10 Days Uganda Wildlife Gorillas and Chimpanzees
About This 10-Day Safari
Cover Uganda’s principal western safari regions in a ten-day road journey, beginning in Murchison Falls and ending through Lake Mburo. A Nile boat excursion, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and a gorilla trek in Bwindi provide contrasting wildlife experiences. Queen Elizabeth adds game drives, the Kazinga Channel and a day with a forest and community focus. This is an active circuit with several long travel days, best suited to guests comfortable with regular changes of location.
- Murchison Falls viewpoints and a Nile boat excursion
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- Queen Elizabeth game drives and Kazinga Channel
- Maramagambo nature walk and a community visit
- Ishasha transit and Bwindi gorilla trekking
- Lake Mburo boat safari and return via the Equator
Where You Will Go
The places this safari visits, in the order you will reach them.
Uganda’s largest park, where the Victoria Nile forces through a narrow gorge and thunders over Murchison Falls.
The “primate capital of the world”, famous for chimpanzee trekking and 13 primate species.
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, elephants and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in south-western Uganda and home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Uganda’s smallest savannah park, walkable and home to zebras, giraffes, elands and buffalo.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
North to Murchison Falls
Depart Kampala early and travel to Murchison Falls with a lunch stop en route. The opening day focuses on reaching the park and visiting the upper waterfall viewpoints. From the viewing area, watch the Nile force its way through a narrow rock passage before dropping into the river below. Continue to your lodge after the visit and leave the evening free to settle in.
Murchison wildlife and riverbanks
Search the savannah on a morning game drive, moving between open grassland and woodland habitats. Giraffes and antelope may be easier to find than the park’s more elusive predators. After a lunch break, take a boat safari towards the waterfall. Observe crocodiles, hippos and waterbirds from the vessel, with the guide interpreting the river environment.
A travelling day towards Kibale
Leave Murchison Falls for the Kibale region, passing through towns and agricultural countryside. Lunch and rest stops are built into this long road section. On reaching your accommodation, check the following morning’s chimpanzee trekking arrangements. A Bigodi walk can be added to the afternoon only if the arrival schedule allows and it is specified in the booking.
Chimpanzee trekking before Queen Elizabeth
Head into Kibale for a guided chimpanzee trek after the briefing. The forest walk requires patience as the guides follow calls and tracking information to locate the group. After the permitted encounter and a lunch break, continue south towards Queen Elizabeth. Check into the lodge for dinner rather than trying to add a full evening drive to this already active day.
Kasenyi wildlife and Kazinga Channel
Take a morning drive through Queen Elizabeth’s plains to look for grazers and predators. Your guide chooses tracks suited to the day’s conditions and reports. Later, join the Kazinga Channel boat excursion for a different view of the park. Time on the water brings opportunities to observe shoreline birds and hippos without the demands of a forest walk.
Forest trails and local livelihoods
Explore a guided Maramagambo trail where current access arrangements permit. The emphasis is on forest ecology and observing smaller wildlife rather than entering caves or approaching bats. An arranged community visit introduces local livelihoods around the park. If time remains, a shorter evening game drive can complement the day’s walking and cultural programme.
Ishasha on the journey to Bwindi
Travel through the Ishasha sector on the way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A wildlife search along the route offers a chance to look for lions in trees and other savannah animals. Continue into the highlands after lunch. Arrive at the lodge serving your gorilla trekking sector and prepare for the following day’s early briefing.
Bwindi gorillas and a cultural visit
Enter Bwindi with the park ranger team to search for your allocated gorilla family. The encounter is governed by park rules, with the group observing quietly at the instructed distance. Return to your lodge after the trek and assess the remaining time and energy. A locally led Batwa visit is planned later where practical, with rescheduling discussed if the forest activity runs long.
Lake Mburo and a boat safari
Travel towards Lake Mburo through the cultivated hills of southwestern Uganda. A lunch stop breaks the drive before you reach the park region. A boat excursion is planned at the agreed departure time, subject to completing the transfer on schedule. The outing focuses on the lake’s shoreline and birdlife before you settle into your lodge.
Final wildlife drive and return
Begin with a shorter morning drive in Lake Mburo, making use of the cooler hours. Leave the park and travel towards Kampala or Entebbe. Pause at the Equator crossing for photographs and lunch before the final stretch. Choose a late onward flight or an additional overnight if you prefer a wider margin after the road journey.
Where You Will Stay
Lodges are subject to availability. If a lodge is full we replace it with one of an equal standard. For gorilla trekking, the lodge is matched to the sector of your confirmed permit.
Hornbill Safari Lodge
Isunga Lodge
Pumba Safari Cottages
Broadbill Forest Camp
Rwakobo Rock
Practical Planning
Things worth knowing before you book.
An arrival night before Day 1 is recommended and can be quoted separately.
Ziwa rhino tracking is not included in this particular ten-day schedule; adding it changes the opening day’s timing and cost.
The forest and community programme around Queen Elizabeth requires access confirmation before the itinerary is finalised.
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 10 Days Uganda Wildlife Gorillas and Chimpanzees?
The package includes Scheduled road transfers and guiding for the agreed itinerary; accommodation for the scheduled nights; meals shown in the confirmed meal plan; entry fees and scheduled core activities confirmed in the quotation; one gorilla trekking permit and one standard chimpanzee trekking permit per eligible participant, subject to confirmation and availability. It does not include international flights and any travel before or after the agreed programme; visa costs and personal travel insurance; tips, laundry, personal purchases and drinks not expressly included; optional activities, upgrades and additional nights; meals outside the confirmed meal plan; personal porter hire for the gorilla trek unless expressly included.
Do I need a gorilla permit?
Yes. Mountain gorilla trekking requires a permit and the number of permits is limited each day, so we recommend booking as early as you can, especially for the dry months of June to September and December to February. Giravex reserves your permit once your dates are confirmed.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. We will confirm exactly what applies to your passport when you book.
When is the best time to take this safari?
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Giravex itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, budget and interests. Tell us what you would like to change and a trip specialist will tailor it for you.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send a quote request or message us on WhatsApp. A trip specialist will reply with availability and a detailed quote for your group size and dates.
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