10 Days Best Uganda Safari

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Our 10 day Uganda safari is a relaxed loop through four great national parks, finishing with two easy days at Lake Bunyonyi. You track rhinos on foot, cruise to Murchison Falls, trek chimpanzees in Kibale and spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. Then you trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi and unwind among the islands of Bunyonyi. In short, it blends wildlife, primates, culture and rest in one well-paced trip.

Trip overview

The safari starts and ends at Entebbe. First, you spend a night in Kampala before heading north via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park. Next, you drive south-west to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzees. After that, you travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi for your gorilla trek. Finally, you spend two nights at Lake Bunyonyi before the drive back to Entebbe.

Unlike shorter trips, this route gives you a full rest day at the end. As a result, it suits travellers who want plenty to see without a rushed pace.

Highlights of this 10 day Uganda safari

Rhino trekking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
A game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, plus a walk in Bigodi Wetland.
Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
A Batwa cultural encounter on the edge of the forest.
Canoe trips, island visits and village walks at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and transfer to Kampala

Your 10 day Uganda safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. Here, our professional tour guide warmly welcomes you to the Pearl of Africa. Then the guide drives you along a scenic route with plenty to see on the way. When you reach Kampala, you check in to your room for dinner and the night.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and transfer to Murchison Falls

After breakfast, you set off for Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, you pass green plantations and beautiful hills. When you reach Nakasongola District, your driver guide takes you to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you trek on foot to see southern white rhinos, the only wild rhinos in Uganda. After lunch, you continue the 180 km journey to Murchison Falls National Park for dinner and the night.

Day 3: Game drive and boat cruise in Murchison Falls

After breakfast, you head out on a game drive. During the drive, you have a good chance of seeing lions, giraffes, Uganda kob, elephants and many other animals as they go about their day.

In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise towards the park’s star attraction, Murchison Falls itself. Along the river, you will also see Nile crocodiles, many birds, animals drinking at the water’s edge and hippos on the sandbanks. In the evening, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you check out and begin a seven- to eight-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Notably, Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to see primates. In fact, it is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, baboons and colobus monkeys. You stop for lunch on the way and finally check in at your lodge in the evening.

Along the drive, you enjoy colourful flowers, farms and fine views across the Albertine Rift Valley.

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walk

After a good breakfast, your guide takes you to the park headquarters. There, rangers brief you on the dos and don’ts of the trek. Then the rangers lead you into the forest. Soon, the calls of monkeys, birds and chimps welcome you into their world.

As you walk, you come across chimpanzees playing and feeding in the trees, along with many monkeys and birds. Moreover, Kibale has some of the most beautiful tropical forest in Uganda.

After the trek, you have lunch. Then you visit Bigodi Wetland, where you can spot many bird species and primates such as baboons. In addition, this walk brings you into contact with local communities. As a result, you get a real feel for rural life in Uganda.

Day 6: Ishasha tree-climbing lions and transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, you set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the way, you pass through the famous Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you look for tree-climbing lions resting on the branches. Then you continue to Bwindi, home to about half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. You stop for lunch on the way and check in at the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 7: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural encounter

Right after breakfast, you report to the sector headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Here, Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides explain the dos and don’ts of the trek. Then you set off. Depending on where the gorillas are, the search can last from about two to six hours.

Before you go, make sure you are fit and healthy for the trek. Also, bring hiking boots, suitable clothing, water and a walking stick. Once you find the gorillas, you can spend one hour with them and take photos.

Afterwards, you return for lunch and get ready to meet the Batwa people. They share their stories and perform for you, giving you a feel for the culture of one of the world’s oldest hunter-gatherer communities. Finally, you head back to your lodge.

Day 8: Transfer from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you travel to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. Notably, it is one of the deepest lakes in Africa and a favourite with birders. Its name comes from a local word meaning “place of many little birds”. Indeed, birdsong will welcome you to what many call the Switzerland of Africa. On arrival, you take a nature walk, then return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 9: Explore Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you spend the whole day enjoying Lake Bunyonyi at your own pace.

Altogether, the lake is dotted with 29 islands full of history and beautiful scenery. First, local guides take you by traditional dugout canoe to visit some of the islands and explain their stories. Alternatively, you can visit a reptile village to see snakes, crocodiles and other reptiles. After lunch, you visit nearby communities in the evening to experience village life. Then you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

After a peaceful night, the morning sun wakes you for a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, you check out and begin the journey back towards Kampala and Entebbe, with lunch on the way. You arrive at Entebbe in the evening in time for your flight. This marks the end of your 10 day Uganda safari.

Who this safari suits

This trip is a great choice if you want a full Uganda experience at an easy pace. In particular, it suits couples, friends and first-time visitors who want both wildlife and gorillas. Since the gorilla and chimp treks can be steep and muddy, you need a reasonable level of fitness. However, the two days at Lake Bunyonyi give you time to rest before you fly home.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority only allows travellers aged 15 and over to trek gorillas. It also sets the price of gorilla and chimp permits, which change from time to time. So, book early, and we will confirm the current rates when you enquire.

Best time to go

You can enjoy this safari all year round. Even so, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, trails are less slippery and game is easier to find. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent birding at Lake Bunyonyi.

Tips for your 10 day Uganda safari

Pack sturdy boots. You will need them for rhinos, chimps and gorillas.
Bring a rain jacket. Showers are common in Kibale and Bwindi.
Wear neutral colours. Khaki, green and brown work best on treks and drives.
Carry binoculars. They help with birds at Bigodi and Lake Bunyonyi.
Bring a swimsuit. Many visitors enjoy a swim in Lake Bunyonyi.
Keep some cash. It is handy for crafts and tips in local communities.

How this trip compares

This route is different from our other ten-day itinerary via Kisoro and Lake Mburo, which tracks gorillas from Kisoro, adds a Kazinga Channel cruise and ends at Lake Mburo. In contrast, this trip treks gorillas in Bwindi and ends with two nights at Lake Bunyonyi. So, compare both to see which one suits you best. If you want more forest time, you can also explore our primate tours in Uganda.

Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a clear itinerary for free.

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