10 Days Uganda Safari Experience – Big Five & Gorilla Trekking Tour

The 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Pearl of Africa. From the thunderous Murchison Falls and the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the mystical depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this itinerary showcases Uganda’s most treasured destinations. Along the journey, you will encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes, as well as endangered species such as the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

This 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience is designed to provide comfort, authenticity, and flexibility, using carefully selected lodges that combine luxury with an intimate connection to nature. The experience balances thrilling adventures like game drives, boat cruises, gorilla trekking, and chimpanzee tracking with moments of cultural immersion, such as engaging with the Batwa community and walking through Bigodi Wetland. Each day offers a different rhythm, moving from raw wilderness encounters to peaceful lakeside relaxation.

Deks Safaris & Tours ensures that every detail is managed seamlessly from road transfers in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles to inland flights that save travel time. Expert driver-guides, knowledgeable in wildlife behavior and Uganda’s cultural heritage, enrich your journey with professional insights. This safari is not just about sightseeing; it is about forging a deeper connection with Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife, and people.

With a focus on exclusivity and personalization, this 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience promises unforgettable memories and life-changing encounters, leaving travelers with a profound appreciation for one of Africa’s most captivating safari destinations.

 

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Ziwa Rhino Tracking Safari

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience Highlights

Day

Activities

Accommodations

Day 1

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check-in the Hotel Protea Hotel by Marriot Entebbe

Meal Plan: Dinner and Drinking Water

Day 2

Morning Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary, Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls, and Check-in at Entiko Safari Lodge) Entiko Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 3

Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park (Have Game Drives, Boat Cruise, Photography and Relaxation) Entiko Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 4

Morning Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Relaxation at Kyaninga Safari Lodge Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 5

Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Take A Walk in Bigodi Swamp for a Cultural Experience Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 6

Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives, Boat Cruise, and Nature Walk) Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 7

Another Day of Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park [Game Drives, Photography and Relaxation) Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 8

Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Have Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience Four Gorillas Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 9

Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a Sunset Boat Cruise and Relaxation Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Day 10

Morning Road Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip and Air Transfer to Entebbe Airport for a Flight Back Home None

 

Tour Quotation Based on Two People for a Luxury Safari

Quote without Inland Flights Quote with Inland Flights
·       Rate Per Person: US$7,748

·       Total for Two People: US$15,496

·       Rate Per Person: US$9,633

·       Total for Two People: US$19,266

 

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Uganda Safari Experience

Detailed 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Hotel Check-in

Your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours will warmly welcome you. After completing immigration and visa formalities, you will be escorted to your private transfer vehicle. The drive to your overnight accommodation is short but allows you to catch your first glimpses of Uganda’s lush vegetation, Lake Victoria, and the vibrant bustle of Entebbe town.

Upon arrival at Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, located along the shores of Lake Victoria, you will check in and relax after your international flight. The hotel provides a comfortable and elegant environment with modern amenities, offering you the perfect space to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax by the poolside, enjoy views of Lake Victoria, or take a leisurely walk-through Entebbe town.

In the evening, a detailed 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience briefing will be conducted by your guide, outlining the itinerary, expectations, and answering any questions you may have. Dinner will be served at the hotel, featuring a combination of international and local cuisines. As you enjoy your first night in Uganda, you can anticipate the remarkable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences that lie ahead.

  • Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
  • Meal Plan: Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 2: Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with Rhino Tracking and Hike to the Top of the Falls

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey northwards to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes approximately six hours, but the journey itself is full of highlights. Your first stop will be at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. Accompanied by rangers, you will approach these magnificent animals at a safe distance, learning about conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing rhinos into Uganda’s wild landscapes.

From Ziwa, you will continue your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey with a scenic lunch stop along the way before entering the park. Once inside Murchison Falls, you will drive to the top of the iconic Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge only seven meters wide, plunging into the devil’s cauldron below with immense force. The thunderous roar and misty spray create one of Africa’s most dramatic sights. You will have time to take photographs and feel the raw power of the falls before heading to your lodge.

Your evening will be spent at Entiko Safari Lodge, a property offering comfortable cottages set amidst the wilderness. You will settle in for dinner, reflecting on the day’s highlights and preparing for your first game drives the following morning.

  • Accommodation: Entiko Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 3: Full-Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park

Day three promises a full immersion into the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. After an early breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive across the Buligi plains. These savannah landscapes are home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hartebeest, and an array of antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are often spotted in the early morning hours, making this game drive particularly rewarding for photography enthusiasts.

After returning to the lodge for a brief rest and lunch, your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience continues with an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River. This two-hour journey takes you upstream toward the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you will spot hippos wallowing in pods, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and elephants cooling off in the water. The riverbanks also host a wealth of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork, kingfishers, and fish eagles.

Upon reaching the base of the falls, you will marvel at the powerful torrent crashing into the river below, offering a new perspective of the same falls you viewed from above. After the boat cruise, you may enjoy an evening game drive, giving you another chance to witness nocturnal wildlife beginning to stir. As the sun sets, the savannah landscapes glow with golden hues, creating a magical end to the day.

  • Accommodation: Entiko Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Relaxation at Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Today’s journey takes you from the savannahs of Murchison to the lush tropical landscapes of Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “primate capital of the world.” After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural homesteads. The journey itself offers an authentic glimpse into Uganda’s countryside life.

Upon arrival in Fort Portal, a picturesque town framed by the Rwenzori Mountains, you will continue to Kyaninga Safari Lodge, your home for the next two nights. This luxury lodge is perched on the rim of an extinct volcanic crater lake, offering spectacular views of both the lake and the surrounding forests. Its architecture, crafted from hand-carved logs, blends seamlessly with the natural environment.

The afternoon is reserved for relaxation after your long journey. You may choose to take a guided walk around the crater lake, enjoy a swim in the lodge’s pool, or simply sit back on your private balcony with panoramic views of the countryside. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, known for its fine dining experience that combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with international flair.

  • Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Your day begins early with breakfast before heading into the heart of Kibale Forest National Park for your chimpanzee tracking experience. This park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, alongside 12 other primate species including red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Accompanied by rangers, you will trek through dense forest trails, listening for the calls of the chimps. Once located, you will spend an hour observing their behavior watching them swing through the trees, groom one another, and forage for food. The 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience is both intimate and exhilarating, providing a deeper appreciation for the similarities between humans and our closest relatives.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project that supports local livelihoods. The wetland is a haven for bird species such as the Great Blue Turaco and also shelters primates including black-and-white colobus monkeys. A guided walk through the swamp offers not only wildlife encounters but also cultural exchanges, as you will meet local residents who share insights into their traditions and daily life.

You will return to Kyaninga Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the tranquility of Uganda’s crater lakes region.

  • Accommodation: Kyaninga Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 6: Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse ecosystem renowned for its wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. On arrival, you will check in at Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge, both offering comfort and close proximity to the park.

The day begins with a game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where large herds of Uganda kob graze alongside buffalo and elephants. This area is also known for its predator population, with lions and leopards often sighted. After your game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is one of Uganda’s most rewarding experiences, as it provides up-close encounters with large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the shores. The birdlife is equally impressive, with species such as saddle-billed storks, pink-backed pelicans, and African skimmers.

To conclude the day, you may take a guided nature walk, allowing you to experience the park’s biodiversity at a slower pace. The evening will be spent at your lodge, enjoying dinner under the African night sky.

  • Accommodation: Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Uganda Wildlife Tours

Day 7: Another Day of Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This second day in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a deeper exploration of its varied habitats. After an early breakfast, you will embark on another game drive, this time focusing on the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are often seen lounging on the branches of fig trees. Alongside lions, the Ishasha plains host topis, buffaloes, elephants, and countless bird species.

After enjoying a picnic lunch in the wild, you will continue exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture both landscapes and wildlife in their natural settings. In the afternoon, you may choose between another Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a cultural village visit, or relaxing at your lodge.

By offering flexibility, Deks Safaris ensures that your personal interests are prioritized, whether that means maximizing wildlife encounters, engaging with local communities, or simply unwinding amidst nature. Dinner and overnight will once again be at Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge, allowing you to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

  • Accommodation: Elephant Safari Lodge or Elephant Hub Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 8: Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience

On this day, your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey takes you deeper into the southwestern region of Uganda, where the landscape transforms into dramatic highlands and dense rainforests. After breakfast, you will depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The scenic drive meanders through terraced hillsides, small towns, and tea plantations, giving you a glimpse of rural Ugandan life. As the vehicle climbs higher into the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” the terrain becomes more mountainous and lusher.

Upon arrival at Four Gorillas Lodge, nestled close to the park’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sector, you will check in and have lunch. The lodge’s serene environment and panoramic forest views provide the perfect setting for relaxation before the afternoon’s cultural activity.

In the afternoon, you will embark on an enriching Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa, also known as the pygmies, were the original forest inhabitants who lived as hunters and gatherers before being relocated when Bwindi became a protected park. Through storytelling, music, dance, and demonstrations of traditional forest survival skills, you will gain insight into their unique heritage and way of life. This visit not only preserves their culture but also supports their livelihoods.

As the day closes, you will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, reflecting on the day’s blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. The anticipation builds for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

  • Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

 

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Afternoon Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Sunset Boat Cruise

Today marks the highlight of your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience – the chance to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Here, you will learn the guidelines for gorilla trekking, ensuring both your safety and the protection of these remarkable primates.

You will then set off into the dense rainforest, accompanied by guides and trackers who follow the gorillas’ movements. The trek may take between two to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is beyond words. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, the experience is awe-inspiring. Watching the gentle giants interact, play, and feed offers a humbling reminder of the deep connection between humans and wildlife. You will spend one full hour in their presence, taking photographs and soaking in the moment.

After this life-changing encounter, you will return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest before embarking on a drive to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake. Known for its scenic beauty and dotted with 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi provides a tranquil setting after the rigors of gorilla trekking. Upon arrival, you will check in at Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi.

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the lake, gliding between the islands while listening to local legends and stories from your guide. As the sun sets behind the surrounding hills, the lake reflects vibrant colors, creating a serene end to your day.

  • Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 10: Morning Road Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip and Flight to Entebbe for Departure

On the final day of your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience, you will wake up to the calm and refreshing atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi. After breakfast, you will check out and embark on a short drive to Kisoro Airstrip, where a domestic flight awaits to take you back to Entebbe International Airport. This short flight saves you a long road transfer and provides a final chance to enjoy aerial views of Uganda’s dramatic landscapes, from rolling hills to sparkling crater lakes.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will either connect with your international flight home or spend time exploring depending on your schedule. If time allows, optional activities in Entebbe include a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the Botanical Gardens, or a craft market for last-minute souvenirs.

As you prepare for departure, you will reflect on the extraordinary journey you have just completed. From the thunderous roar of Murchison Falls and thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park to intimate encounters with chimpanzees in Kibale and the unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi, this safari has been a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With the professional care of Deks Safaris & Tours, every detail of your 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey has been managed seamlessly, leaving you with nothing but cherished memories.

  • Accommodation: None (End of Safari)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water

 

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

 

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport
  • Visa fees for Uganda (East Africa Tourist Visa recommended if combining Kenya/Rwanda)
  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended for medical, evacuation, and cancellation cover)
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary (e.g., extra cultural visits, Entebbe excursions)
  • Drinks other than bottled drinking water (soft drinks, alcohol, juices)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
  • Laundry services (unless provided complimentary at lodges)
  • Souvenirs, personal purchases, and additional services not specified in the itinerary

 

10 Days Uganda Safari Experience Conclusion

The 10 Days Uganda Safari Experience by Deks Safaris & Tours offers a seamless balance of adventure, cultural discovery, and relaxation. It has been thoughtfully designed to showcase Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters, from rhino tracking and chimpanzee trekking to the unforgettable gorilla experience in Bwindi. Combined with immersive cultural exchanges and tranquil moments at Lake Bunyonyi, this itinerary ensures that travelers experience Uganda in all its diversity.

With every logistical detail carefully handled luxury lodges, private transportation, experienced guides, and all key permits included you are free to immerse yourself fully in the journey. By the time you board your return flight, you will carry with you not just photographs, but profound memories of Uganda’s wilderness and warmth of its people. This safari is more than a holiday; it is a life-enriching adventure.