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10 daysCombined SafariModerate
10-Day Best of Uganda
Our flagship itinerary: the Nile, the chimps, the gorillas, and the savannah — Uganda end to end in one trip.
Visiting Murchison Falls NP · Kibale Forest NP · Queen Elizabeth NP · Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Overview
Ten days is the magic number for Uganda. You get the full Nile experience at Murchison, the chimps at Kibale, the savannah and lions at Queen Elizabeth, and the gorillas at Bwindi — without rushing any of it. We start north because Murchison is the easiest day's drive from Kampala, and we end at Lake Bunyonyi to decompress before flying home.
Where you’ll go
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kampala → Murchison Falls
Drive north via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino walk. Afternoon arrival at Murchison.
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Murchison south bank lodge
- 2
Murchison: game drive + Nile cruise
Dawn game drive on the northern bank (lions, elephants, Rothschild giraffe). Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 1
- 3
Murchison → Kibale Forest
Long but scenic drive south to Fort Portal.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Kibale-area lodge
- 4
Chimp tracking + crater lakes
Morning chimp tracking in Kibale. Afternoon walk through the Bigodi wetland (birds, monkeys).
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 3
- 5
Kibale → Queen Elizabeth
Drive south via the crater lake field. Evening game drive en route.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Mweya Peninsula or Kasenyi
- 6
QENP: cruise + Kasenyi drive
Morning game drive. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 5
- 7
QENP → Bwindi via Ishasha
Tree-climbing lion search in Ishasha en route south. Evening trek briefing at the lodge.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Lodge near Bwindi
- 8
Gorilla trek
Full-day trek. One hour with the gorilla family.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same as Day 7
- 9
Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi
Short drive to the lake. Afternoon canoe or rest.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Bunyonyi lakeside lodge
- 10
Bunyonyi → Kampala or Kigali
Transfer to your departure airport.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Like the shape of this trip?
We can run it as-is or tailor it. Tell us your dates and we'll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
What’s included
- Gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhino tracking fees
- All park entry fees
- Murchison + Kazinga boat cruises
- Private 4x4 with fuel and driver-guide
- All accommodation
- All meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance (required)
- Porters
- Tips
- Bar drinks
Best time to visit
- Jun–Sep
- Dec–Feb
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate. The trip is mostly vehicle-based with two physical days (chimps, gorillas). Reasonable walking fitness is plenty.
Want to swap a lodge or extend a day?
Almost every trip we run is adjusted in some way. Tell us what you’re thinking — no commitment yet.
How booking works
- 1
Free quote, no deposit
Send us your dates and group size. We come back within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a quote.
- 2
We hold your permit
Once you’re ready, we secure your UWA gorilla permit in your name before collecting a deposit. No optimistic dates.
- 3
30% deposit, 70% on arrival
A 30% deposit confirms the trip. The balance is due 30 days before departure (or on arrival for last-minute bookings).
- 4
Free changes up to 30 days out
Cancel or reschedule for free up to 30 days before departure. Inside that window, permit fees are non-refundable but we’ll work with you on the rest.
What guests say
“We did Murchison, Kibale, QENP, and Bwindi in ten days with two kids and a grandmother. They built the itinerary around all of us. The chimps were the surprise hit.”
The Okonkwo family
Lagos, Nigeria
10-Day Best of Uganda
Frequently asked
See all FAQs →How fit do I need to be to trek gorillas?
Reasonably fit. The trek is 2–8 hours through hilly, often muddy forest at 1,500–2,500m altitude. We pair you with a gorilla family that suits your fitness — easier families live closer to the trailhead, harder ones deeper in. Hiring a porter ($20) is highly recommended.
How long does a trek take?
Anywhere from 1 to 7 hours of walking, plus exactly one hour with the gorilla family once they’re found. Most travellers are back at the lodge by mid-afternoon. The trackers radio your guide as soon as they’ve located the family.
What if it rains?
You trek anyway — it’s a rainforest, the rain is the point. Light showers are normal. We supply gardening gloves, and a good rain jacket and hiking boots are on the pack list. Gorillas don’t care about the weather.
What is the best time to go?
Drier months are June–September and December–February. Trails are firmer, but permits sell out 4–6 months ahead. The green season (March–May, October–November) is lush, quieter, and lodges are softer on price — sightings are equally common.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be 15 or older. There’s no upper limit — we regularly trek with travellers in their 70s.
What should I pack?
Sturdy waterproof boots (broken in), long trousers, a rain jacket, a daypack, gardening gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, and 2L of water. We send a complete pack list when you book — and you can rent gloves and gaiters at the trailhead if you forget.
Are there health requirements?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must show the certificate at the park gate. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. You cannot trek if you’re visibly unwell — bring a backup day if you’re flying in tight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Permits are non-refundable once issued by UWA — that’s our cost, not a markup. Lodges and transport components are refundable up to 60 days out, partially refundable up to 30 days. Trip insurance with cancellation cover is required.
UWA-licensed
Tour operator
AUTO member
Assoc. of Uganda Tour Operators
Permits in your name
Held before any deposit
Local Ugandan team
Guides, drivers, cooks
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The fine print
- Rates are per person in USD, based on twin/double sharing. Single supplements are quoted on request.
- Gorilla permits are subject to UWA availability — peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) books out 4–6 months ahead. We confirm availability before any deposit.
- Itineraries may be adjusted by the operator due to weather, road conditions, or wildlife movement. Any change is discussed with you first.
- Travel insurance is mandatory. We can recommend providers but do not sell policies.