Safari Overview
This 10-Day Uganda Adventure Safari is the ultimate loop through Uganda’s superstar parks and experiences. Start and finish in Entebbe while you track rhinos on foot at Ziwa, chase cascading waterfalls at Murchison Falls, watch chimps gossip in the canopy at Kibale, search for tree‑climbing lions in Ishasha, float past hippos on the Kazinga Channel, and share the forest with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Expect varied terrain — from Nile Delta wetlands to crater lakes and tea plantations — full days of discovery, and small surprises that make travel memorable. This itinerary is perfect for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers who want the complete Ugandan wilderness experience.
Safari Highlights
🦏 Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – On foot with armed rangers
🦁 Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks – Classic African savannah wildlife
🌊 Boat cruises on the Nile, Kazinga Channel and Lake Victoria
🐒 Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest – Over 90% success rate
🦍 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
⚡ Adrenaline option: White-water rafting in Jinja – Grade 5 rapids on the Nile
👣 Cultural immersion: Batwa community visits and local encounters
2026/2027 Updated Permit & Activity Prices (Uganda Wildlife Authority)
| Permit / Activity | Foreign Non-Residents | Foreign Residents | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (High Season) | $800 | $700 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (Low Season — Apr, May, Nov 2026 & 2027) | $600 | $500 | — |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga) | $1,800 | $1,600 | UGX 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — 2026 standard | $250 | $200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — 2027 standard | $300 | $250 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — Low Season Apr, May, Nov | $200 | $150 | — |
| Murchison Falls Park Entry (per day) | $45 | $35 | UGX 25,000 |
| Queen Elizabeth Park Entry (per day) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Kibale Forest Park Entry (per day) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Ziwa Rhino Tracking | $60 | $50 | — |
| Murchison Falls Boat Cruise | $38 | $38 | UGX 30,000 |
| Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Jinja White-Water Rafting (Full-Day Grade 5) | $125 – $170 | — | — |
Important 2026/2027 UWA Updates:
Low-season discount: Gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents** and chimpanzee permits to **$200 during April, May, and November 2026 and 2027.
Full payment at booking: From March 1, 2026, UWA suspended the 7-day provisional holding window — all permits now require full payment at the time of booking.
2027 tariff confirmed: The standard gorilla permit remains at $800 for foreign non-residents** from January 1, 2027. However, Kibale chimpanzee permits will increase to **$300 for standard tracking and $400 for habituation experiences.
No rescheduling of low-season permits: Discounted permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances.
10 Days Uganda Safari Cost
| Category | Price Per Person | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3,600 – $3,950 | Basic lodges, transport, gorilla & chimp permits |
| Mid-range | $5,400 – $6,000 | Comfortable lodges, private 4×4 vehicle, permits |
| Luxury | $8,000 – $10,000+ | High-end lodges, gourmet dining, private transfers |
💡 Prices include: Gorilla permit ($800), chimpanzee permit ($250 in 2026 / $300 in 2027), park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, transport, game drives, and boat cruises.
❌ Excludes: International flights, visas, tips, drinks, and personal expenses. Optional activities such as Jinja white-water rafting ($125–$170), Batwa cultural visit ($80–$100), and gorilla habituation experience ($1,800) are also excluded.
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda. After immigration and baggage, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel for a relaxed safari briefing. Use this evening to stretch, check batteries, and politely remind your camera who’s boss.
Afternoon: Light orientation and welcome drink.
Tip: Keep an eye on your passport and printed permits — they’ll become your VIP pass to adventure.
Accommodation:
Budget: Airport Guest House / African Roots Guest House
Mid-range: Boma Guest House / Lake Victoria Serena (standard)
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena (deluxe) / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Early departure north. Scenic stops en route include Ugandan roadside theatre: endless green hills and courteous boda-boda drivers. Pause for rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where the endangered white rhino roams — more than 40 white rhinos now live freely within the 7,000-hectare sanctuary. Tracking is done on foot with armed ranger guides and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Continue to your lodge near the park.
Drive time: 5–7 hours with comfort breaks.
Evening: Dinner with sunset views; stargazing optional but highly recommended.
Accommodation:
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp / Fort Murchison (tented)
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise & Hike to the Falls Top
Morning game drive across Murchison’s open savannah — expect elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and predators if luck is smiling. The park is named after an explosive 43-metre-high waterfall created where the Nile erupts through a crack in the Rift Valley escarpment.
Afternoon boat cruise upriver brings you close to hippos and crocodiles ($38 per person), then stretch your legs on the short but rewarding hike to the top of Murchison Falls to see where the Nile squeezes through the gorge.
Must-bring: Binoculars and a sense of awe.
Fun note: The falls will roar louder than your shower playlist.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Kibale National Park
This is the travel day with scenery that deserves a slow clap. Drive through tea plantations, rolling hills, and small towns, arriving in the Kibale region in the evening. Prepare for early starts and canopy ambassadors the next day — chimpanzees.
Drive time: 6–7 hours with photo stops.
Evening: Briefing for chimp tracking and Bigodi wetland walk.
Accommodation:
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Lodge
Luxury: Ndali Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Rise with bird song, then head into Kibale for chimp tracking. Kibale National Park is home to around 1,000 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, including the Uganda mangabey — a monkey unique to Uganda. The park boasts a success rate of over 90% due to its well-habituated groups. Groups are capped at six people per chimpanzee family, and you spend one hour with the chimps once located.
In the afternoon, enjoy the Bigodi Wetland Walk — a community-managed eco-tourism project — to see forest birds, butterflies, and local swamp life.
Trek length: 2–4 hours, depending on chimp movement.
Insider: Guides help interpret chimp social drama — it’s soap opera level entertaining.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes region. On arrival, enjoy an evening game drive in Kasenyi plains where the landscape does a convincing impersonation of classic African savannah. Watch for lions, leopards, and herds of elephant. Queen Elizabeth is possibly the most biodiverse national park anywhere in East Africa.
Drive time: 3–4 hours.
Tip: Pack a warm layer for early morning and evening game drives.
Accommodation:
Budget: Simba Safari Camp / Pumba Cottages
Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge
Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Morning game drive through Kasenyi with great predator and plains game opportunities. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel ($30 per person) is a wildlife parade — hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes drinking at the waterline, and birds in every imaginable colour. The channel has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
Highlight: Sunset on the Kazinga Channel is a photographer’s checklist ticked.
Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha — Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive to Bwindi with a stop in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to search for tree-climbing lions — yes, lions that like a good vantage point in candelabra trees. The road winds and the scenery shifts from savannah to dense forest as you approach Bwindi. Overnight near the park, ready for gorilla day.
Drive time: 5–7 hours with game stops.
Note: Ishasha sightings aren’t guaranteed, but are spectacular when they happen.
Accommodation:
Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp / Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Engagi Lodge / Silverback Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Bwindi Lodge
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
The crown jewel. After an early briefing at the ranger station, trackers lead you into Bwindi’s rainforest to find your assigned habituated gorilla family. When the moment comes and you’re within the regulated viewing distance, you’ll spend up to one hour watching gorilla life unfold: feeding, nudging young ones, dramatic stares, and unexpected tenderness.
A maximum of 8 people are allowed per gorilla family per day, and the minimum age is 15 years old — strictly enforced by UWA rangers. Optional Batwa cultural visit after the trek for context on forest stewardship.
Trek time: 2–6+ hours depending on gorilla location.
Etiquette reminder: No flash photography, maintain 7-metre distance from gorillas, and follow ranger instructions.
Emotional note: You may laugh, cry, and smile all in one hour — it’s normal.
Accommodation: Same as Day 8
Day 10: Return to Entebbe
Drive back to Entebbe with lunch en route. Reflect on ten days of diverse ecosystems, wildlife highlights, and local encounters. Drop at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, or transfer to your hotel if you’re extending your stay.
Optional Jinja stop: If you have time and energy, detour to Jinja — the adventure capital of East Africa — for white-water rafting on the Nile (Grade 5, $125–$170 per person). Full-day trips cover approximately 21 kilometres of river with Grade 4 and Grade 5 rapids. Minimum age for Grade 5 rafting is 16 years.
Drive time: 7–8 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Final tip: Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs and one or two memories that won’t fit in your camera.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ Includes:
Gorilla trekking permit ($800 for foreign non-residents)
Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale — $250 in 2026 / $300 in 2027)
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking fee ($60)
Park entrance fees (Murchison Falls — $45/day; Queen Elizabeth — $40/day)
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
Bottled drinking water throughout
Nile boat cruise ($38) and Kazinga Channel boat cruise ($30)
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
Free branded rain jacket per traveller
❌ Excludes:
International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities (Jinja white-water rafting, Batwa cultural visit, gorilla habituation experience)
Drinks other than bottled water
Best Time to Go on This Uganda Safari
The best time for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer firmer trails, clearer views, and better wildlife spotting.
The low seasons of April, May, and November bring lower lodge rates, thinner crowds, and discounted permits — gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents** and chimpanzee permits to **$200 during these months. However, trails can be muddy and some roads may be challenging. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, so book with confidence once your dates are confirmed.
Pro tip: If your travel dates are flexible, booking a low-season safari can save you over $200 per person on gorilla permits alone.
Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Uganda has simplified entry for many travellers in 2026:
Visa-free entry: Uganda now offers visa-free entry for nationals of approximately 40 countries for stays of up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes.
Single-entry tourist visa: For those who require a visa, the standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and can be applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug[reference:7].
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV): The joint EATV costs $100 and permits multi-entry travel across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya over a 90-day period — ideal if you’re combining multiple East African destinations.
Yellow fever vaccination: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Uganda gorilla permit cost in 2026?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person** for foreign non-residents during high season, and **$600 during the low-season months of April, May, and November. Foreign residents pay $700 (high season) or $500 (low season).
How much does a chimpanzee permit cost in Kibale?
In 2026, a Kibale chimpanzee tracking permit costs $250 for foreign non-residents**. From January 1, 2027, this increases to **$300 for standard tracking and **$400** for habituation experiences. During the low seasons (April, May, November), permits drop to $200.
How long is the gorilla trekking experience?
Treks vary from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight. You get exactly one hour with the gorillas once found.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is 15 years old, strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers at the briefing. No exceptions are made in 2026–2027. For white-water rafting, the minimum age is 16 years for Grade 5 rapids and 8 years for Grade 3 family floats.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Moderately challenging (2–6 hours hike, sometimes longer). A reasonable fitness level is recommended. Porters are available at the trailhead for $15–$20 and are highly recommended — they carry your bag and assist on slippery slopes. Seniors aged 70+ can trek with a porter and a free walking stick.
Can I combine chimpanzee tracking with gorilla trekking?
Yes — this 10-day safari is specifically designed to combine both experiences, along with rhino tracking and wildlife game drives.
What should I pack for this safari?
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gaiters for Bwindi, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a rain jacket, warm fleece for mornings, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a refillable water bottle. Avoid dark blue and black clothing, as these colours attract tsetse flies.
Are the permits refundable or transferable?
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Photography Tips for Your Uganda Safari
Zoom lens: A 200mm+ telephoto lens is essential for gorilla and chimpanzee photography without disturbing the animals.
No flash: Flash photography is strictly prohibited during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Extra batteries and memory cards: Power supply at remote lodges can be limited — bring spare batteries and a portable charger.
Waterproof cover: Bwindi and Kibale are rainforests — a waterproof camera cover is essential.
Golden hour: Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best light for wildlife photography.
Kazinga Channel: A sunset cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a photographer’s dream — hippos, birds, and buffalo at the waterline.
Safety & Health Tips
Yellow fever vaccination: Required for entry into Uganda.
Malaria prophylaxis: Recommended for all travellers visiting Uganda’s national parks.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation is essential — permits are non-refundable.
Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Roads: Some roads in national parks and rural areas can be bumpy and dusty. If your sense of humour is travel-tuned, you’ll do fine.
Cash: Bring sufficient local currency (USD or UGX) for tips and small purchases in rural areas; ATMs are rare near parks.
Why Choose This 10-Day Uganda Safari?
Comprehensive experience: Combines rhino tracking, chimpanzee trekking, Big Five wildlife safaris, and gorilla trekking in one epic journey
Seven top destinations: Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, Bwindi, and optional Jinja
Flexible accommodation: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available at every stop
Expert guides: English-speaking driver-guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife, ecosystems, and culture
Conservation impact: Your permit fees directly support gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhino conservation efforts across Uganda
Free branded rain jacket: Every traveller receives a complimentary branded rain jacket
Perfect for adventure seekers: Combines classic safari wildlife with adrenaline activities like white-water rafting
Practical Notes and Packing Reminders
Daily rhythm: Expect early mornings, full days, and evenings for photo review and storytelling.
Clothing: Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, warm fleece for mornings, and long sleeves for forest protection. Neutral colours (khaki, green, beige) are best — avoid dark blue and black.
Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support; gaiters useful in Bwindi.
Health: Bring malaria prophylaxis, required vaccinations, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Cash and connectivity: Bring sufficient local currency; network coverage will be intermittent.
Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles, respect wildlife rules, and favour operators who support conservation.
✅ Why Book With Us
Licensed & Accredited: Registered with Uganda Tourism Board.
Eco-Conscious: Lodges and activities support conservation and local communities.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs — permits included.
Expert Guides: English-speaking driver-guides with years of Uganda safari experience.
📌 Booking Instructions
Confirm Availability: Contact us for permit and lodge availability — permits sell out months in advance during peak season.
Secure Your Spot: Full payment is now required to secure permits, as the Uganda Wildlife Authority no longer holds reservations without payment (effective March 1, 2026).
Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure a valid passport, visa, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Pack Smart: Hiking boots, rain jacket, insect repellent, and binoculars recommended. We offer a free branded rain jacket per traveller.
Final Payment: Balance due before arrival.
Ready to Book Your 10-Day Uganda Adventure Safari?
Contact us today to check availability, secure your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and customise this 10-day Uganda adventure safari to your travel dates and budget. Permits sell out months in advance during peak season, so early booking is essential. Full payment is now required to secure permits, as UWA no longer holds reservations without payment.
Book your 2026/2027 Uganda gorilla safari now and experience the adventure of a lifetime — from the thunder of Murchison Falls to the silent majesty of Bwindi’s mountain gorillas, with optional white-water rafting on the Nile for the ultimate adrenaline fix.
