10-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Culture

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Safari Overview

Experience the wild heart of Africa on this unforgettable 10-day safari through Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the misty jungles of Bwindi, this journey brings you face-to-face with the continent’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes.

Track endangered mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats, cruise the mighty Nile and Kazinga Channel, and spot the Big 5 on thrilling game drives. Discover Uganda’s rich cultural tapestry with immersive experiences in local communities, from the Batwa forest people to traditional cattle herders.

This safari blends adventure, nature, and culture, with comfortable accommodations and expert guides ensuring every moment is seamless and memorable. Whether you’re gazing at elephants on the savannah, sipping coffee with locals, or locking eyes with a gorilla in the wild, this is a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Tour Highlights

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Shoebill Tracking & Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your adventure through the Pearl of Africa begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Mabamba Swamp, a prime location along the shores of Lake Victoria. Embark on a thrilling boat ride into the papyrus-lined channels to track the elusive shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric-looking bird with its unmistakable shoe-shaped bill. The swamp teems with vibrant birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and the rare papyrus gonolek, making this a birder’s paradise.
After your morning birding adventure, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Upon arrival, join a guided rhino trekking experience on foot, getting up close to these magnificent and nearly extinct giants in their natural habitat. It’s a humbling, bucket-list encounter with one of Africa’s Big Five.
After this memorable day of wildlife encounters, check in at Amuka Lodge (or similar), where you can unwind, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night surrounded by nature.

DAY2: DRIVE TO MURCHISON FALL NATIONAL PARK | TOP OF FALLS | BOAT CRUISE/EVENING GAME DRIVE

Early morning after breakfast, drive into the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Begin with a scenic ascent to the top of the mighty falls, where the powerful Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters below. Witness the mist hanging in the air, rainbows forming above the chasm, and incredible wildlife thriving along the calm waters — a breathtaking spectacle sure to leave you in awe.
Enjoy nature’s majesty on full display with a mid-morning exclusive boat ride towards the base of the falls. Cruise along the Nile, spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife lounging on the shores of Lake Albert. Witness thrilling wildlife interactions drawn to the river’s life-giving waters. As you approach the base of the falls, prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer force and splendor of this natural wonder, a moment you’ll never forget.
After this exhilarating experience, head to the lodge for check-in and enjoy a hot lunch, preparing for another unforgettable evening.

In the late afternoon, venture out on an evening game drive across the expansive savannah. Encounter four of Africa’s iconic Big Five, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes — along with a massive tower of giraffes, Ugandan kobs, waterbucks, hartebeests, and various antelope species roaming freely in the wild.

Bird lovers will be delighted with sightings of species like the white-crested turaco, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, and ringed-winged grey warbler, especially in the park’s southern woodlands.
After the thrilling adventure, return to the lodge for relaxation,
Dinner, and overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar)

DAY3: MORNING GAMEDRIVE/TRANSFER TO KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, embark on another morning game drive as Murchison Falls National Park comes alive with the golden light of dawn. This is the perfect moment to capture unforgettable wildlife scenes: elephants greeting the morning, sleek antelopes leaping gracefully, a lion stretching its golden fur, and a tower of giraffes browsing the savannah trees. The early hours are magical in the wild full of motion, beauty, and the rhythmic pulse of the African wilderness.

After the game drive, begin your scenic journey south as you drive through the Albertine escarpments, soaking in panoramic views and ever-changing landscapes. Departing the savannah, you’ll notice the terrain shift dramatically, rolling green hills bursting with color, scattered crater lakes, and lush vegetation herald your approach to Uganda’s primate capital.
By afternoon, you’ll arrive at the edge of the verdant Kibale Forest National Park, a dense rainforest known for its incredible primate diversity. Feel the cool forest air and soothing canopy shade as you check in at your forest lodge, nestled in the tranquil embrace of nature.
Dinner, relaxation, and overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge (or similar)

DAY4: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING | BIGODI COMMUNITY TOUR

On this day, have an early jungle breakfast and head to the information center for a short briefing with the ranger guides. With armed guides, you’ll begin your journey into the depths of Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. This isn’t just a walk through the rainforest-it’s a step into a living storybook. The forest thrums with life, the air charged with excitement. Known as Africa’s primate capital, Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making sightings almost guaranteed.
Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are constantly on the move, foraging and exploring. You’ll likely hear them before you see them, hooting in the treetops, shaking branches, or dashing across the forest floor. Watching them feed, groom, and interact reveals striking similarities to human behavior, often leaving visitors speechless. Along the way, you might also encounter other fascinating species such as red colobus monkeys, playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, and the elusive L’hoest’s monkey, along with a variety of bird species.
After this thrilling adventure, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax, enjoying the cool forest breeze and the symphony of nature around you. In the late afternoon, we set out for an enriching community visit to Bigodi. Here, you’ll engage in authentic local experiences such as coffee making, traditional cooking, brewing banana beer, basket weaving, and a swamp walk through the lush wetlands. This is an opportunity to connect with the culture and people of the region in a meaningful way.
Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge or similar.

DAY 5: TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK/ AFERNOON BOAT CRUISE AT KAZINGA CHANNEL/ EVENNING GAME DRIVE

Wake up at your own pace, have morning breakfast, check out, and journey towards Queen Elizabeth national park, medley of wonders of East Africa. Leaving Kibale's rainforest behind, your journey takes a magical twist through Ndali-Kasenda Craters, the rwenzori mountains loom, casting long shadows over this land. It's one of the world's densest collections of volcanic craters, with over 50 pristine lakes scattered like gems. Your drive becomes a treasure hunt, each bend revealing a new surprise. If time allows, your driver might even arrange a walk in the Rwenzori foothills, a truly special experience.

As you enter Queen Elizabeth National Park's vast savannah, the landscape shifts, have a sight like no other of explosion crater lakes, wildlife like elephants rooming the wild. Everywhere you turn, there is a panorama waiting. It’s the Uganda’s famous safari park; you will explore this incredible park with a mix of habitats ranging from forests to open savannah plains, with big game, small creatures, and shimmering lakes.

As you approach, Kazinga channel, prepare for a breathtaking boat ride, feed the eyes with hippos whooping in the water, Nile crocodiles resting on the channel shores, elephants drinking and resting along the channel, water bird life and even the towering Rift Valley cliffs.
Dinner, relaxation and overnight: at Elephant Hab or similar.

DAY6: KYAMBURA GORGE NATURE WALK “THE VALLEY OF APES” | DRIVE TO SOUTHERN PART OF THE PARK FOR TREE CLIMBING LIONS

Today, early morning after breakfast, checkout and embark on the thrilling adventure to Kyambura gorge for an epic wildlife viewing like hippos and elephants looking for water on the permanent river, primates like chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and birds are spotted in the gorge. The nature walk is lead by the armed ranger guide ensuring the safety of the visitors and having unforgettable experience of the gorge walk with in Queen Elizabeth national park. Lunch
After head to the south of the park hit the road through rough terrain, as you sight, scenic landscapes, dry crater lakes dotted with lush idyll savannah and acacia trees and rift valley escarpments. Spot wildlife and birds as you approach Ishasha sector for an evening game.
Ishasha is full of treasures, every direction reveals a new life; tree climbing lions are seen lying in the fig trees, it’s a sight found almost nowhere else on earth. Hippos in the river, antelopes and buffaloes are seen grazing in the plains; sunset viewing is a grantee on a clear day. As the day fades, the adventure ends as you relax.
Diner and overnight at Topi safari lodge

DAY7: MORNING GAME | TRANSFER TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast and check-out, begin your day with a million-dollar smile as you take in the raw beauty of Uganda’s savannah plains. The scenic landscapes and rewarding wildlife encounters offer a final dose of Murchison’s magic. Enjoy nature at your own pace, capturing the essence of the wild one last time before returning to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through rugged terrain, winding roads, and lush tropical rainforests as the air grows cooler and mist begins to settle. You’re now entering a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient forest that shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Driving into Bwindi feels like stepping into another world. On a lucky day, you might even catch a glimpse of gorillas near the roadside trails. These incredible creatures, wild and majestic, offer a presence that is deeply humbling. Along the way, cross streams, climb over mossy rocks, and feel the timeless energy of this primeval forest, an experience that echoes the roots of human history.

Arrive at your lodge tucked in the heart of the forest, where you’ll check in and take in the breathtaking views that surround you. Let the serenity of the landscape prepare you for the incredible adventure that awaits.
Dinner and overnight at Four Gorillas safari lodge or similar.

Day 8: Gorilla.  trekking/ visit the batwe (Pigymies) community

Today is the day you've been waiting for. Rise early for breakfast and prepare for the ultimate encounter. With a packed lunch or snack in hand, your driver will take you to the park’s information center for a pre-trek briefing. Here, you’ll be introduced to your assigned gorilla family group. Walking sticks will be provided to assist during the hike, and if needed, porters are available for hire at a small fee (around $20), they’ll help carry your gear and provide support on steeper sections of the trail.
With experienced trackers and armed rangers leading the way, you’ll venture deep into the dense rainforest of Bwindi. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. But every step is worth it. The moment you catch your first glimpse of these magnificent creatures is nothing short of life-changing.

Imagine locking eyes with a mountain gorilla, watching as a silverback stands protectively over his family, or seeing young ones play, roll, and groom each other just meters away. You’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat, an experience filled with wonder, awe, and a deep sense of connection.

After the trek, return to the lodge. Take in the panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains and unwind with a soothing massage, letting the emotions of the day sink in.

In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Led by Batwa guides, you’ll explore the forest through their eyes, learning their traditional ways of hunting, building shelters, and using plants for food and medicine. Witness their vibrant songs and dances, each echoing a story of survival, adaptation, and pride. This isn't just a cultural visit, it's a powerful, respectful encounter with a resilient community working to preserve its identity and legacy.

You’ll leave the forest not only with memories of gorillas, but with a deeper understanding of the land, its people, and the powerful connections between them.
Dinner and overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge

DAY9: TRANFER TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK / EVENNING NATURE WALK

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and meet your guide for the next leg of your journey. Today’s drive takes you through the rolling hills and rugged highlands of southern Uganda as you make your way toward Lake Mburo National Park. The ever-changing landscapes offer a picturesque window into rural Uganda, with terraced hillsides, scattered homesteads, and lush vegetation painting the perfect backdrop.

Pause in Mbarara town for a relaxed lunch before continuing on the final stretch to the park. As you approach Lake Mburo, the scenery opens into open savannahs and acacia-dotted woodlands — a prelude to the adventure awaiting.
Later in the afternoon, prepare for an exhilarating nature walk within the park — one of the few places in Uganda where walking safaris are possible. Led by a trained Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, you’ll explore the bush on foot, offering an entirely new perspective on the wild. This up-close, immersive experience allows you to track animals silently and witness their natural behavior without the filter of a vehicle.

Walk alongside dazzles of zebras, watch as graceful impalas leap through the grasslands, and see gentle giraffes browsing peacefully from the trees. Elands, topis, and other antelope species also thrive here. Since Lake Mburo has no resident lion population, walking here is safe and offers a rare, intimate look at the ecosystem.
Cap off your walk with a sundowner — picture yourself sipping tea or a cool drink as the golden light washes over the savannah, wildlife grazing in the distance. It’s a serene moment, full of awe and a quiet connection with the land.
Afterward, head to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay amid the sounds of the wild.
Dinner, and overnight at Mpogo farm lodge or similar

DAY 10: MORNING FARM EXPERIENCE /TRANSFER TO ENTEBBE

As your unforgettable Ugandan adventure draws to a close, your final morning begins with a truly authentic experience — the Ankole cattle kraal visit. Wake up early and head into the heart of the community to engage with the local herdsmen. Here, you'll take part in traditional cattle milking, taste fresh, unprocessed milk straight from the source, and learn the age-old art of making ghee (local butter) from fresh cow’s milk.

It’s more than just an activity — it’s a glimpse into the pastoral culture that defines this region. You’ll interact with the cattle keepers, visit their homesteads and farms, and gain a deeper appreciation for their harmonious way of life with nature and livestock. It’s a grounding, cultural highlight that feels both refreshing and enriching.
Return to the lodge afterwards for a hearty breakfast surrounded by the calm ambience of Mpogo Lodge. Take a swim, relax by the gardens, and soak in the scenic views of nearby farms before checking out.

Later, begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. A packed lunch is recommended for the road. Along the way, stop at the iconic Uganda Equator line — a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to witness a fascinating water experiment that demonstrates the Coriolis effect, visibly showing the division between the northern and southern hemispheres.
After this final memorable stop, proceed to Entebbe for your evening flight or overnight stay, carrying with you a heart full of memories and a deep connection to Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife, and people.

What's Included?

  • Gorilla permits – 800$ pp
  • 2 Chimpanzee permits-350$ pp
  • All other activities mentioned in the travel plan
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Transport-(3) 7-seater safari 4*4 jeeps
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • Professional driver guides -English speaking
  • 2 private boats in Murchison and Kazinga channel

What's not Included?

  • Visas
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips and souvenirs
  • And extra activities and accommodations

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