10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas
Big Five, Chimpanzees, Mountain Gorillas & Uganda’s Scenic Landscapes
Experience the very best of Uganda on an unforgettable 10 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, chimpanzee trekking and the extraordinary experience of meeting endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
This carefully designed Uganda safari takes you from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the wildlife-rich plains of Murchison Falls National Park, to the primate-rich forests of Kibale National Park, the savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finally the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla trekking adventure. Along the way, enjoy game drives in search of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and Uganda kob, a boat cruise on the Nile at Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and a spectacular gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi.
This 10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s major wildlife and primate attractions in one well-balanced journey.
10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas Highlights
- Arrival in Entebbe
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Rhino tracking experience
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Murchison Falls boat cruise
- Game drives in search of the Big Five
- Nile River scenery
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Bigodi Wetland experience
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, route permitting
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Uganda gorilla trekking
- Scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda
- Optional Lake Bunyonyi experience
Full 10-Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Welcome to Uganda. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and begin your journey north toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa is Uganda’s leading destination for observing rhinos in a protected natural environment.
After arrival, check into your accommodation and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience. The sanctuary provides an opportunity to learn about Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts while walking in the bush with experienced guides.
Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Destination: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart Ziwa and continue north toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Upon entering the park, you will begin experiencing Uganda’s beautiful savannah landscapes.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, giraffes, warthogs and numerous other wildlife species. Lions and leopards may also be encountered during game drives. In the evening, check into your lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Lodge in/near Murchison Falls National Park
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a morning game drive through the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park.
The early morning is an excellent time to explore the savannah while wildlife is active.
Your guide will search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kob, lions, leopards and other wildlife.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls.
The cruise provides excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous water birds along the riverbanks.
The boat takes you toward the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge in/near Murchison Falls National Park
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and travel south toward Kibale Forest National Park.
This is one of the longer driving days, but it allows you to experience Uganda’s changing landscapes, from northern savannah to the lush forests and cultivated countryside of western Uganda. Along the way, you will pass rural communities, farms and beautiful countryside. Arrive in the Kibale area later in the day and check into your lodge.
Relax and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. Kibale is famous for its exceptional primate diversity. With experienced ranger guides, enter the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
Along the way, you may encounter other primates including:
- Red-tailed monkeys
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Olive baboons
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
The forest is also home to numerous bird species. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax or enjoy an optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you can experience local community tourism, birdwatching and primate viewing.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Main Activity: Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through beautiful western Ugandan landscapes, including tea-growing areas and crater-lake country.
You may enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy lunch and prepare for an afternoon or evening game drive.
The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, warthogs and many antelope species. The Ishasha sector, depending on your route, can also be incorporated for travelers interested in searching for the area’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation: Lodge in/near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Wake up early for a morning game drive. Explore the park’s savannah plains and woodland areas in search of wildlife.
Your guide will look for:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Lions
- Leopards
- Uganda kob
- Waterbucks
- Warthogs
- Antelopes
- Hyenas
- Numerous bird species
Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is famous for its large concentration of hippos and water birds.
You may see elephants and buffaloes along the shoreline, crocodiles in the water and numerous bird species. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge in/near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey takes you through the beautiful highlands of southwestern Uganda.
Depending on the selected route, you may travel through the Ishasha region and have another opportunity to search for wildlife.
Continue toward your selected Bwindi sector, such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax.
Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience and what to expect during the trek.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the ultimate highlight of your 10 Days Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas Safari. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing and allocation of your gorilla family. You will then enter the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with experienced ranger guides.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family and the terrain. Bwindi’s dense vegetation, steep hills and beautiful forest environment make the trek an adventure in itself. When you locate the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural habitat.
Watch them feed, rest, play, groom one another and interact with their young. After the experience, trek back to the starting point and meet your safari guide. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Main Activity: Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Transfer to Entebbe or Kigali
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park toward your preferred departure destination. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you can choose to transfer to Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda.
Option 1: Transfer to Entebbe
Drive through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda toward Entebbe. The journey provides an opportunity to enjoy the countryside, local communities and changing landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Option 2: Transfer to Kigali
Alternatively, you can cross the Rwanda-Uganda border and continue to Kigali.
Your safari guide will assist you with the border-crossing formalities before continuing to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on your travel schedule.
This marks the end of your 10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas Safari.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Destination: Entebbe, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda
Meals: Breakfast
10 Days Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas – At a Glance
| Day | Main Activity | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival & Rhino Tracking | Ziwa |
| 2 | Transfer & Game Drive | Murchison Falls |
| 3 | Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise | Murchison Falls |
| 4 | Scenic Transfer | Kibale |
| 5 | Chimpanzee Trekking | Kibale |
| 6 | Transfer & Game Drive | Queen Elizabeth |
| 7 | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise | Queen Elizabeth |
| 8 | Transfer to Bwindi | Bwindi |
| 9 | Gorilla Trekking | Bwindi |
| 10 | Lake Bunyonyi & Departure | Entebbe |
What’s Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation as indicated
- Meals as specified
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Ziwa Rhino tracking
- Murchison Falls National Park game drives
- Murchison Falls boat cruise
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- National park entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Laundry
- Tips
- Souvenirs
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any government fees or park/permit increases introduced after booking
Best Time for This Uganda Safari
The 10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife with Gorillas can be undertaken throughout the year.
The generally drier months are popular for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking, while the wetter months offer lush green scenery and excellent photographic opportunities.
Because gorilla permits are limited and tied to specific trekking dates, advance booking is recommended, particularly for peak travel periods.
Why Choose This 10 Days Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari?
This itinerary combines Uganda’s most sought-after wildlife and primate experiences in one journey.
You will experience:
Rhinos → Big Five wildlife → Murchison Falls → Chimpanzees → Queen Elizabeth wildlife → Kazinga Channel → Bwindi Forest → Mountain Gorillas.
It is an excellent choice for travelers who want a complete Uganda safari with gorilla trekking rather than focusing only on gorillas.
Request for A Trip Quote
We would love to hear from you. Fill in the brief form below to get a free quote or advice for your Affordable Uganda Gorilla Safari. You can email us directly via info@ugandagorillasafaripackages.com or reach us on WhatsApp via +256781216998