Trip in Uganda
Trip in Uganda: 10-Day Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure
🗺️ Comprehensive Outline
| Day | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and Airport Transfer | Entebbe |
| 2 | Ziwa Rhino Tracking & Murchison Falls | Nakasongola to Murchison |
| 3 | Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari | Murchison Falls NP |
| 4 | Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest | Fort Portal |
| 5 | Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetlands | Kibale |
| 6 | Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kasese |
| 7 | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | Queen Elizabeth NP |
| 8 | Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
| 9 | Gorilla Trekking | Bwindi |
| 10 | Return to Entebbe & Departure | Kampala/Entebbe |
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your dedicated guide will greet you. Relax at your pre-booked hotel as you prepare for the epic safari ahead.
Highlights:
- Airport pickup and hotel check-in
- Optional visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Overnight at a luxury or midrange lodge
Recommended Lodges:
- Luxury: Hotel No.5
- Midrange: The Boma Hotel
🦏 Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking & Journey to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. Here, you’ll walk closely with rhinos in their natural habitat—Uganda’s only wild rhino habitat.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, pausing at the top of the falls where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge.
Highlights:
- Rhino trekking on foot
- Scenic drive through savannah
- Sunset views at the top of Murchison Falls
Lodges:
- Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
🐘 Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari – Ultimate Wildlife Experience
Set off at dawn for a thrilling game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls. Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more.
In the afternoon, cruise along the Nile toward the base of the falls. Expect hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Wildlife Sightings:
- Lions, buffaloes, giraffes
- Nile crocodiles & hippos
- African fish eagles, bee-eaters
🌳 Day 4: Scenic Drive to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
After an early breakfast, begin the picturesque journey south to Kibale Forest. Drive through tea plantations and rural Ugandan villages with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon arrival, settle into your forest lodge near Kibale National Park.
Activities:
- Scenic landscape photography
- Tea estate stops
- Cultural encounters en route
Lodges:
- Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Midrange: Turaco Treetops
🐒 Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
This morning, join an expert tracker for a once-in-a-lifetime chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species.
In the afternoon, walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-project filled with birdlife and monkeys.
Wildlife to Expect:
- Red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Great blue turaco, hornbills
- Butterflies, insects, and flora
🚙 Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s Most Diverse Park
Enjoy a relaxed drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park boasts 95 mammal species and over 600 birds.
Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive through the Kasenyi Plains.
Highlights:
- View crater lakes en route
- Sunset over Lake George or the Rwenzori foothills
- First glimpse of wildlife
Lodges:
- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
🐆 Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive to spot lions, elephants, and Uganda kobs.
Later, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for its hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is a hub of wildlife activity.
Wildlife Highlights:
- Lions, hyenas, waterbucks
- Over 300 hippos on the channel
- Kingfishers, pelicans, storks
🦁 Day 8: Head to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector – Home of Tree-Climbing Lions
Take a morning drive through the Ishasha Sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Spot these rare cats lounging on fig trees before continuing to Bwindi.
The drive offers dramatic scenery as you ascend into the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Stops Include:
- Ishasha savannah for lion tracking
- Village visits and nature photography
Lodges:
- Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
🦍 Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – A Soul-Stirring Experience
Rise early for your gorilla trekking briefing. With your guide, hike through Bwindi’s misty forest to find a habituated gorilla family. This close-up encounter will remain etched in your memory forever.
Trek Duration: 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla location
Group Size: 8 persons per group
Tips:
- Wear long sleeves and gloves
- Carry water and snacks
- Hire a porter to assist you
🛫 Day 10: Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe via the scenic Kabale-Mbarara-Masaka highway. Stop at the Equator for souvenirs and a photo session.
You’ll be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your flight home, ending your unforgettable Uganda safari adventure.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Your Trip in Uganda
1. Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is generally safe for travelers, especially with a professional guide. Stick to tourist-friendly areas.
2. What’s the best time for a Uganda safari?
The dry seasons—June to August and December to February—are ideal for wildlife and trekking.
3. Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. You can apply online via Uganda’s e-visa system.
4. Are gorilla permits included in the safari package?
Permits are often included, but confirm with your tour operator. Each permit costs around $700.
5. What should I pack for this safari?
Essentials include hiking boots, insect repellent, a rain jacket, sunblock, and binoculars.
6. How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
It requires moderate fitness. Terrain can be steep and muddy. Hiring a porter helps ease the trek.
🌐 External Link Resource
For official travel guidelines and health requirements, visit the Uganda Tourism Board.
✨ Final Thoughts
Your Trip in Uganda is more than a holiday—it’s a transformational journey across vibrant savannahs, lush forests, and misty highlands. From rhinos and chimpanzees to tree-climbing lions and endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda delivers magical moments in every direction.
Start planning your 10-day Uganda safari today and immerse yourself in the rhythm of Africa.
🧳 What to Pack for Your Trip in Uganda
Preparing well ensures comfort and success during your safari. Uganda’s terrain and weather can be unpredictable, especially in forested and mountainous regions.
✅ Safari Packing List
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, safari trousers, fleece/jacket, raincoat |
| Footwear | Hiking boots (for gorilla/chimp trekking), sandals |
| Health & Hygiene | Insect repellent (DEET), hand sanitizer, sunscreen, anti-malaria meds |
| Trekking Gear | Gloves, gaiters, waterproof backpack, reusable water bottle |
| Documents | Passport, visa printout, gorilla permit copy, travel insurance |
| Technology | Camera with zoom lens, binoculars, power bank, universal plug adapter |
Bonus Tips:
- Pack neutral-colored clothing for game drives.
- Quick-dry fabrics help in humid conditions.
- Don’t forget motion sickness pills for bumpy roads.
💰 Trip in Uganda Safari Costs and Inclusions
Safaris in Uganda offer good value compared to those in Kenya or Tanzania. The cost depends on group size, accommodation type, and activities.
💵 Estimated Safari Cost Per Person (10 Days)
| Accommodation Type | Group of 2 | Group of 4 | Group of 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midrange | $4,600 | $4,100 | $3,850 |
| Luxury | $6,500 | $5,700 | $4,980 |
✅ Inclusions:
- Ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Park entry fees
- Chimpanzee & gorilla permits
- Boat rides, game drives
- Accommodation and meals
❌ Exclusions:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks)
🦅 Birdwatching Opportunities in Uganda
Uganda is a bird lover’s paradise. With over 1,065 bird species, it offers world-class birdwatching.
Top Birding Sites on This Route:
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Shoebill stork
- Murchison Falls – Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron
- Bigodi Wetland – Great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek
- Queen Elizabeth NP – African skimmers, kingfishers
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Albertine Rift endemics
Tip: Carry a bird checklist and a pair of quality binoculars.
🌍 Cultural Experiences on Your Safari
Incorporating culture adds depth to your trip.
Authentic Interactions:
- Batwa Trail in Bwindi: Learn about the forest-dwelling Batwa pygmies.
- Bigodi Women’s Group: Purchase handmade crafts and support conservation.
- Ishasha Community Visits: Participate in dance performances and traditional cooking.
Traveling with local guides ensures ethical and respectful interactions.
🔄 Customizing Your Trip in Uganda
While the 10-day itinerary is comprehensive, Steady Safaris can customize it to suit specific needs.
Add-On Options:
- Sipi Falls Extension: 2–3 days of hiking and waterfall views in Eastern Uganda
- Lake Bunyonyi Chillout: Canoeing and island hopping
- Jinja Adventures: White-water rafting and bungee jumping at the Nile source
Customizations are ideal for honeymooners, photographers, or families with kids.
📋 Travel Tips for a Smooth Safari in Uganda
- Book your gorilla permit early – Availability is limited and demand is high.
- Get vaccinated – Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.
- Use local currency – Ugandan Shillings (UGX) are preferred, though USD is widely accepted.
- Stay connected – Purchase a local SIM card for internet access.
- Respect wildlife – Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas and avoid flash photography.
🌟 Why Choose Uganda for Your African Safari?
- Home to half the world’s mountain gorillas
- Chimpanzee tracking in natural forests
- Affordable luxury compared to other destinations
- Uncrowded parks with spectacular biodiversity
- Warm, welcoming culture and stable environment
Uganda combines big game safaris with deep jungle exploration, making it one of the most unique destinations on the continent.
📞 Book Your Trip in Uganda with Steady Safaris
With over a decade of experience, Steady Safaris crafts personalized itineraries with attention to detail. From airport pickup to farewell, every moment is tailored to leave you with lasting memories.
Contact Steady Safaris Today:
