For travellers who want to experience the best of Uganda in one trip, this 10-day safari takes you across the country’s most remarkable national parks and wildlife destinations. Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where hundreds of hippos gather along the shores, and visit the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who have enough time to explore Uganda’s diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultures without rushing through each destination. Travel days are balanced with game drives and other activities, while comfortable lodges provide a place to relax between adventures. You will travel in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with an experienced guide, making this 10-day Uganda complete safari an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to discover the country’s highlights in a single journey.
This 10-day Uganda safari begins and ends in Entebbe, taking you through Uganda’s northern, western, and southwestern wildlife circuits. Your journey starts with a drive from Entebbe to Murchison Falls, where you will enjoy game drives and a boat safari along the Nile. From there, continue to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking before travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat safari, and an opportunity to search for its famous tree-climbing lions.
The final stage takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking before returning to Entebbe. Along the way, you will experience the powerful Murchison Falls, the lush forests of Kibale, the open savannah of Queen Elizabeth, and the misty mountain forests of Bwindi. This 10-day Uganda complete safari brings together some of the country’s most iconic wildlife experiences in one well-paced journey.
| Day | Destination | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe to Murchison Falls | Scenic drive, ferry crossing | Murchison Lodge |
| 2 | Murchison Falls | Morning game drive, afternoon boat safari | Murchison Lodge |
| 3 | Murchison Falls to Kibale | Scenic drive | Kibale Lodge |
| 4 | Kibale Forest | Chimpanzee tracking | Kibale Lodge |
| 5 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | Scenic drive, evening game drive | Queen Elizabeth Lodge |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth | Morning game drive, afternoon boat safari | Queen Elizabeth Lodge |
| 7 | Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha | Game drive in Ishasha for tree-climbing lions | Ishasha Lodge |
| 8 | Ishasha to Bwindi | Scenic drive, afternoon relaxation | Bwindi Lodge |
| 9 | Bwindi | Gorilla trekking | Bwindi Lodge |
| 10 | Bwindi to Entebbe | Scenic drive, departure | – |
Your 10-day Uganda complete safari begins at Entebbe International Airport, where a Nomara Safaris representative will welcome you and introduce you to your experienced guide. You will then depart Entebbe and drive northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park, with the journey taking approximately five to six hours. A lunch stop will be made along the way before you continue towards the park and cross the Nile River by ferry at Paraa. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax, take in the views of the Nile, or simply rest after the journey while your guide briefs you on the exciting days ahead. Overnight: Murchison Falls Lodge.
Today you explore Murchison Falls National Park. You wake early for a morning game drive on the northern bank. The northern bank is the prime game viewing area. You search for Rothschild’s giraffe, elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, and Uganda kob. The open savannah supports large herds of wildlife. After the game drive, you return to the lodge for breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, you take a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. The boat departs from the Paraa jetty. The three-hour trip travels upstream along the Victoria Nile. You see hundreds of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo on the riverbanks. The birdlife is spectacular. As you approach the falls, the river narrows and the current quickens. The spray from the falls is visible in the distance. The sight and sound of the Nile exploding through a seven-metre gap is unforgettable. After the boat safari, you may hike to the top of the falls for a different perspective. Overnight at your Murchison Falls lodge.
After breakfast, you depart Murchison Falls and drive south toward Kibale Forest. The journey takes approximately five to six hours. You travel through beautiful countryside, passing through the towns of Hoima and Fort Portal. Fort Portal is known for its crater lakes and stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains. You stop for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Kibale, you check into your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can relax, enjoy the forest views, or take a guided nature walk. Overnight at your Kibale lodge.
Today you track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. You wake early and have breakfast at the lodge. You drive to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for your briefing. The briefing starts at 8:00 AM. You are assigned to a chimpanzee community and a guide. The trek can last from one to four hours. The forest is dense, but the trails are well maintained. When you find the chimpanzees, you have one hour with them. You watch them socialise, groom, feed, and play. You may see them using tools. The highlight is the pant-hoot chorus, where the chimpanzees vocalise together. After your hour, you trek back to the visitor centre. You return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you may take a guided nature walk or visit the nearby crater lakes. Overnight at your Kibale lodge.
After breakfast, you depart Kibale and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes approximately two to three hours. You arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, you take an evening game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. The Kasenyi Plains are the best area for lion viewing in the park. The open savannah supports large herds of Uganda kob, which attract lions. You may also see hyenas, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The sunset over the plains is spectacular. You return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Today you explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. You wake early for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. The morning light is perfect for photography. You search for lions, hyenas, and other predators. After the game drive, you return to the lodge for breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, you take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The banks support one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. You will see hippos grunting and splashing, crocodiles basking, elephants drinking, and a stunning array of waterbirds. The boat safari lasts approximately two hours. After the boat safari, you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, you drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes approximately two hours. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. You take a game drive through the sector, searching for lions lounging in the branches of large fig trees. This behaviour is rare, and Ishasha is one of the best places in Africa to see it. The sector also supports large herds of buffalo, topi, and kob. After your game drive, you check into your lodge in Ishasha. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight at your Ishasha lodge.
After breakfast, you depart Ishasha and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey takes approximately three to four hours. The drive is scenic, passing through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival in Bwindi, you check into your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest, enjoy the lodge facilities, and prepare for the gorilla trek. Your guide will brief you on the trekking rules and what to expect. Overnight at your Bwindi lodge.
Today is the highlight of your 10-day Uganda complete safari. You wake early and have breakfast at the lodge. You drive to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. The briefing covers the rules: maintain a seven-metre distance, no flash photography, no eating or drinking near the gorillas. You are assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level. Then you drive to the trailhead. The trek can last from thirty minutes to six hours. The terrain is steep and muddy. Porters are available for hire at the trailhead. When you find the gorillas, you have exactly one hour. The hour is unforgettable. After your hour, you trek back to the trailhead. You return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Overnight at your Bwindi lodge.
Your 10-day Uganda complete safari concludes today. After breakfast, you drive back to Entebbe. The journey takes approximately eight hours, or you can take a domestic flight from Kihihi or Kisoro to Entebbe. The flight takes approximately one to two hours. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will assist you with check-in and bid you farewell.
For travellers booking a luxury 10-day complete safari in Uganda, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Murchison Falls: Baker’s Lodge offers five bandas on raised wooden platforms overlooking the Nile. Nile Safari Lodge offers ten bandas with outdoor showers. In Kibale: Kyaninga Lodge is perched on the rim of a volcanic crater lake. In Queen Elizabeth: Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers luxury cottages overlooking the gorge. In Ishasha: Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a luxury tented camp focused on tree-climbing lions. In Bwindi: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers six tented suites within the forest. Prices range from USD 600 to USD 1,200 per night.
For travellers booking a mid-range 10-day Uganda complete safari, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Murchison Falls: Pakuba Safari Lodge offers comfortable rooms on the northern bank. Murchison River Lodge offers bandas on the southern bank. In Kibale: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse offers comfortable rooms near the park. Primate Lodge Kibale offers cottages and tents within the forest. In Queen Elizabeth: Elephant Hub Lodge offers good value on the Kasenyi Plains. Buffalo Safari Lodge offers comfortable rooms near the Kazinga Channel. In Bwindi: Buhoma Lodge offers bandas steps from the park headquarters. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 300 per night.
This 10-day Uganda complete safari includes the following:
This 10-day Uganda complete safari excludes the following:
The best time for this 10-day Uganda complete safari is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Gorilla trekking conditions are best when the trails are less muddy. Chimpanzee tracking is easier during the dry season. Wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth is excellent as animals congregate around water sources. The tree-climbing lions in Ishasha are more visible when the trees have fewer leaves. The wet seasons from March to May and October to November have advantages. The landscapes are lush and green. There are fewer visitors. Some lodges offer lower rates. The boat safaris are excellent year-round. This safari is possible in any season, but the dry season is recommended for first-time visitors.
The cost of this 10-day Uganda complete safari depends on accommodation level and group size. A mid-range safari costs approximately USD 4,500 to USD 6,500 per person. A luxury safari costs approximately USD 7,000 to USD 11,000 per person. These prices include the gorilla permit (USD 800) and the chimpanzee permit (USD 250). Single travellers pay a supplement. Nomara Safaris provides a detailed quotation based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
The gorilla trek in Bwindi is moderately difficult. The terrain is steep and muddy. The trek can last from thirty minutes to six hours. The chimpanzee trek in Kibale is less demanding, with mostly flat terrain. You need moderate fitness for both. Porters are available for hire for the gorilla trek. Travelers with significant mobility issues should consider a modified itinerary.
Yes, you can add a second gorilla trek to this 10-day Uganda complete safari. The permit for a second trek costs an additional USD 800. This would add one extra night in Bwindi. Nomara Safaris can customize the itinerary to include a second gorilla trek.
This 10-day Uganda complete safari involves significant driving. The total driving distance is approximately 1,500 kilometres. The longest drives are from Entebbe to Murchison Falls (five to six hours) and from Bwindi to Entebbe (eight hours). Domestic flights are available to reduce driving time. Nomara Safaris can advise on flight options.
For this 10-day Uganda complete safari, pack neutral coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown), a fleece jacket for cool mornings, a waterproof jacket for rain, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for gorilla trekking, long trousers and long sleeves for protection, gardening gloves, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.
This 10-day Uganda complete safari offers the ultimate Ugandan experience. You will visit all the major national parks, trek gorillas and chimpanzees, see tree climbing lions, and cruise the Kazinga Channel and Murchison Falls. At Nomara Safaris, we design custom safaris that match your interests and budget. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your 10-day Uganda complete safari. Tell us your preferred travel dates and group size. We will create a custom itinerary for you.