Safari overview
Combine classic game viewing with chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking on one well-paced ten-day journey through western Uganda.
This private ten-day Uganda safari links five of the country’s most rewarding national parks. Starting at Entebbe Airport, you travel north to Murchison Falls for game drives and a Nile boat cruise, then turn south to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and an optional Bigodi nature walk. The journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah game drives and a cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
The highlight is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park mountain gorilla trekking experience, reached through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth. After meeting a habituated gorilla family, you head east to Lake Mburo National Park for a final game drive before the transfer to Entebbe or Kigali airport.
Choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your style, with a lodge to match in every park along the route.
Tour highlights
Experience Uganda’s savannah wildlife, riverbanks and rainforests on one private ten-day safari.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in the tropical rainforest of Kibale
- Optional Bigodi Wetland nature walk near Kibale
- Morning game drive and Nile boat cruise at Murchison Falls
- Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to Murchison Falls
- Kasenyi Plains game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
- Budget, mid-range or luxury lodges in every park
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your driver-guide meets you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel in the Entebbe or Kampala area. After a short briefing, begin the journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park, passing through Kampala’s outskirts and the countryside of central Uganda.
Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see wild-bred southern white rhinos on foot, accompanied by experienced rangers. Rhino tracking is usually arranged at an additional cost. Continue to the park, enjoy lunch along the way and arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening for dinner and an early night.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, plus time at the sanctuary
- Budget: Hornbill Bush Lodge | Mid-Range: Tilenga Safari Lodge | Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
- Lunch and dinner
Day 2
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise, Murchison Falls
Rise early for a morning game drive across the savannah north of the Nile, where you may see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hartebeest, waterbucks and a wide variety of birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a short rest.
In the afternoon, board a boat on the Victoria Nile and cruise upstream towards the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, elephants coming to drink and colourful water birds along the banks. Here the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into the pool below with tremendous force.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a second night in the park.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise
- Budget: Hornbill Bush Lodge | Mid-Range: Tilenga Safari Lodge | Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey south towards Kibale Forest National Park. The route winds through western Uganda’s rolling countryside, tea plantations, rural villages and lively roadside markets before reaching the Kibale area.
Enjoy lunch along the way and arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Have dinner and rest ahead of your chimpanzee trekking activity the next morning.
- Approximately 5 to 7 hours’ drive, depending on stops and road conditions
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops | Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Chimpanzee Trekking and Optional Bigodi Nature Walk
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest chimpanzee trekking briefing point. Meet your ranger-guide, learn about forest etiquette and set out to look for a community of wild chimpanzees. Kibale is one of Uganda’s best-known primate destinations, with forest trails that pass through rich vegetation and habitat shared by numerous bird and monkey species.
Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have an opportunity to observe their behaviour in the forest, including feeding, calling, climbing and interacting with other members of the community. The duration of the walk varies according to where the chimpanzees are found.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, you may join an optional guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run swamp trail known for its birdlife and monkeys. This activity can be arranged at an extra cost. Return to your lodge for dinner and a second night in Kibale.
- Morning chimpanzee trek; optional afternoon nature walk
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops | Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes crater lakes, farmland and rolling hills as you approach the park’s open savannah.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, settle in and enjoy lunch or a relaxed evening before dinner. Rest well ahead of an early game drive the next morning.
- Approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive
- Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge | Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Kasenyi Plains Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Set out early for a game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, an open grassland area known for its antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs and lion sightings, subject to wildlife conditions. The early morning light is also ideal for photography and birdwatching.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and some downtime. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is famous for its large numbers of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles and water birds gathering along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a second night in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise of about 2 hours
- Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge | Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a landscape known for open savannah, fig trees and its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of lions resting in the branches, along with elephants, antelopes, buffaloes and other wildlife. Sightings of the tree-climbing lions are not guaranteed.
Continue through the highlands of south-western Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoying views of terraced hills and misty forested ridges. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening, have dinner and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek. Learn more about the park through these facts about Bwindi National Park.
- Morning game drive; approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive to Bwindi
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Gorilla Trekking — The Highlight of the Safari
Rise early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. You will learn about gorilla behaviour, forest etiquette and the rules for spending time near a gorilla family. Rangers and trackers then lead your group into the forest in search of your assigned family.
Once the gorillas are found, you are allowed one hour in their company. Watch the family feeding, playing, grooming and resting in their forest home. The trek can be physically demanding because the terrain is steep, muddy and uneven, so suitable hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are important.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and time to rest. Enjoy dinner and your second night in Bwindi.
- Allow most of the day for trekking; walking time varies
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive east through the hills of south-western Uganda towards Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of the savannah parks on this route. The scenery gradually changes from terraced hillsides to rolling acacia woodland and open grassland.
Arrive in time for lunch and settle in at your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon activity such as a game drive, where you may see zebras, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes and a variety of birds. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
- Approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive, depending on stops and road conditions
- Budget: Eagle’s Nest Lodge | Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock | Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Final Game Drive and Transfer to Entebbe
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, when wildlife is most active and the light is at its best. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.
Begin the journey to your departure point. If you are flying out of Entebbe, you travel through central Uganda, with suitable stops for refreshments and lunch. If you are flying out of Kigali, your driver-guide can arrange a transfer across the border to Kigali International Airport.
Travel time can vary with traffic and road conditions, and border crossing times for Kigali can also vary. We recommend booking an evening departure flight or arranging an additional overnight stay if your international flight leaves early.
- Morning game drive; transfer time depends on the airport chosen, border formalities and traffic
- No accommodation unless an extra night is requested
- Breakfast and lunch
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your gorilla, chimpanzee and game safari adventure.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit arrangements
- Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge selection
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FAQs for 10-Day Uganda Gorillas & Game Safari
Planning a 10-day Uganda safari that combines mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and classic game viewing? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
What is included in the 10-Day Uganda Gorillas & Game Safari?
The package includes a mountain gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a chimpanzee trekking permit, park entrance fees, game drives, and the activities listed in your itinerary, such as the Murchison Falls boat cruise and the Kazinga Channel launch cruise. It also covers airport transfers, private transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, accommodation, meals as listed, bottled drinking water, and fuel. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses are not included. Your final quotation confirms the exact inclusions for your chosen accommodation category.
How does the 10-day Uganda gorillas and game safari itinerary work?
After arriving in Entebbe, you travel north to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Nile. You then head west to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive and the Kazinga Channel cruise. Next come the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, and Bwindi for mountain gorilla trekking. The journey ends at Lake Mburo National Park before the drive back to Entebbe. Day-by-day details are adjusted to your dates and permit availability.
Which national parks and highlights does this safari cover?
This route links Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife areas in one journey. Murchison Falls offers the powerful waterfall, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and Nile crocodiles. Kibale is known for chimpanzee trekking, while Queen Elizabeth National Park offers varied wildlife and the hippo-rich Kazinga Channel. Ishasha is known for tree-climbing lions, Bwindi shelters endangered mountain gorillas, and Lake Mburo adds zebras, impalas and activities not offered in the other parks. Together they give a well-rounded picture of Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife.
How do I get gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits?
Both permits should be secured well before your safari because trekking spaces are limited and availability depends on your travel dates. The gorilla permit allows you to visit one habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi, while the chimpanzee permit covers a guided trek in the forest. We check availability and arrange the permits as part of your booking. Because the activities take place in different parks on set days, confirming permits early helps us coordinate your accommodation, transfers, and the order of the itinerary.
How fit do I need to be for this safari?
Moderate fitness is helpful, although most of the safari involves game drives and boat cruises that are easy on the body. The demanding parts are the primate treks. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can take one to six hours or longer, depending on where the family has moved, and the trails can be steep and muddy. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is usually less strenuous but still involves walking in humid forest. Regular walking and wearing in your hiking boots before travelling can help. Tell us about any mobility concerns in advance.
How long will I spend with the gorillas and chimpanzees?
Once your ranger-guides locate the mountain gorillas, you are allowed one hour with the family. You can watch their behaviour, see juveniles play, and take photographs without flash while following the ranger’s instructions. Chimpanzee trekking generally also allows one hour with the group once it has been found. The time spent searching varies, so the overall trekking duration can differ from one day to another. Both encounters follow park regulations designed to protect the animals and their habitat.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Visitors must generally be at least 15 years old to join mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale usually has a minimum age of 12 years, though rules can differ between sites and may change. Younger children may therefore be unable to join every activity on this itinerary. If you are travelling as a family, tell us everyone’s age before booking so we can check eligibility and suggest alternative activities, such as nature walks or other game-viewing options, where necessary.
Can I see tree-climbing lions on this safari?
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places in Africa where lions are regularly seen resting in fig and acacia trees. Our itinerary passes through Ishasha on the way to Bwindi, so you have a good chance of seeing them during a game drive. However, these are wild animals, and the lions do not always climb on the day you visit. Early morning and late afternoon drives usually give the best opportunities, and your driver-guide will work with park rangers to find them.
What activities can I do at Lake Mburo National Park?
Lake Mburo is a compact park with a relaxed pace and several activities not available in the other parks on this route. Options include game drives to see zebras, impalas, elands, topis and buffalo, a boat trip on the lake for hippos, crocodiles and birds, and guided nature walks. Horseback safaris and night game drives may also be available through park-approved operators, usually at extra cost. Availability depends on the season and your time in the park, so tell us which activities interest you and we will include them where possible.
When is the best time for this safari?
The drier months, usually June to September and December to February, are popular because trails are firmer and game viewing is often easier as animals gather near water. However, Uganda’s forests and mountains can see rain at any time of year. The wetter months bring muddy trails but also lush scenery, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking operate throughout the year, subject to park conditions and permit availability. Book early if your dates are fixed, particularly during holiday periods.
What should I pack for this 10-day safari?
Pack waterproof hiking boots with good grip, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, gardening or hiking gloves, a lightweight rain jacket, a hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a small daypack. Neutral-coloured clothing is best for game drives. Binoculars, a camera with spare batteries, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, and a face mask for the gorilla encounter are also useful. Gaiters help keep mud and insects away from your legs. Evenings in the highlands around Bwindi can be cool, so bring a warm layer.
Can I hire a porter during gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
Yes. Hiring a porter is a practical way to make your gorilla trek more comfortable, even if you are reasonably fit. Porters can carry your daypack, offer a steadying hand on difficult slopes, and help you through muddy or slippery sections. Their work also provides income to people living near the national park. Confirm in your quotation whether porter service is included or arranged as an optional extra. Tips are optional and can be given directly to your porter.
What rules should I follow near gorillas and chimpanzees?
Follow your ranger’s instructions throughout both experiences. Near mountain gorillas, keep the distance set by park authorities, speak quietly, avoid flash photography, and never touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke close to them, and avoid sudden movements if one approaches. Chimpanzee trekking also requires respectful behaviour and compliance with your guide’s instructions. These primates are vulnerable to human diseases, so visitors must follow the health, hygiene, and wildlife protection rules given during each briefing.
What happens if I feel sick before gorilla trekking?
Tell your driver-guide and park staff if you develop a cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or another potentially contagious illness before trekking. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, and park authorities may prevent visitors who are unwell from joining the activity. Any refund or rescheduling depends on the applicable permit conditions and Uganda Wildlife Authority policy. We recommend travel insurance that covers medical issues and trip interruptions. Follow the ranger’s guidance on face masks and other health precautions during your gorilla encounter.
Am I guaranteed to see the gorillas, chimpanzees and big game?
Habituated gorillas and chimpanzees give you a good opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, and the savannah parks offer rich game viewing, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because these are wild animals. Trackers and ranger-guides help locate the primates, and your driver-guide works to put you in the right places for game drives. Our team coordinates the itinerary and permits to give you the best practical chance of a rewarding trip while respecting wildlife welfare and park regulations.
Can I customise the 10-day itinerary, and how do I book?
Yes. You can tailor the safari to your travel dates, preferred accommodation category, and interests, subject to permit and lodge availability. For example, you can add extra nights, more time at Lake Mburo, or additional game drives. The package is a private experience with your own driver-guide and vehicle. Send us your preferred dates, number of travellers, and accommodation preference so we can check the permits and prepare a detailed quotation. Once you approve the itinerary and payment terms, we proceed with the reservations.