10 Days Uganda Safari
10 Days Uganda Safari: Murchison Falls, Chimps, Big Game and Gorillas
A 10 days Uganda safari gives you time to see the country properly. You visit four national parks. You watch lions and elephants on the savannah, track chimpanzees in the forest and meet mountain gorillas.
This 10-day Uganda safari starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala. The pace is steady, so you can enjoy each stop. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families and small groups.
10 Days Uganda Safari at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days, 9 nights |
| Parks visited | Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable |
| Also includes | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Bigodi Wetland |
| Start and end | Entebbe or Kampala |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner on full-board days |
| Price | [CONFIRM] per person, depending on lodge level and group size |
| Best for | First-time visitors, couples, families and photographers |
Why Choose a 10-Day Uganda Safari?
Uganda is compact, but its parks are far apart by road. A short trip can feel rushed. Ten days solves this problem.
You get a full day in each park. You also get time to rest between long drives. As a result, you see more wildlife and feel less tired.
This route also covers a wide range of habitats.
- Murchison Falls: open savannah, the River Nile and a powerful waterfall.
- Kibale: tropical rainforest packed with primates.
- Queen Elizabeth: plains, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel.
- Bwindi: misty mountain forest and mountain gorillas.
Moreover, you can add rhino tracking at Ziwa. It is the only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos on foot.
10 Days Uganda Safari Route, Drive Times and Meals
This table shows your week and a half at a glance. Drive times are approximate and do not include stops.
| Day | Route | Drive time | Meals | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Short airport transfer | Dinner | Entebbe |
| 2 | Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa | 5 to 6 hours | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Murchison Falls |
| 3 | Game drive and Nile cruise | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Murchison Falls |
| 4 | Murchison Falls to Kibale | 6 to 7 hours | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 5 | Chimp tracking and Bigodi walk | Short local transfers | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 6 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | 2.5 to 3 hours | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 7 | Game drive and Kazinga cruise | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 8 | Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | 5 to 6 hours | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Bwindi |
| 9 | Gorilla trekking | Short transfer to the trailhead | Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner | Bwindi |
| 10 | Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe | 9 to 10 hours | Breakfast, lunch en route | Departure |
10 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Drive time: Short airport transfer. Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. A Steady Safaris representative meets you and takes you to your hotel. Rest after your flight.
If you arrive early, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. It gives you a first look at Uganda’s animals. Your guide then briefs you on the days ahead.
Mid-range stay: [CONFIRM] Entebbe hotel
Luxury stay: [CONFIRM] Entebbe hotel
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Drive time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive north. Your first stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Rangers lead you on foot to see southern white rhinos up close.
Then continue to Murchison Falls National Park. You reach your lodge by late afternoon. Rest and enjoy the view.
Mid-range stay: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start early with a game drive on the northern plains. Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and Uganda kobs. Morning light is best for photos.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. You travel toward the base of Murchison Falls. Along the banks, you see hippos, crocodiles and many birds.
If you have energy, hike to the top of the falls. Here the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap and thunders down.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 2.
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Drive time: 6 to 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is a long drive. Therefore, we leave early. You cross the Nile by ferry and travel through villages and farmland.
The road ends in the hills near Fort Portal. You arrive at your lodge near Kibale National Park in the evening. Eat, relax and sleep early.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Cottages
Luxury stay: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Drive time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, join a ranger briefing. Then walk into Kibale Forest to track habituated chimpanzees. The forest is home to 13 primate species, so you will see and hear much more than chimps.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. A local guide leads you along the swamp trail. Look out for monkeys and birds.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 4.
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive time: 2.5 to 3 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes scenic crater lakes. Keep your camera ready.
After lunch at your lodge, join an afternoon game drive. Early evening is a good time to spot animals on the plains.
Mid-range stay: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Drive time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start with a sunrise game drive across the savannah. You may find elephants, buffaloes, lions and kobs. Early morning is the best time for lions.
After lunch, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is 32 kilometers long. It is packed with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. In addition, elephants often come to the shore to drink.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 6.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive time: 5 to 6 hours, including the Ishasha route. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you travel south toward Bwindi. On the way, search the Ishasha Sector for the famous tree-climbing lions. Then the road climbs through the terraced hills of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.”
You arrive at your lodge by late afternoon. Prepare your gear for tomorrow’s trek. Pack waterproof clothing, sturdy boots and gloves.
Mid-range stay: Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury stay: Buhoma Lodge
Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Drive time: Short transfer to the trailhead. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
This is the highlight of your 10-day Uganda safari. After a briefing, trackers lead you into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be short or long. Either way, the reward is worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend one magical hour with them. You watch them feed, play and care for their young. In the afternoon, you can visit the Batwa community. This optional visit shares the culture of the forest’s first people.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 8.
Day 10: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
Drive time: 9 to 10 hours. Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route.
Have an early breakfast, then begin the drive back. You cross the Equator and stop at the Kayabwe monument for photos. Next, you continue to Kampala or Entebbe.
You arrive in the evening. Because the drive is long, we suggest a late evening flight or a night in Entebbe. Confirm your flight time with us when you book.
Where You Will Stay on a 10-Day Uganda Safari
Your lodge is more than a bed. After a long day, it is where you rest, eat and share stories. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Park | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | [CONFIRM] | [CONFIRM] |
| Murchison Falls | Pakuba Safari Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| Kibale | Kibale Cottages | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| Queen Elizabeth | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Bwindi | Gorilla Mist Camp | Buhoma Lodge |
Mid-range lodges offer comfortable rooms, good food and friendly service. They suit most couples, families and small groups.
Luxury lodges offer spacious rooms, fine dining and excellent views. They suit honeymooners and special occasions.
Lodges near Bwindi and Murchison book out fast in the dry months. Therefore, confirm your dates early.
Meals on Your Safari
Good food keeps you strong for long days. Your lodge serves three meals a day on most days.
- Breakfast: A hot or continental breakfast before the morning activity.
- Lunch: A lodge lunch, a picnic or a packed lunch on trek days.
- Dinner: A multi-course meal at the lodge, often with local dishes.
Tell us about any dietary needs when you book. Most lodges can adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is provided in the vehicle.
Travel Time on a 10-Day Uganda Safari
Uganda’s roads are scenic but slow. Roadworks and traffic can add time. For this reason, we plan early starts on long driving days.
- Entebbe to Murchison Falls (via Ziwa): 5 to 6 hours.
- Murchison Falls to Kibale: 6 to 7 hours.
- Kibale to Queen Elizabeth: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi: 5 to 6 hours.
- Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe: 9 to 10 hours.
In total, you spend about 28 to 33 hours on the road across ten days. Your driver-guide stops often for photos, meals and breaks. As a result, the drives feel like part of the safari.
How Much Does a 10 Days Uganda Safari Cost?
Price depends on several factors. Your final cost is set by the choices below.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle costs.
- Season: gorilla permits and lodges cost more in peak months.
- Add-ons: rhino tracking, the Batwa visit and a balloon ride.
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are major cost items. Permit prices change from time to time. Ask us for the current rates when you request a quote. We send a clear price breakdown within a day.
What Is Included and Not Included
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- Park entry fees and boat cruises as listed.
- Drinking water in the vehicle.
Usually not included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as the Batwa visit.
Inclusions depend on the package you choose. We confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Chimpanzee Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers ask which experience is better. In truth, they are very different. This 10 days Uganda safari gives you both, so you do not have to choose.
| Feature | Chimpanzee tracking (Kibale) | Gorilla trekking (Bwindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Day on the safari | Day 5 | Day 9 |
| Time with the animals | Usually one hour | One hour |
| Animal behavior | Fast, noisy and playful | Calm and gentle |
| Terrain | Forest trails, mostly gentle | Steep hills, sometimes muddy |
| Photography | Challenging, with moving subjects | Easier, with slow subjects |
Chimps move quickly through the trees. Expect loud calls and sudden action. Gorillas, however, sit and feed in the open. You can watch them for the whole hour.
Wildlife You Can See on a 10-Day Uganda Safari
This route covers four habitats. As a result, you see far more than on a short trip.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison is Uganda’s largest park. Expect elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and Uganda kobs. The Nile holds large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. Birdlife is also rich.
Kibale National Park
Kibale has one of the highest primate counts in Africa. Chimpanzees are the stars. You may also spot red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth offers classic savannah wildlife. Expect elephants, buffaloes, hippos and warthogs. Lions are possible on game drives. In the Ishasha Sector, they sometimes rest in fig trees.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi protects around half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The dense forest also shelters other primates, forest birds and butterflies.
Best Time for a 10-Day Uganda Safari
The dry seasons are the best time to go. Trails are drier, and game viewing is easier.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry and warm | Great for treks and game drives |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, muddy trails |
| June to September | Driest season | Peak season, best trail conditions |
| October to November | Short rains | Lush forests, good birding |
Rain can fall in any month in the mountains. Always pack a light rain jacket. In short, there is no bad month to see gorillas. Some months are just easier on the legs.
Who Is This Safari For?
This 10-day Uganda safari works well for many travelers. Couples enjoy the lodges and sunset game drives. Families with older children enjoy the variety. Solo travelers can join a small group or travel privately.
Photographers will love the light on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel. Bird lovers will add dozens of species to their lists. If you want more time, we can extend the trip to twelve or fourteen days.
What to Pack for Uganda
Good packing makes every day easier. Choose light, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors. Bring a warm layer for cool forest mornings. Gorilla trekking needs sturdy boots, gardening gloves and long sleeves. A small daypack, binoculars and a reusable water bottle are also useful. Finally, carry a power bank, because lodges may have limited charging hours.
Visas, Health and Safety
Most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. You can usually apply online before you travel. Check the latest rules for your passport on the official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Do not trek if you feel ill. Gorillas can catch human illnesses.
Uganda is a welcoming country, and safaris are generally safe. Your driver-guide knows the roads and the rules of each park. Follow their advice at all times.
Tips for Your 10 Days Uganda Safari
- Book early. Gorilla permits sell out in busy months.
- Pack layers. Mornings are cool, and afternoons are warm.
- Bring hiking boots, long trousers and a rain jacket.
- Carry insect repellent and a hat.
- Ask about fitness levels. Gorilla treks can be steep.
- Keep cash for tips and small purchases.
Ways to Extend Your 10-Day Uganda Safari
Ten days is a great start. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Lake Bunyonyi: relax on a calm, scenic lake near Bwindi.
- Lake Mburo National Park: walk among zebras and impalas.
- Jinja: visit the source of the Nile and try rafting.
- Rwanda: cross the border for a second gorilla trek.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. We design trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our local guides know every park on this route.
We keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. You get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a different route? Explore our other Uganda safari packages. You can also ask us to build a custom plan.
10 Days Uganda Safari FAQs
How much is a 10 days Uganda safari?
The price depends on lodge level, group size and season. Contact us for a clear quote.
Which parks does the 10-day Uganda safari visit?
It visits Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It also stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Bigodi Wetland.
Does the safari include gorilla trekking?
Yes. You trek mountain gorillas on day 9, with one hour spent with the gorillas.
How long are the drives on this safari?
The longest drives are Bwindi to Kampala (9 to 10 hours), Murchison Falls to Kibale (6 to 7 hours) and Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi (5 to 6 hours). Your driver-guide makes regular stops.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on full-board days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to September and December to February are the driest months. The trip also works in the rainy season.
How fit do I need to be?
Chimp and gorilla treks involve hiking in hills. Moderate fitness is enough. Tell us about any concerns, and we will plan around them.
Plan Your 10-Day Uganda Safari
Ready to see waterfalls, big game, chimps and gorillas in ten days? Contact Steady Safaris today. Tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
