10 Days Uganda Big Game Drives, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Welcome to Uganda

Your 10 Days Uganda Big Game Drives, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by a Samz Tours Uganda representative. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight accommodation. Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is Uganda’s main gateway and a bustling city with a serene lakeside atmosphere, perfect for your first night in the country.

Relax and Unwind

After a long flight, take the opportunity to relax and unwind at the hotel. You can enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake, have a nice dinner, and rest to prepare for the exciting days ahead. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the surrounding area or visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which offers a peaceful escape with an array of flora and fauna.

Scenic Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 2, you’ll begin your 10 Days Uganda Safari journey with a scenic road transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey will take about 5-6 hours, providing an opportunity to experience Uganda’s rural landscapes, traditional villages, and vast agricultural land. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Before reaching Murchison Falls, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a dedicated effort to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda after they were wiped out by poaching. At the sanctuary, you’ll take a guided rhino tracking walk. This is a rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot and get up-close to these magnificent creatures, learning about the conservation efforts to protect them.

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

Next, you’ll head to the top of Murchison Falls for an exciting hike. The falls are one of the most iconic natural attractions in Uganda, where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a dramatic drop of 43 meters. The hike to the top of the falls takes about 1 hour and offers breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape, making it an excellent photo opportunity.

Evening Game Drive

In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on your first game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and hippos. Your experienced 10 Days Uganda Safari guide will take you through the park’s varied landscapes, helping you spot the incredible wildlife that thrives here. The park also has a number of bird species, including the African fish eagle, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Morning Game Drive

Start your day early with a morning game drive. The early hours are the best time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas as they are more active at dawn. In addition to the predators, you will also encounter large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. The park’s open savannah and forested areas provide ample opportunities for sightings, and your guide will point out animals and birds that you might otherwise miss.

Boat Cruise on the Nile River

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The cruise offers an entirely different perspective of the park, taking you close to the Murchison Falls and through the Nile Delta. Along the way, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including kingfishers, egrets, and African fish eagles. The boat cruise is a relaxing and rewarding way to experience the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park and its wildlife.

Evening Relaxation

After a full day of wildlife exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, enjoy a drink, or take in the surrounding natural beauty, the evening offers a perfect time to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

On Day 4 of 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll leave Murchison Falls behind and drive to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The drive will take around 6-7 hours, and along the way, you’ll witness Uganda’s changing landscapes, from savannah plains to tropical forests. Kibale is famous for being one of the best places in the world to track chimpanzees.

Bigodi Swamp Walk

After arriving at Kibale Forest, you’ll take an afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk. This nature walk takes you through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a rich biodiversity hotspot. The swamp is home to a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. With the help of an experienced guide, you’ll learn about the ecosystem and the importance of wetland conservation. Birdwatchers will delight in the numerous species, including the rare blue turaco.

Morning Chimpanzee Tracking

Day 5 is dedicated to one of the highlights of the safari: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, one of the best places in the world to see these fascinating primates. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and tracking them through the dense forest is an exciting and educational experience. Your 10 Days Uganda Safari guide will lead you through the forest as you search for chimpanzee troops, and once you find them, you’ll have an hour to observe their social interactions, behaviors, and daily activities.

Evening Relaxation

After your chimpanzee tracking experience, you’ll return to your lodge for some relaxation. Kibale Forest is an ideal place to unwind in nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps listening to the sounds of birds and primates in the trees, before preparing for the next day’s journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

On Day 6 of 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive from Kibale to Bwindi will take approximately 5-6 hours, passing through the scenic Rift Valley and lush highlands. The rugged terrain gives way to dense forest as you approach Bwindi, and the excitement builds as you get closer to the gorilla trekking experience.

Batwa Cultural Experience

Upon arrival in Bwindi, you’ll enjoy an afternoon Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa people, also known as the “Pygmies,” were the original inhabitants of the forest before being displaced to create national parks. During this cultural experience, you’ll learn about the Batwa’s traditional way of life, including their hunting and gathering practices, their dances, and their deep connection to the forest. This cultural experience adds a unique and meaningful layer to your safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 7 is one of the most anticipated moments of your safari – mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the last populations of endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can take from 1 to 5 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. The forest can be dense, but the reward of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is priceless.

After your trek, you’ll have a chance to relax and reflect on your time spent with the gorillas. Bwindi is a magical place, and your experience with these incredible animals will stay with you long after your safari ends.

Evening Relaxation

Return to your lodge for a restful evening, enjoying the tranquil environment of Bwindi. You’ll have time to reflect on your unforgettable gorilla encounter and relax before heading to your next destination.

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

On Day 8 of 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll leave Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park, a scenic drive of about 5-6 hours. Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s smaller national parks but offers a great diversity of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, topis, and buffaloes. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and experience Uganda’s natural beauty in a more intimate setting.

Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Cycling

Once you arrive in Lake Mburo, you’ll enjoy an evening game drive to spot the park’s wildlife. The park is unique in that it allows nature walks and cycling safaris, providing an exciting way to explore the park. With the guidance of an experienced ranger, you can embark on a nature walk or a cycling safari, getting even closer to the wildlife and the park’s pristine landscapes.

Morning Activities in Lake Mburo

On Day 9 of 10 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll enjoy another game drive or nature walk in the early morning hours. Lake Mburo is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, and the morning light is perfect for observing the park’s diverse wildlife, particularly its zebras and antelopes. After your morning activities, you’ll begin your road transfer back to Entebbe.

Stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Line

On the way back to Entebbe, you’ll stop at the Uganda Equator Crossing in Kayabwe. This is a famous landmark where you can stand in two hemispheres at once and take some memorable photos.

Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp

On your final day, you’ll enjoy a morning boat ride in Mabamba Swamp, located just outside Entebbe. Mabamba is one of the best places in Uganda to see the shoebill stork, an endangered bird species with a prehistoric appearance. The boat ride through the swamp is an excellent opportunity to spot the shoebills and other bird species while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Departure

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 10 Days Uganda safari, but the memories of the incredible wildlife and natural beauty you’ve experienced will stay with you forever.