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Introduction
The ultimate Uganda circuit takes you from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the misty forests of Bwindi. Track endangered rhinos on foot at Ziwa, trek with chimpanzees in Kibale, cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and spend a life-changing hour with mountain gorillas. This 10-day journey delivers Uganda's best wildlife, primates, and landscapes in one seamless itinerary.
Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb
Best Time
Why This Safari?
Ultimate Gorilla Experience
Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi - one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Unmatched Biodiversity
From rhinos at Ziwa to chimps in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth to over 600 bird species.
Photographer's Paradise
Dramatic waterfalls, misty forests, savannah plains, and intimate primate encounters - every day brings a new frame.
Iconic Landscapes
The Nile thundering through a 7m gorge, the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos, and the ancient Bwindi forest.
Expert Local Guides
Our experienced Ugandan guides bring decades of knowledge, ensuring you see more and understand deeper.
Conservation Focus
Every booking supports Uganda's national parks and local communities. Travel with purpose.
Tour Highlights
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Walk alongside rhinos on foot
- Murchison Falls - Nile exploding through a 7-metre gorge
- Game Drive & Boat Cruise - Big Four plus hippo cruise
- Kibale Forest - Track habituated chimpanzee families
- Bigodi Wetland - Monkeys, birds & butterflies
- Queen Elizabeth NP - Tree-climbing lions & Kazinga Channel
- Bwindi Forest - The ultimate gorilla trekking experience
- Equator Crossing - Photo stop at the Uganda Equator
Detailed Itinerary
Each day is carefully crafted to maximise your wildlife encounters while ensuring comfort and relaxation. Below you will find a complete breakdown of every day, from morning game drives to evening sundowners at your lodge.
Day 1
Arrival & Transfer to Hotel
Full Day
Transfer: 30-60 min
Accommodation: Kampala/Entebbe Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on arrival time, you can opt for a city tour visiting the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, or relax by Lake Victoria. Overnight at your lodge.
Morning: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Clear immigration and collect your luggage. Your professional driver-guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake by surface area. The airport is conveniently located just 40 km from Kampala, Uganda's capital city.
Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe (30-60 minutes). If time permits, enjoy an optional city tour to the Uganda Museum, the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or the vibrant craft markets in Kampala. Alternatively, relax by the shores of Lake Victoria at your lodge and watch the local fishing boats return with their catch.
Evening: Check in and settle at your lodge. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a comprehensive briefing from your guide about the incredible adventure ahead. Recommended meal: Ugandan national dish of matoke (steamed green bananas) served with groundnut sauce and grilled meat. Your guide will also check your trekking gear and ensure everything is ready for the journey.
Airport Transfer
City Tour Option
Lake Victoria
Day 2
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
Full Day
Drive: ~4 hrs
Accommodation: Murchison Falls NP Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see white rhinos in the wild. Track these gentle giants on foot with an armed ranger. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-metre gap and plunges 43 metres. Overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Morning: Early breakfast followed by a scenic 4-hour drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (170 km). The landscape transitions from urban Kampala to rolling countryside and sugarcane plantations. At Ziwa, embark on a guided walking safari with an armed ranger to track white rhinos on foot - the only place in Uganda where you can do this. Ziwa is also home to over 300 bird species and has successfully bred over 30 white rhinos since its establishment.
Afternoon: Continue driving north to Murchison Falls National Park (another 1.5 hours). Stop at the top of the falls to witness one of nature's most powerful spectacles: the entire Nile River forced through a 7-metre-wide gorge, plunging 43 metres with a thunderous roar. Photography and guided commentary included. Wildlife tip: look for Defassa waterbuck and oribi along the park entrance road.
Evening: Check in at your lodge inside Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy dinner under the African stars. Many lodges offer views over the Nile River - request a river-facing room. Packing tip: bring a warm layer as evenings near the river can be cool.
Rhino Tracking
Murchison Falls
Photography Spot
Day 3
Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Full Day
Game Drive: 3-4 hrs
Boat Cruise: 2 hrs
Accommodation: Murchison Falls NP Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for a morning game drive across the northern bank of the Nile. Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, and the rare Rothschild giraffe. In the afternoon, board a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls - hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife line the banks. Overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Morning: Early morning tea or coffee at 6:00 AM, then depart for a 3-4 hour game drive across the northern bank of the Nile. This area is known for excellent wildlife density. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and the rare Rothschild giraffe with your expert guide. The park is home to 76 mammal species including patas monkeys, olive baboons, and Jackson's hartebeest. Photography tip: morning light is ideal for wildlife photography between 7:00-9:00 AM.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise from the Paraa jetty to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise along the Nile is a wildlife parade: observe hundreds of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and prolific birdlife including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron.
Evening: Sundowner drinks at the lodge terrace overlooking the Nile River. Watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and gold over the river. Dinner and overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Big Game Safari
Boat Safari Nile
Nile Crocodiles
Birding Hotspot
Day 4
Drive to Kibale Forest
Full Day
Drive: ~5 hrs
Accommodation: Kibale Area Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart after breakfast and journey south through the lush countryside of western Uganda. Pass through Fort Portal, the "Switzerland of Africa," with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park in the afternoon. Evening nature walk around the lodge grounds. Overnight in Kibale area.
Morning: Breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM. Depart for a scenic 5-hour drive south through western Uganda's lush countryside. The route passes through verdant tea plantations stretching across rolling hills, traditional villages, and the burgeoning town of Hoima. Along the way, look out for troops of olive baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the roadside trees.
Afternoon: Stop at Fort Portal, known as the "Switzerland of Africa," for panoramic views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains - the legendary "Mountains of the Moon." Enjoy lunch with a view. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park and check into your lodge. Fort Portal is also famous for its crater lakes - a side detour is available if time permits.
Evening: Guided nature walk around the lodge grounds with an experienced naturalist guide. This is an excellent opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, pottos, and tree hyraxes. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area.
Scenic Drive Uganda
Nature Walk
Fort Portal
Day 5
Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Walk
Full Day
Chimpanzee Tracking: 2-4 hrs
Bigodi Walk: 1.5 hrs
Accommodation: Kibale Area Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for the highlight: chimpanzee tracking. Walk with experienced guides to find habituated chimp families, observing their social behaviour up close. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk - home to red colobus monkeys, butterflies, and over 200 bird species. Overnight in Kibale area.
Morning: Early breakfast at the lodge at 6:00 AM. Head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing, then enter Kibale Forest with your guide and ranger for chimpanzee tracking. Walk through the tropical rainforest (795 sq km) in search of habituated chimp families. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees - the highest concentration in East Africa. In addition to chimps, you may encounter red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the occasional forest elephant.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. At 2:00 PM, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk. This pristine wetland is managed by the local community and home to red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, over 200 bird species (including the great blue turaco), and spectacular butterflies. Photography tip: the wetland boardwalk provides excellent close-up bird photography opportunities.
Evening: Relax at the lodge. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area, surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest at night.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Bigodi Wetland
Primate Photography
Day 6
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Full Day
Drive: ~3 hrs
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth NP Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short scenic drive takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most biodiverse park. Check in to your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive through the park's grasslands. Look for elephants, Uganda kobs, and lions before sunset. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Morning: Breakfast at 7:00 AM and check out from Kibale. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the Rwenzori foothills to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes through the Kyambura Gorge, a lush riverine forest that is home to a chimpanzee community. The drive offers spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.
Afternoon: Arrive at Queen Elizabeth NP (1,978 sq km) and check in at your lodge. Enjoy lunch with views over the savannah. Take some time to relax - many lodges have swimming pools overlooking the park. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda's most popular national park and was named after Queen Elizabeth II during her 1954 visit.
Evening: Evening game drive from 4:00 PM to sunset through the park's grasslands. Search for elephants, Uganda kobs (the national animal of Uganda), bushbuck, waterbuck, and lions before sunset. The evening light provides excellent photography conditions. Return to the lodge after dark for dinner.
Evening Game Drive
Sunset Safari
Elephant Sightings
Day 7
Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Full Day
Morning Game Drive: 3 hrs
Boat Cruise: 2 hrs
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth NP Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning game drive in search of lions and leopards along the Kasenyi Track. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect to see hundreds of hippos, elephants drinking at the shore, and a stunning variety of waterbirds. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Morning: Early morning game drive (6:30 AM departure) along the Kasenyi Track, the prime predator-viewing area of Queen Elizabeth NP. Search for lions and leopards with your experienced guide. This area is also excellent for spotted hyenas, side-striped jackals, and large herds of Uganda kobs. The Kasenyi plains offer some of the best big cat photography in Uganda, especially in the early morning golden light.
Afternoon: Lunch at the lodge. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George has the highest concentration of hippos in the world - over 5,000 individuals. Witness elephants drinking and bathing at the shoreline, buffalo wading in the shallows, and a stunning variety of waterbirds including great white pelicans, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, saddle-billed storks, and African fish eagles.
Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner. An optional night game drive (available at extra cost) offers the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, porcupines, genet cats, white-tailed mongooses, and the elusive pangolin. Night drives use a spotlight with a red filter to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Big Cat Search
Kazinga Channel
Elephants at Shore
Waterbird Photography
Day 8
Ishasha Sector & Bwindi
Full Day
Drive: ~4 hrs total
Accommodation: Bwindi Area Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its tree-climbing lions that lounge in fig trees. After a game drive through Ishasha, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to half of the world's mountain gorillas. Overnight in Bwindi area.
Morning: Early breakfast at 6:30 AM. Depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP (about 2 hours south). Game drive through Ishasha in search of the famous tree-climbing lions that lounge in the fig trees. This unique behaviour is rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. Ishasha is also home to large herds of topi and buffalo. Photography tip: tree-climbing lions are best photographed from a distance with a 200mm+ lens to capture them lounging in the fig tree branches.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the Ishasha sector overlooking the savannah. Continue south (about 2 hours) to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the stunning terraced hills of the Kigezi Highlands. This region is known as the "Switzerland of Africa" for its steep green hills and neat farming terraces carved into every slope.
Evening: Arrive at your Bwindi area lodge by late afternoon. Comprehensive briefing from your lead guide about the gorilla trekking experience scheduled for tomorrow. The briefing covers trekking rules, gorilla etiquette, what to pack for the trek, and photography tips in the forest. Enjoy a hearty dinner and an early bedtime - gorilla trekking starts at sunrise.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Scenic Drive
Bwindi Arrival
Day 9
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Full Day
Trek: 1-5 hrs
Gorilla Visit: 1 hr
Accommodation: Bwindi Area Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day you have been waiting for! After an early briefing, enter Bwindi's misty forest with your gorilla trekking group. The hike can take 1-5 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. Once you find them, spend one unforgettable hour observing the mountain gorillas - watching them feed, play, and interact. This is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Overnight in Bwindi area.
Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM with packed snacks for the trek. Transfer to the park headquarters at 6:30 AM for a final gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Groups of 8 visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families. Enter Bwindi's misty forest with your group, lead guide, trackers, and armed rangers. The trek can take 1-5 hours through steep, dense, and often muddy terrain. Porter services are available for hire (approximately $15-20) - highly recommended even if you are fit, as they help carry your daypack and assist you on steep sections.
Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. Watch the silverback protect his family, mothers nurse their infants, juveniles play-fight, and the entire group feed on bamboo shoots and forest vegetation. This is widely considered one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. After the hour, trek back to the trailhead. Photography tip: use a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) and high ISO in the dark forest conditions. Turn off your flash - it is prohibited.
Evening: Return to the lodge to celebrate your gorilla trekking achievement. Receive a gorilla trekking certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Enjoy a celebratory dinner and share stories with your trekking group. Overnight in Bwindi. Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding but deeply rewarding experience that stays with you for life.
Mountain Gorillas
Forest Trek
Once-in-a-Lifetime
Permit Included
Day 10
Departure back to Entebbe
Full Day
Drive: ~6-7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After a final breakfast, depart Bwindi for Entebbe. The drive takes you through Mbarara town and across the Equator, where you can stop for photos and shop for local crafts. Continue to Entebbe for your airport transfer or onward connections. End of tour.
Morning: Final breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM. Depart Bwindi for the journey back to Entebbe. Drive through the scenic Kigezi Highlands and Mbarara town, the heart of Uganda's cattle-keeping region. The rolling green hills dotted with long-horned Ankole cattle provide a beautiful backdrop for the final day of your safari.
Afternoon: Stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping at the local craft markets. This is a memorable photo opportunity standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy lunch en route at a lakeside restaurant. Continue the drive to Entebbe, passing through the sprawling suburbs of Kampala.
Evening: Arrive in Entebbe (approximately 5:00-6:00 PM). Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or onward connections. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 8:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays.
Equator Crossing
Craft Shopping
Airport Drop-off
Destinations You'll Explore
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest national park, where the mighty Nile is forced through a 7-metre gorge, plunging 43 metres with tremendous force. Home to elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, and the rare Rothschild giraffe.
Big Four Safari
Nile Boat Cruise
450+ Bird Species
Kibale Forest National Park
The "Primate Capital of the World," Kibale is home to 13 primate species including habituated chimpanzee families. Its dense tropical forest is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Tropical Forest
375 Bird Species
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most biodiverse park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel - a 32 km natural channel with the world's highest concentration of hippos.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Kazinga Channel
95 Mammal Species
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. This ancient rainforest offers the ultimate primate trekking experience in a misty, magical setting.
Mountain Gorillas
UNESCO Heritage
Gorilla Trekking
| Included | - All Park Permits
- Mid-range Accommodation
- Professional Driver
- Ground Transport
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| Excluded | - Visa
- Insurance
- Personal Spending
- Tips
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| Transport | - Travel With 4x4 Safari Vehicle
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Uganda Wildlife
Uganda is one of Africa's most biodiverse countries. Here's what you can expect to see.
- Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos (at Ziwa)
- Primates: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, red colobus, L'Hoest's monkey
- Birds: Over 600 species including the rare shoebill stork
- Reptiles: Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, chameleons
- Herbivores: Rothschild giraffe, Uganda kob, hippos, buffalo
- Aquatic: Hippos in the Kazinga Channel - the highest density in Africa
Photo Gallery
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Murchison Falls
Kazinga Channel Cruise
Tree-Climbing Lion
Elephant Herd
Rothschild Giraffe
Location
What Our Travelers Say
Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have experienced Uganda with us.
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Uganda Partners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to take this Uganda adventure?
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking and game viewing. However, the park is accessible year-round.
How difficult is the gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking can be moderate to strenuous depending on the gorilla family location. The hike can take 1-5 hours through steep, muddy forest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and porters are available to help carry your gear.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Yes, most visitors require a Uganda visa. You can apply online for the East Africa Tourist Visa (also valid for Rwanda and Kenya) or a single-entry Uganda visa. Visas are not included in the tour price.
What should I pack for this Uganda safari?
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, a rain jacket for the forest, sturdy hiking boots for gorilla trekking, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect against insects), insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.
Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, solo travellers are welcome. You can join a group tour or book a private trip. Single supplements may apply for private accommodation.
What type of accommodation is included?
Mid-range lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms are included. Upgrades to luxury lodges are available upon request.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes, Uganda is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. The safari circuit is well-established with professional guides, secure lodges, and excellent infrastructure. Travel advisories from most governments recognise tourism areas as safe.
Is gorilla trekking worth it?
Absolutely. Spending an hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. The permits are limited, making it an exclusive encounter.
What animals will I see on this safari?
You'll see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, white rhinos, elephants, lions (including tree-climbing lions), buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs, and over 600 bird species.
How much does this safari cost?
Please contact us for a personalised quote. Prices vary based on group size, accommodation level, and season. We offer mid-range and luxury options to suit your budget.
What is the accommodation like?
Mid-range lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and comfortable beds. Upgrades to luxury lodges with swimming pools, spas, and fine dining are available.
Can children join this safari?
Children aged 12+ can join the safari. However, gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15 years. Family-friendly itineraries can be arranged on request.
How do I book this safari?
You can book by contacting us via WhatsApp, email, or our website booking form. A deposit is required to secure your dates, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
What is the group size?
Our groups range from 2 to 8 guests, ensuring a personalised experience with dedicated attention from your guide.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
What is the food like on safari?
Full board meals are included, featuring a mix of international and local cuisine. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, we can arrange extensions to Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja (Nile source), Rwenzori Mountains, or a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale.
What photography equipment should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is ideal. A smartphone with a good camera works too. Bring extra memory cards and batteries.
Are there vaccination requirements?
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Consult your doctor for malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations.
What is the terrain like for trekking?
Gorilla trekking involves steep, muddy, and densely forested terrain. Chimpanzee tracking is generally easier but still requires walking on uneven ground. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential.
How do gorilla trekking permits work?
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are included in the tour price. They must be booked well in advance as only 8 visitors per gorilla family are allowed per day.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund. 30-60 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We recommend travel insurance.
Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes. We follow responsible tourism practices, support conservation efforts, employ local guides, and minimise environmental impact. A portion of proceeds supports community projects.
What language are the tours conducted in?
All tours are conducted in English. Guides are fluent and knowledgeable about wildlife, culture, and history.
Ready for the Ultimate Uganda Adventure?
Book your 10-day journey through Uganda's greatest national parks and wildlife encounters.
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