Best 7-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary (Gorillas + Wildlife)
June 7, 2025
14-Day Uganda Grand Tour: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five
June 8, 2025
10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary for First-Timers
Embark on the ultimate 10-day Uganda safari, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This private and customizable itinerary takes you through Uganda’s top national parks, including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Lake Mburo. Highlights include rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and serene nature walks in Lake Mburo. You’ll also enjoy a thrilling boat safari along the Nile and a hike to the top of the powerful Murchison Falls. Ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this itinerary is available year-round and tailored to suit individual travel styles. Please note: gorilla trekking is restricted to travelers aged 15 and above.
Highlights For 10-Day Safari for First-Timers
- Day #1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe
- Day #2: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise, and hike to the top of the falls.
- Day #3: Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day #4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest an evening nature walk in Bigodi wetland
- Day #5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and have an evening game drive.
- Day #6: Morning game drive in Kasenyi trails and Evening boat cruise on the Kazinga channel
- Day #7: Another morning game drive in the Ishasha Sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day #8: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day #9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and have an evening game drive
- Day #10: Morning nature walking safari and transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport.
Detailed Itinerary for 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary for First-Timers
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park with Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your 10-Day Safari for First-Timers kicks off with a morning pick-up from your residence or lodge in Kampala by your professional guide. You’ll begin your journey northward, driving approximately 2–3 hours to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Upon arrival, embark on an exciting rhino tracking experience on foot, which typically lasts around 2 hours and offers a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.
After the trek, continue your journey with a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping for lunch along the way. You’ll enter the park in the late afternoon and enjoy a short game drive en route to your lodge, where you’ll check in, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 2: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls
Start your day 2 of 10-Day Safari for First-Timers with an early breakfast, then head out for a thrilling morning game drive through the savannah landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. This guided drive offers excellent opportunities to spot iconic African wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and baboons, along with an array of bird species.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and a short break. In the afternoon, set off for a boat cruise along the Nile River toward the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. This scenic launch trip is a highlight of the park, providing close-up views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and a rich variety of water birds such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, and fish eagles.
At the bottom of the falls, disembark and begin a guided hike to the top of the falls—a one-hour climb offering dramatic views and excellent photo opportunities of the thunderous cascade as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.
At the top, your driver-guide will be waiting to transfer you back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast at your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, begin your scenic journey southward to Kibale Forest National Park, one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. The drive spans approximately 346 kilometers and takes about 6–7 hours, passing through picturesque countryside, traditional villages, and vibrant roadside markets along the Kyenjojo–Hoima route.
Upon arrival in the late afternoon or early evening, your guide will ensure you check in to your pre-booked lodge nestled near the lush Kibale Forest. Take time to refresh, relax, and enjoy the serene rainforest atmosphere. Later, savor a warm dinner before settling in for the night, preparing for the next day’s exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Primate Lodge / Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guest House
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest an evening nature walk in Bigodi wetland
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
After breakfast at your lodge, gear up for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park—one of the best destinations in Africa for primate encounters. You’ll start your day with a briefing from the park rangers, who will guide you on trekking etiquette and safety before you head into the dense rainforest.
Led by experienced trackers, you’ll follow trails through the jungle in search of a habituated chimpanzee group. Once located, you’ll spend up to one unforgettable hour observing the chimps in their natural habitat—watching them groom, feed, and play among the trees.
After this memorable experience, return to your lodge for a hot lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for a short drive to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just 5 minutes from the park. This community-run nature reserve is teeming with life, including a variety of primates like red colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys, as well as an impressive list of bird species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, and Superb Sunbird.
Wrap up your day by returning to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening in the rainforest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Primate Lodge / Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Guest House
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge in Kibale Forest National Park, begin your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The 3–4 hour journey takes you through beautiful countryside dotted with tea plantations, rolling hills, and stunning crater lakes.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later in the afternoon, head out on an exciting evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This is a prime area for spotting a variety of wildlife including African elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and warthogs, as well as bird species such as Kingfishers, African hoopoes, and raptors.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a restful night in the heart of the savannah.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge
Day 6: Morning game drive in Kasenyi trails and Evening boat cruise on the Kazinga channel
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its rich wildlife density, and you’re likely to encounter elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, topis, lions, and an impressive variety of bird species. The drive lasts approximately 4 hours, so be sure to bring drinking water, binoculars, and a camera to capture the highlights.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is teeming with wildlife and offers excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless water birds such as African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers. After the boat safari, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive to the Ishasha Sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Spend about 4 hours on a game drive through this remote and scenic region, also home to buffaloes, topis, elephants, and a wide range of birdlife.
Stop for lunch in the Ishasha area before continuing your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the renowned home of Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, check in at your lodge, freshen up, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. During this session, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families, with a maximum of eight trekkers per group. Group allocation is based on your fitness level, as the trek can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable park ranger, you’ll venture into the dense jungle in search of these magnificent primates. Once the gorillas are located, you’ll be allowed up to one hour in their presence, observing their social behavior and capturing this once-in-a-lifetime moment through photography. After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate before heading back to your lodge for well-earned relaxation and dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Game Drive
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing Bwindi for Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest but most diverse parks. The scenic drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, with an optional stop for lunch along the way or upon arrival.
In the late afternoon, head out for an evening game drive across the savannah landscape. Lake Mburo offers excellent sightings of zebras, impalas, elands, waterbucks, topis, oribis, and buffaloes, among others. The park also boasts rich birdlife, with species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Rufous-bellied Heron, Coqui Francolin, and the majestic Bateleur eagle. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge / Mburo Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Arcadia Cottages
Budget: Eagles Nest Camp
Day 10: Morning Nature Walk & Return to Kampala or Entebbe
On your final day of 10-Day Safari for First-Timers, enjoy a guided nature walk through Lake Mburo National Park. Unique among Uganda’s national parks, Lake Mburo allows visitors to explore on foot, thanks to the absence of large carnivores. This walk provides a rare opportunity to get up close to wildlife and appreciate the subtleties of the park’s flora and fauna.
After the walk, return to the lodge for lunch and begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside and local communities. Your guide will drop you off either at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport in time for your evening flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary for First-Timers
Safari Inclusions
- Park entrance fees and taxes
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit
- Activity fees as indicated
- Accommodation & meals as indicated
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- A professional English speaking knowledgeable driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water on board
Safari Exclusions
- International flights & Visas
- Tips
- Drinks
- Any changes to the itinerary
- Laundry
