10-Day Uganda Safari – From Murchison Falls to Bwindi
A 10-day Uganda safari offers a perfect mix of wildlife, landscapes, and primate tracking. The journey starts in Murchison Falls and ends in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. You will also explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel. Along the way, you may visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking as well as see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. The safari brings you close to elephants, hippos, lions, birds, and mountain gorillas. With each park visit, you will enjoy game drives, boat rides, and forest walks. Every stop brings a new and wild experience. The trip ends with great memories of Uganda’s wildlife and culture. Let’s walk through the day-by-day safari plan.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Kampala
Our driver will meet you at Entebbe International Airport when your flight lands. After a short greeting, he will drive you to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. During the drive, the guide will talk about Uganda’s history and culture. On arrival, you will check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Choices:
- Budget: Forest Cottages
- Mid-range: Cassia Lodge
- Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel
Destination: Kampala
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park with Rhino Tracking
After breakfast, you will drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park. You will pass through the Luwero Triangle, an area with historic value. The next stop will be at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will walk and track white rhinos. After lunch at a nearby stop, the journey continues to Murchison Falls. You will reach your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Choices:
- Budget: Red Chilli Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge
- Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Ride on the Nile
Your day starts early with a morning game drive on the northern banks of the Nile River. You will see elephants, giraffes, lions, hartebeests, and many bird species. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride to the base of Murchison Falls. Watch how water crashes through a narrow gap in the rocks. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, and other animals near the riverbanks. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 4: Travel to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will begin a long but scenic drive to Kibale Forest. The journey lasts about seven to eight hours. You will pass through green hills, small farms, and roadside markets along the Albertine Rift. The road also offers views of homesteads and smiling children waving from villages. You will check into your lodge on arrival for dinner and sleep.
Accommodation Choices:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
- Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp
- Luxury: Primate Lodge
Destination: Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After breakfast, the driver will take you to the briefing area at the forest headquarters. Game rangers will guide you through the forest to search for chimpanzees. Once located, you will spend one hour with them. Later, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you will visit Bigodi Swamp. This area is known for bird watching and monkey sightings. After the walk, return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a good breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes you past crater lakes and small villages. You will also see tea plantations and cattle grazing in open fields. You might spot some wildlife before you even reach the park gates. Once inside, you will drive to your lodge and check-in for dinner and sleep.
Accommodation Choices:
- Budget: Bush Lodge
- Mid-range: Marafiki Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel
You will start the day early with a cup of coffee and a morning game drive. Look out for lions, buffaloes, elephants, and Uganda kobs. Many bird species are also easy to spot in this open savannah. After lunch at the lodge, head out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake George and Lake Edward. Along the banks, see hippos, elephants, and buffaloes drinking water. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 8: Drive to Bwindi through Ishasha
After breakfast, you will leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the way, you will pass through the Ishasha sector. This area is famous for tree-climbing lions often seen lounging in fig trees. Keep your camera ready for photos along the road. After Ishasha, you will continue through green hills to reach Bwindi. Check-in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Choices:
- Budget: Broadbill Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Start the day with early breakfast and drive to the park headquarters. You will receive a briefing from the rangers about gorilla trekking rules. Carry packed lunch, drinking water, and walking sticks. Trek through thick forest paths until you find a gorilla family. Once found, you will spend one hour with them while watching their behavior. After the trek, return to the lodge for a hot shower, dinner, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 10: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The journey passes through hills, towns, and rural markets. You will stop in Mbarara for lunch. Later, stop at the Equator monument for photos and a short break. Your guide will drop you either at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport. This will mark the end of your 10-day Uganda Safari.
What the Package Includes:
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- All park entry fees and activity charges
- Game drives and boat cruises
- Full board accommodation throughout the trip
- Meals as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle
What the Package Excludes:
- International airfares and visas
- Items of personal use like laundry or drinks
- Tips and gifts to guides or lodge staff
