Safari Overview
This 10-day Gorillas and Game Safari is the ultimate Ugandan adventure, meticulously designed to balance high-octane adrenaline with profound wildlife encounters. From the thundering white waters of the River Nile in Jinja to the misty sanctuary of the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, this journey captures the diverse spirit of the Pearl of Africa.
Experience the Primate Capital in Kibale, explore the volcanic craters of the Rwenzori foothills, and traverse the savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary is an intricately crafted odyssey that connects Uganda’s most iconic landscapes, including the serene Lake Mburo, providing a comprehensive immersion into Africa’s most stunning wilderness.
Safari Highlights
- Adrenaline in Jinja: Experience world-class White Water Rafting at the Source of the Nile.
- Primate Double-Header: Track wild Chimpanzees in Kibale and the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
- Cultural & Natural Wonders: Visit the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and hike ancient explosion craters.
- Savanna Safaris: Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and game drives across the Switzerland of Africa.
- Zebra Kingdom: Discover the unique acacia landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kampala
Your guide will meet you at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and transfer you to Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala, for a restful evening before the adventure begins.
- Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort) / Sapphire Hotel (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: White Water Rafting at the Source of the Nile
Travel east to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. Spend the day navigating the rapids of the Nile River, one of the world’s most thrilling rafting experiences. Return to Kampala in the evening.
- Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort) / Sapphire Hotel (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Journey to the Shadow of the Mountains of the Moon
Travel west through tea plantations and lush countryside to Fort Portal, a town nestled under the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Comfort) / Kibale Forest Camp (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Enter the Kibale Forest for an informative primate walk to find chimpanzees and 10 other monkey species. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Swamp, a true birder’s paradise famous for the Great Blue Turaco.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge / Mountains of the Moon Hotel / Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Caves, Craters, and the Tooro Kingdom
Explore the mythical Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and hike to the nearby explosion craters for breathtaking views. Visit the Tooro Palace before driving south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort) / Bush Lodge (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Savanna Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Embark on a sunrise game drive to spot lions, leopards, and elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and diverse birdlife.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp / Bush Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: The Switzerland of Africa – Transfer to Bwindi
Travel through the Kigezi Highlands, known for their dramatic terraced hills and winding roads. This scenic 4-hour drive leads you into the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: The Gorilla Trekking Adventure
The highlight of your safari: enter the Bwindi sanctuary for a life-changing encounter with Mountain Gorillas. Once found, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Zebras and Boat Rides on Lake Mburo
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, the best place in Uganda to see Zebras and Impalas. In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the lake to see hippos and crocodiles.
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (Luxury) / Mburo Safari Lodge (Comfort) / Rwakobo Rock (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Safari Walk & Return to Entebbe
Experience the wild on foot with a guided safari walk before departing for Kampala.
Travel Note: This 3-hour journey includes a mandatory stop at the Equator line for photos and souvenir shopping before your final transfer to Entebbe Airport.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is included) | Exclusions (What is NOT included) |
| Permits | 1 Gorilla Permit & Chimpanzee Tracking fees | International Airfares |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle & Expert Driver/Guide | Entry Visa for Uganda |
| Activities | Nile Rafting, Boat Cruises, & Crater Hikes | Tips and Gratuities for staff |
| Accommodation | All Nights as specified (Full Board) | Items of a personal nature (Laundry/Phone) |
| Fees | All Park Entrance and Community fees | Personal Travel/Medical Insurance |
| Refreshments | Drinking water is provided in the vehicle | Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges |
Quick Facts
- Destinations: Jinja, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi Forest, Lake Mburo.
- Top Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lions, Zebras, Hippos.
- Physical Level: Moderate (Gorilla trekking requires hiking in steep terrain).
- Best Time to Visit: December–February and June–August (Dry seasons).
- Insight: We identify this 10-day route as the most comprehensive All-in-One Uganda experience, covering water adventure, primates, and savanna wildlife.
