation:
- Standard: Buhoma Community Camp
- Comfort: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early briefing, you will go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. The trek can take a few hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once you find them, you will spend one hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—this is a truly unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation
After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi. This beautiful lake is surrounded by hills and islands.
You can enjoy a boat ride, canoeing, or simply relax and take in the peaceful environment.
Accommodation:
- Mid-range: Arcadia Cottages
- Luxury: BirdNest Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lake Mburo National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive or guided nature walk where you can see zebras, impalas, elands, and giraffes.
Accommodation:
- Standard: Arcadia Cottages
- Comfort: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Game Drive & Return to Kampala
Enjoy an early morning game drive, then begin your journey back to Kampala. You will arrive in the evening and check into your hotel.
Accommodation:
- Standard: Latitude 0 Degrees
- Comfort: Fairway Hotel
- Luxury: Serena Hotel
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Kampala City Tour & Departure
On your final day, enjoy a guided city tour of Kampala. Visit attractions such as the Uganda Museum, Bahá’í Temple, Kasubi Tombs, and local markets.
Later, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure
- All accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Fuel and all transport during the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Rhino tracking permit at Ziwa
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi
- Boat cruises (Murchison Falls & Kazinga Channel)
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, souvenirs)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities