The Best 10 Days Uganda Safari: From Rhinos to Mountain Gorillas in 2026
Experience Uganda’s top attractions in 10 days trip: Track rhinos at Ziwa, witness the world’s most powerful waterfall at Murchison, and encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
This 10-day route from Entebbe (EBB) to the Albertine Rift is the ultimate choice for international travelers seeking primates and savannah wildlife.
Our 10 Days Uganda Safari is a well-paced, comprehensive wildlife and primate adventure that captures the very best of Uganda’s iconic destinations.
Expertly designed by GoSilverback Safaris, this itinerary features mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, thrilling game drives and boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the dramatic power of Murchison Falls National Park, plus a memorable rhino encounter at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Ideal for international travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as Afican Nations, this safari offers an excellent balance of primate experiences, savanna wildlife, and cultural highlights, ending with a relaxing city tour in Kigali, Rwanda.
With comfortable 4×4 transport and flexible accommodation options, every day is optimised for wildlife viewing and meaningful conservation impact.
Highlights of 10 Days Uganda Safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking experience
- Game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and Maramagambo Forest walk in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Exploration of Murchison Falls – the most powerful waterfall on the Nile
- Scenic transfer via the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions
- Kigali City Tour on the final day
- Direct support for gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhino conservation through permit revenue
Day-by-Day Outline
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe + transfer to hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stopover
Day 3: Game drive, boat cruise, and hike to Murchison Falls
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park + afternoon launch cruise
Day 7: Game drive and Maramagambo Forest walk
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha sector
Day 9: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali + city tour
Detailed Itinerary of 10 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Hotel
Your 10 Days Uganda Safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
A GoSilverback Safaris representative will meet you and provide a smooth private transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala (1–1.5 hours). Use the afternoon to rest after your flight or enjoy a gentle orientation walk around the hotel grounds.
Accommodation options (Entebbe/Kampala)
- Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort or Kampala Serena Hotel
- Mid-range: Protea Hotel Entebbe or Cassia Lodge
- Budget: Airport Guesthouse or Urban Hill Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner. Overnight in Entebbe/Kampala.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Stopover
After breakfast, depart north for Murchison Falls National Park. Break the journey with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only white rhino breeding centre. Enjoy a guided walking safari on foot to track these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in the late afternoon for your first game drive in the northern savanna.
Conservation value: Rhino tracking fees directly support breeding programmes and anti-poaching efforts.
Accommodation options (Murchison Falls)
- Luxury: Baker’s Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3: Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Hike to Murchison Falls
Dedicate a full day to exploring Murchison Falls National Park. Start with a morning game drive targeting elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, and Uganda kob.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing Nile boat cruise that brings you close to large pods of hippos and crocodiles, culminating at the base of the powerful Murchison Falls.
Later, take a short but rewarding hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a narrow 7-metre gorge.
Wildlife experiences: Excellent Big Five viewing opportunities and rich birdlife.
Conservation value: Park fees fund protection of the Nile ecosystem and surrounding communities.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2.
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, drive south through scenic countryside to Kibale National Park, known as the Primate Capital of the World (approx. 6–7 hours). Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed forest-edge walk, where you may spot red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus.
Accommodation options (Kibale)
- Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal plan: Full board. Overnight in Kibale National Park.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Rise early for the briefing at Kanyanchu. Join a small group for chimpanzee tracking in the dense rainforest (2–5 hours). Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the community-managed Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its excellent birdlife and additional primate sightings.
Conservation value: The $250 chimpanzee permit supports primate research and local community livelihoods.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4.
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park + Afternoon Launch Cruise
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 3 hours). After lunch and check-in, enjoy an afternoon Kazinga Channel launch cruise — one of Uganda’s finest boat safaris. This waterway offers exceptional close-up views of hippos, elephants, buffalo, and abundant waterbirds.
Accommodation options (Queen Elizabeth)
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Mid-range: Bush Lodge or Katara Lodge
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Meal plan: Full board. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 7: Game Drive and Maramagambo Forest Walk
Begin with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, searching for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and antelope. In the afternoon, explore Maramagambo Forest on a guided forest walk, offering excellent chances to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, and forest birds.
Wildlife experiences: Strong Big Four sightings combined with forest primate encounters.
Conservation value: Revenue supports savanna and forest habitat protection.
Accommodation: Same as Day 6.
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Drive south via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a game drive searching for these unique lions resting in fig trees before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (total driving approx. 5–6 hours).
Arrive at your forest lodge in the afternoon and receive a detailed briefing for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
Accommodation options (Bwindi)
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Mid-range: Mahogany Springs or Bwindi Impenetrable Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Camp
Meal plan: Full board. Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 9: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
The highlight of the safari. After breakfast, join a small group (maximum 8 trekkers, age 15+) for mountain gorilla tracking in the misty rainforest.
Trekking time ranges from 1 to 7 hours. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family at the strict 7-metre distance.
Bwindi protects over 400 mountain gorillas — nearly half the global population of 1,063 individuals.
Conservation value: Your $800 gorilla permit funds anti-poaching, veterinary care, and 20% community revenue sharing.
Accommodation: Same as Day 8.
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali + City Tour
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and cross the border into Rwanda. Drive to Kigali (approx. 5–6 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed Kigali City Tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Caplaki Craft Village, and local markets. The tour provides powerful insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Transfer to Kigali International Airport in the evening for your departure flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch.
End of the 10 Days Uganda Safari.
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- All ground transportation in comfortable 4×4 vehicles
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- All park entrance fees and activities
- Full-board accommodation and meals
- Bottled drinking water during activities
- Ranger escorts and porters where required
- Conservation contributions to UWA projects
Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda entry visas
- Tips for guides and staff
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature
Best Time to Travel
The best time for this safari is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.
Trails are firmer for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife viewing improves in the savanna parks.
Shoulder months (March, October–November) offer lower rates with possible afternoon showers.
Permit Rules, Restrictions, and Trekking Limits
- Gorilla permit: $800 per person (2026 foreign non-resident rate); maximum 8 trekkers per group; minimum age 15 years; strict 7-metre distance; exactly one hour with the gorillas.
- Chimpanzee permit: $250 per person in Kibale.
- No trekking if feeling unwell (to protect apes from human diseases). Pregnant women are not permitted for gorilla trekking.
- All permits must be booked in advance through authorised operators like GoSilverback Safaris.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Book gorilla permits early — they sell out 6–12 months ahead for peak seasons.
- Pack waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, binoculars, long sleeves, and insect repellent.
- Maintain reasonable fitness — train with hills; porters available on gorilla day.
- Follow health protocols — yellow-fever vaccination required; inform us of any medical conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid: Underestimating trekking difficulty in Bwindi, skipping travel insurance, or using unauthorised operators that bypass conservation revenue sharing.
This 10 Days Uganda Safari delivers an outstanding mix of primates, savanna wildlife, and cultural depth while ending with a meaningful visit to Kigali.
Secure your gorilla permit today through GoSilverback Safaris and reserve your place on this exceptional 10-day journey. Limited permits are released monthly — contact our expert team now for a personalised quotation.
Let us craft your perfect Uganda safari. The gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, and wild landscapes are calling. Answer with confidence through GoSilverback Safaris.
