10-Day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

Journey overview

From the Mighty Nile to the Misty Mountains of Bwindi

Discover Uganda's extraordinary diversity on an immersive ten-day safari that brings together the country's most iconic wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Journey from the thundering Murchison Falls and the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the lush rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, where unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas await. Along the way, enjoy luxury accommodation, expertly guided game drives, scenic boat cruises, and carefully curated experiences that showcase why Uganda is proudly known as The Pearl of Africa.

Route at a glance

Entebbe International Airport – Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park – Fort Portal – Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi – Kigali

Duration 10 days · 9 nights

Journey Guided private safari

Pace Balanced

Minimum age 0+ years

Is this the right safari for you?

Explore this journey for The East Africa Collection.

Tell us your interests, travelling party and preferred pace. We will check driving times, accessibility, activity age limits and room arrangements with you before recommending this route.

Programme summary

Your journey at a glance

Day	Place / route	Highlights	Stay
1	Entebbe International Airport to Kampala (40–50 km \| Approx. 45–75 minutes)	Airport meet & greet; Private transfer; Views of Lake Victoria; Safari briefing	Kampala Serena Hotel
2	Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park (330–370 km \| Approx. 6–8 hours)	Scenic drive through rural Uganda; Murchison Falls National Park; Boat cruise to the base of the falls; Sunset over the Nile	Paraa Safari Lodge
3		Morning game drive; Top of Murchison Falls hike; Panoramic viewpoints; Outstanding wildlife photography	Paraa Safari Lodge
4	Murchison Falls to Fort Portal (320–400 km \| Approx. 7–9 hours)	Scenic countryside; Rwenzori Mountain views; Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary; Community conservation	Kyaninga Lodge
5	Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park	Chimpanzee trekking; Kibale rainforest; Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park	Kyambura Gorge Lodge
6		Morning game drive; Kazinga Channel boat safari; Exceptional birdlife; Sunset over the channel	Kyambura Gorge Lodge
7	Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi (200–260 km \| Approx. 4–6 hours)	Ishasha game drive; Tree-climbing lions; Scenic mountain landscapes; Gorilla trekking briefing	Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
8		Guided gorilla trekking; One-hour gorilla encounter; UNESCO World Heritage rainforest	Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
9	Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi (30–60 km \| Approx. 1–2 hours)	Scenic drive; Lake Bunyonyi; Canoe excursion (optional); Spectacular sunset	Birdnest Resort
10	Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali (120 km \| Approx. 3 hours)		—

The essentials

What your journey includes

Included

Private airport meet and greet upon arrival.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof throughout the journey.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
Gorilla trekking permit (one permit per guest).
Chimpanzee trekking permit.
Murchison Falls boat cruise.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided walk.
Scheduled game drives as outlined.
All park entrance and conservation fees.
Bottled drinking water during game drives.
All applicable government taxes and levies.

Not included

International and regional flights.
Uganda visa fees.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.
Alcoholic and premium beverages unless otherwise stated.
Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers and lodge staff.
Personal expenses including laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs.
Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
Items of a personal nature.

Day by day

Your itinerary

10 days

Day 01

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Entebbe International Airport to Kampala (40–50 km | Approx. 45–75 minutes)

HighlightsAirport meet & greet; Private transfer; Views of Lake Victoria; Safari briefing

Your Ugandan adventure begins with a warm welcome from your private safari guide upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. After a comfortable transfer to your hotel, settle in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before your personalised safari briefing, where you'll be introduced to the exciting experiences that await over the coming days.

MealsDinner (depending on arrival time)

Accommodation

Kampala Serena Hotel

Day 02

The Journey to the Mighty Nile

Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park (330–370 km | Approx. 6–8 hours)

HighlightsScenic drive through rural Uganda; Murchison Falls National Park; Boat cruise to the base of the falls; Sunset over the Nile

Leave Kampala behind and travel north through rural Uganda, passing vibrant towns, fertile farmland and expansive sugar plantations before arriving at Uganda's largest national park. This afternoon, experience one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders during a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 03

Safari Across the Northern Plains

HighlightsMorning game drive; Top of Murchison Falls hike; Panoramic viewpoints; Outstanding wildlife photography

Begin the morning exploring the Buligi Circuit, renowned for its exceptional concentration of wildlife and one of the best places in Uganda to encounter Rothschild's giraffes. Later, return to the Nile for a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you'll witness the immense force of the world's longest river as it crashes through a seven-metre-wide gorge.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 04

Into Uganda's Green Highlands

Murchison Falls to Fort Portal (320–400 km | Approx. 7–9 hours)

HighlightsScenic countryside; Rwenzori Mountain views; Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary; Community conservation

Today's scenic drive reveals another side of Uganda as the landscape gradually transforms from open savannah to rolling hills and lush tea plantations beneath the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. If time permits, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary before settling into your lodge.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Kyaninga Lodge

Day 05

Tracking Our Closest Relatives

Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park

HighlightsChimpanzee trekking; Kibale rainforest; Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the morning tracking wild chimpanzees through Kibale National Park alongside experienced rangers. After an unforgettable rainforest experience, continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the vast savannah offers a striking contrast to the dense forests you've just explored.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 06

Wildlife on Land and Water

HighlightsMorning game drive; Kazinga Channel boat safari; Exceptional birdlife; Sunset over the channel

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park during an early morning game drive before enjoying a leisurely afternoon cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This remarkable waterway is one of Uganda's richest wildlife habitats, attracting enormous pods of hippos, bathing elephants, crocodiles and an astonishing variety of birdlife.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 07

In Search of Uganda's Tree-Climbing Lions

Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi (200–260 km | Approx. 4–6 hours)

HighlightsIshasha game drive; Tree-climbing lions; Scenic mountain landscapes; Gorilla trekking briefing

Travel through the renowned Ishasha Sector, one of the few places in Africa where lions are regularly seen resting in the branches of giant fig trees. Continue into the spectacular highlands surrounding Bwindi, where mist-covered forests create the perfect setting for tomorrow's extraordinary gorilla trekking experience.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Day 08

An Hour with the Gentle Giants

HighlightsGuided gorilla trekking; One-hour gorilla encounter; UNESCO World Heritage rainforest

Today is the highlight of your Ugandan adventure. After an early breakfast, join experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers as you venture into Bwindi's ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you'll spend one unforgettable hour quietly observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat—an experience few wildlife encounters can ever match.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Day 09

A Day of Reflection at Lake Bunyonyi

Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi (30–60 km | Approx. 1–2 hours)

HighlightsScenic drive; Lake Bunyonyi; Canoe excursion (optional); Spectacular sunset

Following the excitement of gorilla trekking, today offers time to slow down. Travel to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the "Lake of a Thousand Islands." Spend the afternoon exploring by traditional canoe, enjoying panoramic views from your lodge, or simply relaxing in one of Uganda's most peaceful settings.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Birdnest Resort

Day 10

Until We Meet Again

Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali (120 km | Approx. 3 hours)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi before crossing into Rwanda and continuing to Kigali for your onward international departure. Leave East Africa with unforgettable memories of remarkable wildlife, breathtaking scenery and the warm hospitality that makes Uganda such a special destination.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch

Starting prices are a guide. Travel dates, number of travellers, room arrangements, accommodation, flights and optional activities can change the final cost. Your quotation confirms the price and exactly what it covers.

Season	Travel dates	Adult sharing
Dry Season (Mid-Range Package)Best conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and game viewing	June-August & December-February	On request
Wet Season (Mid-Range Package)Lush vegetation, fewer tourists, lower prices	March-May & September-November	On request

10-Day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

From the Mighty Nile to the Misty Mountains of Bwindi

Is this the right safari for you?

Your journey at a glance

What your journey includes

Included

Not included

Your itinerary

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

The Journey to the Mighty Nile

Safari Across the Northern Plains

Into Uganda's Green Highlands

Tracking Our Closest Relatives

Wildlife on Land and Water

In Search of Uganda's Tree-Climbing Lions

An Hour with the Gentle Giants

A Day of Reflection at Lake Bunyonyi

Until We Meet Again

Journey rates USD · Per person

Frequently asked questions

Make this journey entirely yours.

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