Explore Africa in this 10 Days Uganda Safari. Uganda is a land of incredible diversity, where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, and snow-capped mountains overlook equatorial forests. This carefully crafted itinerary will immerse you in the best of Uganda’s natural wonders, cultural richness, and also wildlife experiences. Therefore offering an unforgettable journey through some of the most biodiverse landscapes on the African continent.
About Uganda Safaris
Uganda is one of the few countries where you can track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, walk alongside zebra and giraffes on foot, and also glide through hippo-infested waters. All in one trip. Uganda’s remarkable ecological diversity is mirrored in its rich tapestry of cultures. Additionally, the country is home to over 50 different ethnic groups. For example Baganda, Bakiga, Batooro, Basoga to mention but a few, each with its own language, traditions, music, and beliefs. This trip provides a chance to not only witness wildlife spectacles but also connect with the human stories of Uganda. From the indigenous Batwa forest people who once lived among gorillas, to rural communities working hand-in-hand with conservation.
Your journey takes you from the towering trees of Kibale Forest, where chimpanzees call from the canopy, to the expansive plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions hunt among Uganda kob and elephants roam beneath the Rwenzori Mountains.
About the Safari
On this 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll venture deep into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, then explore the volcanic peaks of Mgahinga, where golden monkeys leap through the bamboo and ancient Batwa culture still lingers. The serene lakes of Mutanda and Bunyonyi offer rest and reflection, while the final leg through Lake Mburo National Park provides thrilling close encounters with plains game, both by vehicle and on foot. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or visiting Africa for the first time, this itinerary offers a deeply immersive experience in one of the continent’s most captivating and under-explored destinations. Uganda’s wild beauty, warm hospitality, and rich wildlife encounters are sure to leave a lasting imprint on your heart and soul.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Airport Pick-up and Transfer to Hotel in Entebbe
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport for the 10 Days Uganda Safari, a warm welcome awaits you from your professional safari guide who will be with you throughout your Uganda Safari adventure. As you exit the airport, you’ll be greeted with smiles and a refreshing breeze from Lake Victoria, which is just a short drive away. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a brief scenic tour around Entebbe town, perhaps visiting the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoying lakeside views. You will thereafter transfer to your hotel for check-in, relax, freshen up, and also recover from your flight. Your guide will provide a pre-safari briefing and go over the expectations and highlights of your journey. The rest of the day is yours to relax, dine at the hotel, and finally prepare for the adventures that begin the next day.
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Mid-Range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Budget: Via Via Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale National Park – Bigodi Wetland and Community Visit
After an early breakfast, you will begin your journey westward to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The drive, which can take approximately 5–6 hours, winds through lush countryside, tea plantations, and traditional Ugandan villages, offering fascinating glimpses into rural life. You will arrive in the Fort Portal area in time for a late lunch, after which you’ll continue to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run eco-tourism site is not only a haven for bird watchers, with species like the Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek, but also a perfect introduction to the biodiversity and rich culture of the region.
Guided by a local community guide, you’ll take a walk through the wetlands, over boardwalks and under canopies of jungle vines, spotting monkeys, butterflies, and birds. You will also engage in a community visit to interact with the locals, learn about traditional crafts, and witness rural Ugandan life as you also get entertained by the locals through dance, music and drama not forgetting the fascinating stories. Your overnight stay will be near Kibale Forest, where you’ll rest up for the next day’s primate adventure.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Evening Game Drive
This day 3 of the 10 Days Uganda Safari begins with excitement as you head into the forest early in the morning for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. You will head to visitor center for briefing to get to know the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking and then proceed to the misty jungle of Kibale in search for the chimpanzee. Furthermore, it will take around 30 minutes to 6 hours to find the allocated chimpanzee troop and you have an hour to watch them play, feed, and also nest in their natural habitat.
After lunch, rest a little and proceed to Queen Elizabeth national park a scenic 2–3 hour’s drive southwards.. Queen Elizabeth National park is the largest Uganda’s savannah park rugged on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains and famous for its rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
As you descend into the Rift Valley, you’ll be struck by the wide, open savannah plains bordered by crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll head out for a short evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains, a prime area for spotting lions, buffalo, Uganda kob, and elephants. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy dinner with views of the wilderness all around.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel – Evening Game Drive
After an early breakfast, you’ll head out on a morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where predators such as lions and leopards often lurk close to the herds of antelope. Your guide will interpret the sights and sounds of the bush, pointing out tracks, birds, and hidden animals in the tall grass. likely to be spotted mammal species include elephants, buffaloes, oribs, bushbucks, hippos, lions and many more plus over 600 bird species including grey headed kingfisher, African crowned eagle, swamp flycatcher, little bee eater and many more.
After returning to the lodge for a brief rest and lunch, you’ll thereafter set off in the afternoon for one of the park’s most iconic experiences: a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer waterway links Lake George and Lake Edward and supports one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
You’ll also see Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an astounding variety of birdlife, including pelicans, African fish eagles, and kingfishers. The boat drifts slowly, allowing for excellent photography and a deeper appreciation of the park’s rich biodiversity. After the cruise, you’ll enjoy a short sunset game drive en route back to the lodge, providing another chance to spot nocturnal animals as they begin to stir. Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi – Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha – Transfer to Bwindi
After early breakfast on day 5 of your 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll head out once again into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a final morning game drive, focusing on the Kasenyi sector, which is ideal for predator sightings, especially during the cooler early hours. Finally after this drive, you will journey south to the Ishasha sector, a more remote and less-visited part of the park, famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions. Additionally, this is one of the few places in the world where lions regularly climb fig and acacia trees to escape the heat or scan the savannah for prey. You’ll have a game drive in Ishasha searching for these majestic cats and observing the many mammal species. For example buffalo, topi, and also elephants that roam the area.
After your lunch, you’ll continue on a beautiful, sometimes bumpy road through terraced hills and misty forests to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas and is one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. You’ll finally check in to your lodge nestled in the forest, preparing for the next day’s unforgettable experience.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mid-Range: Bakiga Lodge
Budget: Ride 4 a woman
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
Breakfast at around 6am and prepare for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience. Proceed to the visitor’s center for briefing about gorilla trekking dos and don’ts. Dressed appropriately with a bottle of water, camera set with no flash, embark on the search for the majestic mountain gorillas in the jungle of Bwindi forest. . Groups of up to eight visitors are assigned to one of the 22 habituated gorilla families, and the trek begins through dense forest and steep terrain. Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, but the moment you first see the gorillas in their natural habitat, all fatigue fades away. You’ll have a full hour to observe these gentle giants, watching their expressive eyes, family interactions, and surprisingly human-like behavior.
After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and then set off on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where gold meets silver, part of the Virunga Conservation Area shared with Rwanda and the DRC. This smaller but incredibly scenic park is home to golden monkeys, gorillas, and the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people. You’ll spend the night at a lodge near the park, ready for more cultural and primate experiences the following day.
Location: Mgahinga National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort
Mid-Range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Batwa Trail Experience – Relax on Lake Mutanda
After breakfast on this day 7 of the 10 Days Uganda Safari, you will embark on the Batwa Trail experience. Which is a unique cultural encounter led by Batwa elders and guides. Additionally, the Batwa, often referred to as “the Keepers of the Forest,” are the indigenous pygmy people who once lived as hunter-gatherers in the forests of southwestern Uganda. During this immersive walk, the Batwa share their traditions, including fire-making, hunting techniques, herbal medicine, and spiritual rituals. The trail takes you through forest and caves once used as shelters. Therefore providing a deeper understanding of the challenges the Batwa have faced since being relocated for conservation purposes, 10 Days Uganda Safari.
After this enriching cultural experience, you will drive to Lake Mutanda, which is also one of the most scenic and serene lakes in Uganda. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with islands, Lake Mutanda is a perfect place to relax after several days of trekking. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy the cool breeze, take in the views, and settle into your lakeside lodge.
Location: Mgahinga National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort
Mid-Range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
An early start takes you back into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking. These playful and vibrant monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their speed, social nature, and golden-orange fur. Led by guides and trackers, After briefing you will head to the misty forests in search for the golden monkeys and this will take about 30 minutes to 6 hours. Furthermore, trek into the bamboo forest, listening to their calls and watching them leap from tree to tree in their energetic groups. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey groups tend to stay lower in the forest, making them easier to photograph and observe.
After this exciting experience, you’ll drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known as “the place of many little birds. Because of its calm waters, terraced hillsides, and 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi offers an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to unwind at your lodge.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-Range: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Budget: Kaije Resort Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo for Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, you will embark on a peaceful boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, gliding between its islands and learning the stories behind their names. For example the haunting “Punishment Island,” where unwed pregnant girls were once abandoned. Birdlife is abundant, and additionally the surrounding hills offer postcard-worthy views. After the boat ride, you will thereafter begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, a 4–5 hour drive east through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. You will arrive in the afternoon and immediately head out for an evening-to-night game drive.
This is one of the few parks in Uganda to do night drives. Hence offering a chance to see nocturnal species for example bush babies, genets, leopards, and also hyenas. Lake Mburo National Park, though smaller in size, is rich in diversity and home to zebra, eland, impala, giraffe, hippo, and more. After the night game drive, you will then head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Mburo Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Walking Safari in Lake Mburo – Game Drive – Return to Entebbe for Departure
Your final day of this 10 Days Uganda Safari begins with a unique and intimate walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, guided by an UWA ranger. Unlike in most parks, walking safaris are safe and common here, allowing you to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna on foot. You’ll track animals by their footprints, learn about medicinal plants, and potentially walk within meters of giraffes, zebras, and also impala. After breakfast back at the lodge, you’ll enjoy a final short game drive as you exit the park and begin the journey back to Entebbe, a drive of about 4–5 hours.
You’ll have lunch en route and thereafter make a stop at the Equator for souvenirs and photos. Depending on your flight time, your driver guide will drop you off at the airport in the evening for your departure, filled with memories of an unforgettable 10 days Uganda Safari Journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks, landscapes, and cultures.
Tour includes
- Accommodation on full board
- Transportation to and from Kampala or Entebbe
- gorilla trekking permits
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Park entry fees
- All mentioned activities
- Bottled drinking water
- English speaking driver guide
Tour excludes
- International flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Alcoholic beverages
- Accommodation on final day
- All expenses of personal nature