Join a Group Safari in Uganda | 10-Day Gorilla & Big 5 Tour

Itinerary: 10 Days in Uganda’s Wild Places

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Shoebill search at Mabamba Swamp

Welcome to Uganda! Our guide picks you up at the airport and transfers you to Tilapia Lodge, set in a jungle garden by the shores of Lake Victoria. If time allows, we head to Mabamba Swamp for a canoe ride through papyrus channels in search of the Great Shoebill Stork, a prehistoric-looking bird and a true birding highlight.

Overnight at Tilapia Lodge

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Murchison Falls NP

We set off early for the scenic journey north. Along the way we stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to see the southern white rhinos. This is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. After lunch, we continue to the lodge near Murchison Falls NP.

Overnight at Hornbill Bush Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive, Top of the Falls & Nile Boat-Cruise

A full day of safari action! We start with a morning game drive on the savannah, spotting giraffes, elephants, lions and more. After lunch we visit the powerful Top of the Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge. Then enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to the base of the falls, seeing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife along the way.

Overnight at Hornbill Bush Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Nkuruba via Scenic Route

Today is a travel day with a scenic drive south through rural Uganda and the Rift Valley escarpment. We pass villages and lush farmland as we head toward Fort Portal. In the late afternoon we arrive at Lake Nkuruba, a peaceful crater lake nestled in the forest.

Overnight at Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve Lodge

Day 5: Lake Nkuruba Nature Walk & Boat-Cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve with a walk. Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and beautiful birds around the lake. After lunch we transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP and go for the classic boat-cruise on Kazinga Channel. Expect to see hippos, buffaloes, elephants and a rich array of birds.

Overnight at Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge & Village Walk

This morning we trek into the jungle-filled Kyambura Gorge, an oasis of forest in the savannah. Here we search for a small community of chimpanzees. After the trek, we enjoy a community walk near the lodge, meeting a local vanilla farmer and learning how cacao is grown.

Overnight at Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 7: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi

We journey south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With luck we’ll spot these big cats lounging in fig trees, along with elephants, topis and more. After our game drive and lunch, we continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Overnight at Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

A true bucket list experience! After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the misty jungle. Trekking can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once found, you spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants. In the afternoon we transfer to Topi Lodge near Ishasha.

Overnight at Topi Lodge

Day 9: Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast we drive to Lake Mburo NP, a small but lively park known for its large population of zebras, impalas, and elands. We check in at Rwakobo Rock and enjoy a game drive in the park. If lucky, we might spot leopards in the evening light.

Overnight at Rwakobo Rock

Day 10: Safari Walk & Transfer to Entebbe

Start the day with a guided safari walk for a chance to spot wildlife on foot. It’s a unique way to connect with nature and possibly spot zebra, warthog, and antelope up close. After breakfast, we begin the return journey to Entebbe. Along the way, we stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Drop-off at the airport or optional extra night in Entebbe.

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