10 Days Uganda Safari
10 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary: Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Circuit
The 10 days Uganda Safari, itinerary takes you through four of Uganda's most rewarding national parks — Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable. Specifically, it combines mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, rhino tracking on foot, two boat cruises, and game drives across Uganda's classic savannah and forest habitats.
Overall, this is one of the most complete short circuits in the country: primates in the west, Big Game on the savannah, and the Nile itself thundering through Murchison Falls. Unlike most operators who quote "on request," however, we publish real per-person pricing below by group size and lodge tier, so that you can plan your budget before you ever contact us.
Quick facts
- Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
- National parks visited: Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable (4), plus Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Primates: Mountain gorillas (Bwindi) + chimpanzees (Kibale) + red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, black-and-white colobus
- Big Five progress: Elephant, buffalo, lion (including Ishasha's tree-climbing lions), rhino (Ziwa) — leopard sightings possible but not guaranteed
- Group size: Private, from 1 traveler
- Style: Midrange or Luxury lodges throughout
- Starts/ends: Entebbe
Contact us for a free quote, or scroll down for full day-by-day pricing.
Day-by-Day 10 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
First, your safari guide from Steady Safaris Limited will meet you at Entebbe International Airport. Meet, greet, assist then transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, there's also an option to add a short visit to nearby Mabamba Swamp in search of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Also known as the whale stork, so ask us to build this in if your flight lands early enough.
Accommodation:
- Midrange: Boma Hotel
- Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
We begin with a 6:30 am early departure north to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — one of Uganda's place to track rhinos on foot, and therefore your first tick on the Big Five. After lunch at the rhino sanctuary or in Masindi, we then continue to the park and visit the top of the falls, where the entire Victoria Nile is compressed through a dramatic 7-metre gap in the rock. We continue to drive to the lodge
Activities:
- Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa
- Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
Accommodation:
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
By 6:15 am we start with a sunrise game drive across the northern bank, where Murchison falls NP's savannah supports one of Uganda's densest wildlife counts — lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and Uganda kob are all regular sightings. There are 76 mammal species on the checklist. During the game drive on various tracks you will see a variety of birds and mammals as we head to the Delta. Return to the lodge for a relaxing time until lunch time. Then, in the afternoon 2:00 pm, travelers will join a 3hrs boat cruise to the base of the Murchison falls. Which brings you close to hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of riverside birdlife, including the chance of a shoebill sighting along the delta.
Activities:
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon boat safari to the base of the falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
We checkout after breakfast to continue the 10 days Uganda Safari which takes us south to cross the Albertine Rift Valley via Hoima and Fort Portal. With views over Lake Albert's escarpment, tea plantations, and the Rwenzori foothills. By late afternoon, we arrive at Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species — in fact, the highest primate density of any East African park.
Accommodation:
- Midrange: Isunga Lodge
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
We begin at 6:30 am with breakfast before you follow with a morning chimpanzee trek through Kibale forest. It is said that this rainy forest is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees. The experience of tracking chimpanzees last about three hours. In addition to chimpanzees, look for red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys along the trail. 9 species of Monkey occur in this forest. Afterward, in the afternoon, a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — community-run and known for over 200 recorded bird species alongside more primates.
Activities:
- Chimpanzee tracking (permit included)
- Bigodi swamp walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
In the morning of the 6 day of the 10 days Uganda Safari, we transfer via the scenic crater lakes region to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After checking in, we head out for an evening game drive across the Kasenyi plains — prime territory for lion sightings, including Queen Elizabeth's tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation:
- Midrange: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
We start with an early game drive across the Kasenyi plains for elephants, buffalo, lions, and Uganda kob. Then, in the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — the 32km waterway linking Lake George to Lake Edward, and consequently one of the most reliable hippo and birding cruises in East Africa.
Activities:
- Morning game drive
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ishasha Sector Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
First, we head south through the Ishasha sector, famous for lions that climb into fig and acacia trees to rest during the day — a behavior found in very few places in Africa. Afterward, we continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving by evening.
Accommodation:
- Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
First, after a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, we head into the forest tracking one of Bwindi's habituated gorilla families. Trekking time varies from 2–6 hours depending on the family's location that morning, followed by an unforgettable hour in their presence. Beyond gorillas, Bwindi's forest also holds forest elephants, duikers, and over 350 bird species.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience Step by Step
The day usually begins before sunrise. Visitors gather at the park headquarters for registration, permit verification, and an informative briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. During this session, trekkers learn about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, safety regulations, and the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from the animals.
After group assignments, experienced trackers who entered the forest earlier communicate with the guides using radio updates. Their role is to locate the gorilla family before visitors begin hiking, greatly improving the chances of a successful encounter.
Once the trek begins, the rainforest quickly reminds everyone why it is called "Impenetrable." Thick vines, giant ferns, towering trees, moss-covered branches, and steep hills create an environment that feels completely wild. Rangers occasionally use machetes to clear narrow paths while explaining the remarkable biodiversity surrounding the group.
Hours may pass before the guide suddenly whispers those unforgettable words: "The gorillas are just ahead."
Every conversation immediately stops.
Hearts race.
Cameras are quietly prepared.
The final approach is slow and respectful.
Then, almost magically, the forest opens.
A silverback sits calmly eating leaves.
Young gorillas swing effortlessly between branches.
Mothers cradle tiny infants against their chests.
The experience becomes almost surreal.
For the next sixty minutes, visitors simply observe. No loud voices. No sudden movements. Only quiet appreciation of one of nature's greatest spectacles. It is impossible not to notice how similar gorilla families are to our own. They play, groom one another, protect their young, communicate through subtle gestures, and display remarkable intelligence.
When the hour ends, many visitors leave with tears in their eyes. Few wildlife experiences create such a profound emotional impact.
Conservation and Community Impact
One of the greatest achievements of gorilla tourism is its contribution to conservation. Revenue generated from gorilla permits directly supports wildlife protection, ranger patrols, scientific monitoring, veterinary interventions, and habitat preservation. Local communities surrounding Bwindi also benefit through revenue-sharing programs, employment opportunities, community tourism enterprises, handicraft markets, and cultural experiences. These economic incentives encourage conservation while reducing pressures such as illegal hunting and forest encroachment.
Thanks to decades of coordinated conservation efforts involving government agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities, mountain gorilla populations have steadily recovered. The species has improved from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered," representing one of the world's greatest conservation success stories.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi
| Season | Months | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June-September | Easier hiking, clearer photography | Highest visitor numbers |
| Dry Season | December-February | Excellent trekking conditions | Advance booking required |
| Wet Season | March-May | Lush scenery, fewer tourists | Slippery trails |
| Wet Season | October-November | Lower accommodation rates | Rain possible |
Although many travelers prefer the dry seasons because trails are easier to navigate, gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. The gorillas remain within the forest regardless of season, and many photographers actually appreciate the rich green landscapes created by the rains.
Practical Travel Tips
Successful gorilla trekking involves more than physical preparation. Visitors should avoid trekking when feeling ill because mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human respiratory diseases. A minimum distance of seven meters should always be maintained unless a curious gorilla chooses to approach. Flash photography is prohibited, and guides may ask visitors to lower their voices whenever the gorillas appear uncomfortable.
Hiring a local porter is another excellent decision. Besides helping carry backpacks on difficult terrain, porters provide valuable income for surrounding communities and often have fascinating stories about life near Bwindi.
Accommodation options range from comfortable mid-range lodges to world-class luxury safari lodges overlooking the rainforest. Many properties offer spectacular forest views, excellent cuisine, warm Ugandan hospitality, and easy access to the park headquarters.
Why Gorilla Trekking Changes People Forever
Some adventures are measured by photographs.
Others are measured by memories.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is measured by emotions.
The physical challenge makes every encounter feel earned. The silence of the rainforest creates anticipation unlike anything else. The first eye contact with a wild mountain gorilla often changes the way people think about wildlife, conservation, and humanity itself.
Visitors frequently describe their trek as one of the greatest experiences of their lives, not because it is luxurious or comfortable, but because it feels authentic. There are no fences, no staged performances, and no guarantees. Everything unfolds naturally within one of Africa's oldest rainforests.
That authenticity is precisely what makes Bwindi unforgettable.
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking (permit included)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Return to Entebbe – Departure
Finally, after breakfast, we drive back to Entebbe via the Equator, with a stop for photos and craft shopping, before arriving in the evening in time for your international flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- Park entrance fees and activities
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers
- Drinking water
Not included: International flights, visa, tips, travel insurance, personal expenses
Midrange Pricing (Per Person, Land Only)
| Group Size | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $5,750 |
| 2 Persons | $5,080 |
| 3 Persons | $4,750 |
| 4 Persons | $4,550 |
| 5 Persons | $4,390 |
| 6 Persons | $3,850 |
Luxury Pricing (Per Person, Land Only)
| Group Size | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $6,950 |
| 2 Persons | $6,490 |
| 3 Persons | $5,720 |
| 4 Persons | $5,450 |
| 5 Persons | $5,250 |
| 6 Persons | $4,890 |
Permits (included in the price above):
- Gorilla Permit – $800
- Chimpanzee Permit – $250
Unlike most Uganda operators, we publish exact pricing by group size upfront. As a result, no quote request is required just to see what your safari costs.
Best Time for This 10 Days Uganda Safari
| Season | Months | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June–Aug, Dec–Feb | Best visibility, easiest trekking conditions |
| Wet Season | March–May, Sept–Nov | Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, lower rates |
Wildlife by Park
Murchison Falls National Park: Elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, Uganda kob, hippo, and Nile crocodile — in total, over 76 recorded mammal species along the savannah and river.
Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzees first and foremost, plus red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys — 13 primate species in total.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Elephant, buffalo, hippo, and Uganda kob, along with tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, and occasionally leopard.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Mountain gorillas above all, but also forest elephant, duiker, blue monkey, and over 350 bird species.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Southern white rhino, tracked on foot with an armed ranger guide.
Optional Add-ons
- Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
- Lake Bunyonyi Extension (2 Days)
- Night Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth
- Domestic Flight Bwindi to Entebbe
What to Pack
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera
- Daypack for trekking days
Why Book This 10 Days Uganda Safari With Steady Safaris
- Transparent pricing. Full per-person rates by group size, published above, rather than hidden behind a contact form.
- Expert local guides, with decades of combined experience across Uganda's national parks.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, arranged and guaranteed as part of your booking.
- Fully customizable, so you can adjust the route, lodge tier, or add days to fit your travel dates.
- Sustainable tourism — in addition, we work with community-run conservation initiatives at every stop.
Ready to Plan Your 10 Days Uganda Safari?
Contact us to customize your itinerary, confirm availability, or lock in your gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Email: info@steadysafaris.com Phone: +256-772-425-294
FAQs About the 10 Days Uganda Safari
Is 10 days enough for a Uganda safari?
Yes. Overall, ten days is enough time to cover gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and Big Five game viewing across four national parks without feeling rushed, while still keeping driving days manageable.
How many national parks does this itinerary visit?
This safari covers four national parks in total — Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable — plus Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes. Specifically, Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers enforce strict safety and conservation protocols on every trek, including group size limits and a minimum viewing distance from the gorillas.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
Generally, June to September and December to February offer the best trekking conditions and wildlife visibility. Meanwhile, the wetter months of March–May and September–November bring fewer tourists and lower rates.
Are gorilla and chimpanzee permits included in the price?
Yes — both permits are already included in the pricing shown above, and as a result, they're secured well in advance of your trip.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Children above 15 can join gorilla trekking, per Uganda Wildlife Authority policy. However, the rest of the itinerary remains child-friendly at any age.
Can the itinerary be adjusted?
Yes. For instance, we can tailor the route, lodge tier, and pacing to your travel dates, budget, and interests.
What animals will I actually see on this safari?
In the forests, expect chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, along with red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. On the savannah, meanwhile, look for elephant, buffalo, lion — including Ishasha's tree-climbing lions — Uganda kob, hippo, and Nile crocodile. Finally, at Ziwa, southern white rhino are tracked on foot.
Explore Uganda – Where the Forest Whispers and the Savannah Roars.
Contact us now to get your 10 Days Uganda Safari quote, check availability, or start customizing your trip today.
