10-Day Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, Wildlife, Cultures & Adventure Safari (Midrange Tour)
Destinations: Entebbe • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Murchison Falls NP • Kibale Forest • Queen Elizabeth NP • Bwindi Impenetrable NP • Lake Bunyonyi
Style: Midrange lodges and tented camps
Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, small groups, nature lovers, and cultural explorers
Uganda’s Ultimate Safari Circuit
This 10-day expedition takes you through Uganda’s most iconic landscapes, from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the misty jungles of Bwindi, the primate-rich forests of Kibale, and the serene islands of Lake Bunyonyi. Along the way, you’ll track rhinos, chimpanzees, and gorillas; cruise past hippos; meet local communities; and enjoy scenic drives through the Pearl of Africa’s diverse terrain.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Activities:
- Airport Pickup & Hotel Check-In Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for rest and orientation. Duration: Flexible
- Optional Visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Lake Victoria Sunset Walk If time allows, enjoy a gentle walk or lakeside relaxation. Duration: 1–2 hours
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Papyrus Guesthouse
Amenities: Lake views, Wi-Fi, restaurant, garden lounge
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls NP
Drive Time: ~6 hours
Activities:
- Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary Walk with rangers to observe endangered white rhinos in their natural habitat. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls Witness the Nile explode through a narrow gorge, one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge
Amenities: Riverside views, pool, solar power, restaurant
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning Game Drive in Northern Murchison Spot elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Optional hike to the top. Duration: 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Drive through Tea Plantations & Crater Lakes Enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains and stop for lunch in Fort Portal. Duration: Full-day transfer with breaks
- Evening Nature Walk or Crater Lake Visit Optional short walk near your lodge to stretch and enjoy the landscape. Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge
Amenities: Forest views, eco-friendly design, fireplace lounge, Wi-Fi
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Trek through rainforest to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Guided walk through a community-run wetland rich in birdlife and local culture. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP Drive through the Rwenzori foothills and arrive at your lodge near the park. Duration: Morning transfer
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot lions, elephants, warthogs, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Amenities: Panoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms, restaurant
Day 7: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Cultural Visit
Activities:
- Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours
- Afternoon Visit to Local Community or Salt Lake Learn about traditional salt mining or visit a nearby village for cultural exchange. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Drive Time: ~4–5 hours Activities:
- Game Drive in Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions) Stop en route for a game drive in Ishasha. Duration: 2 hours
- Arrival and Relaxation at Bwindi Lodge Check into your lodge and enjoy forest views. Duration: Flexible
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Amenities: Forest proximity, hot showers, Wi-Fi, restaurant
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Visit
Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Trek through dense forest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour with them. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
- Visit to Batwa Community Learn about the Batwa pygmies’ forest traditions, music, and storytelling. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 8
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Kampala
Drive Time: ~8–9 hours Activities:
- Morning Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi Explore the lake’s islands in a traditional dugout canoe. Duration: 1.5 hours
- Scenic Drive Back to Kampala or Entebbe Stop for lunch and a photo opportunity at the equator monument. Duration: Full-day transfer
Key Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Game drives and boat safaris in Murchison & Queen Elizabeth NP
- Cultural visits with Batwa and local communities
- Scenic canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
- Rhino tracking and waterfall exploration
Major Attractions
Destination | Highlight |
---|---|
Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Mountain gorillas, rainforest trekking |
Kibale Forest | Chimpanzees, birding, wetland walk |
Queen Elizabeth NP | Big game, boat cruise, tree-climbing lions |
Murchison Falls NP | Waterfalls, Nile cruise, savannah wildlife |
Lake Bunyonyi | Canoeing, island visits, birdwatching |
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | White rhino conservation |
✅ Inclusions
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits (USD 800 + USD 250 per person)
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 9 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Boat cruises, canoe ride, and cultural visits
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation Overview
Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
---|---|---|
Murchison River Lodge | Murchison Falls NP | Riverside deck, pool, solar power |
Turaco Treetops | Kibale Forest | Forest views, eco-design, Wi-Fi |
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth NP | Panoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms |
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi | Forest proximity, hot showers, Wi-Fi |
Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi | Lakeside dining, canoe rentals, Wi-Fi |
Ready to Experience Uganda’s Wild Wonders?
This midrange safari offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, big game viewing, cultural immersion, and scenic relaxation