10-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari
Experience the best of Uganda with Kuku Safaris
Discover the magic of Uganda on an unforgettable 10-day safari combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five wildlife encounters and spectacular African landscapes.
From tracking white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to exploring the tropical forests of Kibale, enjoying thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this adventure showcases the very best of Uganda.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destination: Uganda
Tour Type: Private Wildlife and Primate Safari
Starting Point: Entebbe
Ending Point: Entebbe
Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury
Transport: Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
Best For: Couples, families with eligible-age children, solo travellers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Request your personalised Uganda safari quotation from Kuku Safaris.
Why Choose This 10-Day Uganda Safari?
Uganda offers something truly special for travellers seeking an authentic African wildlife adventure. Unlike traditional safari destinations that focus primarily on savannah game drives, Uganda combines tropical rainforests, mountain landscapes, wetlands, lakes and open grasslands.
This itinerary brings together some of the country’s most exciting experiences:
- Mountain gorilla trekking: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Chimpanzee tracking: Discover wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Big Five wildlife adventure: Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos across Uganda’s wildlife destinations.
- Rhino tracking: Enjoy an unforgettable guided walking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise: Observe hippos, elephants, crocodiles and waterbirds along the water.
- Tree-climbing lions: Explore the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Lake Bunyonyi relaxation: Enjoy the tranquillity of one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes.
Your 10-Day Uganda Safari at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Main Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe | Arrival and relaxation |
| 2 | Ziwa – Masindi | Rhino tracking |
| 3 | Masindi – Kibale | Scenic countryside transfer |
| 4 | Kibale Forest | Chimpanzee tracking |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth | Afternoon game drive |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth | Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise |
| 7 | Ishasha – Bwindi | Tree-climbing lion search and transfer |
| 8 | Bwindi | Mountain gorilla trekking |
| 9 | Lake Bunyonyi | Canoeing and relaxation |
| 10 | Entebbe | Return transfer and departure |
Detailed Safari Experience
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your Kuku Safaris representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Entebbe, explore the botanical gardens or relax along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Masindi
After breakfast, travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking rhino-tracking experience.
Accompanied by experienced rangers, search for southern white rhinos and learn about Uganda’s conservation efforts.
After the experience, continue to Masindi for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 3: Masindi – Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside towards Kibale Forest National Park.
Arrive at your lodge, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surrounding community.
Overnight near Kibale Forest.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Enter the tropical rainforest with experienced trackers in search of wild chimpanzees.
Observe these intelligent primates as they feed, communicate, groom and move through the forest canopy.
In the afternoon, enjoy an optional guided walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Overnight near Kibale Forest.
Day 5: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Uganda’s beautiful western landscapes.
After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes and other wildlife.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin with an early morning game drive before returning to your lodge for breakfast.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, elephants, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 7: Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Explore the Ishasha sector in search of its famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue through the scenic southwestern highlands towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive at your lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After breakfast, attend the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers.
Search for a habituated mountain gorilla family and enjoy your permitted observation time once the gorillas are located.
This is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Africa.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 9: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi after breakfast.
Enjoy spectacular views of terraced hills and the beautiful islands scattered across the lake.
Optional activities include canoeing, birdwatching, community visits and lakeside relaxation.
Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe Departure
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Entebbe.
A lunch stop can be arranged along the way, depending on your departure schedule.
You will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward international flight.
Your unforgettable Uganda safari concludes with Kuku Safaris.
Uganda Safari Accommodation Options
Choose an accommodation category that matches your travel style and budget.
1. Budget Safari Accommodation
Ideal for travellers seeking an affordable Uganda safari without missing the major wildlife experiences.
- Comfortable guesthouses and budget lodges.
- Private rooms with essential facilities.
- Convenient locations near national parks.
- Friendly local hospitality.
2. Midrange Safari Accommodation
Our recommended option for travellers looking for a balance between comfort, service and affordability.
- Comfortable safari lodges and tented camps.
- En-suite rooms.
- Scenic surroundings and good dining.
- Comfortable relaxation areas.
- Locations selected for convenient access to safari activities.
3. Luxury Safari Accommodation
Designed for travellers seeking premium hospitality and exclusive safari experiences.
- High-end safari lodges and luxury tented camps.
- Beautiful views and premium locations.
- Spacious rooms and enhanced facilities.
- Exceptional dining experiences.
- Personalised lodge services where available.
Accommodation is subject to availability and final confirmation at the time of booking.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari Prices
The cost of this 10-day Uganda safari depends on the number of travellers, accommodation category, travel season, gorilla trekking permits and transport arrangements.
For planning purposes, the following are indicative market-positioning estimates in USD per person, based on comparable 10-day Uganda safari packages.
| Accommodation | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|
| Budget | $2,500–$3,300 |
| Midrange | $3,200–$4,500 |
| Luxury | $5,200–$7,500+ |
These are indicative planning ranges, not confirmed Kuku Safaris quotations. Final prices must be calculated against actual lodge rates, permits, vehicle costs, applicable taxes and availability.
What determines your safari price?
- Number of travellers sharing the safari vehicle.
- Accommodation category and room arrangements.
- Gorilla trekking permit availability and applicable tariff.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit costs.
- Season of travel.
- Transport and guiding arrangements.
- Optional activities and special requests.
Travelling as a group? Private group bookings can offer better per-person value because vehicle and guide costs are shared.
Contact Kuku Safaris for a personalised price based on your travel dates and preferences.
What’s Included in Your Uganda Safari Package?
Your final package quotation will clearly outline all inclusions. The proposed package can include:
- Airport transfers in Entebbe.
- Private 4×4 safari transportation.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Nine nights of accommodation.
- Meals as specified in the final itinerary.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking activity.
- Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Bwindi gorilla trekking permit.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park activities and applicable fees.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Game drives as specified.
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives.
- All agreed activities and transfers.
What’s Excluded?
Unless specifically included in your final quotation, the following are excluded:
- International flights.
- Uganda visa fees.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Optional activities not included in the agreed itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Personal purchases and laundry.
- Any services not expressly listed in the final quotation.
Best Time to Book Your Uganda Safari
Uganda is an excellent year-round safari destination.
June to September: Popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, with generally favourable trekking and game-drive conditions.
December to February: Another popular period for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking.
March to May: The main rainy season in many parts of Uganda, offering lush scenery and potentially quieter lodges.
October to November: A period of variable rainfall that can provide beautiful green landscapes and good birdwatching opportunities.
For the best choice of accommodation and gorilla trekking permits, we recommend booking several months in advance.
Important Gorilla Trekking Information
Gorilla trekking is a regulated conservation activity, and permits are limited.
- Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in standard mountain gorilla trekking.
- Each gorilla permit is issued for a particular trekking date and location.
- Gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed, although tracking teams work to locate habituated families.
- The trek may involve steep slopes, muddy paths and uneven terrain.
- Visitors are allowed one hour with the gorilla family once located, under standard trekking rules.
- Porters can be hired to assist with bags and physical support.
Kuku Safaris will assist with checking permit availability and arranging the booking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a 10-day Uganda gorilla safari cost?
A comparable 10-day Uganda safari can cost approximately $2,500–$7,500 or more per person, depending on accommodation and group size. Kuku Safaris provides personalised quotations based on your requirements.
2. Can I see all the Big Five in Uganda?
Uganda offers opportunities to see all five. Rhinos can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, while lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards occur in the national parks. Seeing all five on one trip is not guaranteed.
3. Is gorilla trekking included in the safari price?
The proposed package includes a standard gorilla trekking permit, subject to availability and confirmation in your final quotation.
4. How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
The experience can be moderately to very demanding depending on the location of the gorilla family, terrain and weather. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
5. Can I customise this 10-day Uganda safari?
Absolutely. Kuku Safaris can adjust accommodation, activities, travel dates and routing to suit your interests and budget.
6. Can I book this safari as a private tour?
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a private safari, giving you flexibility and personalised attention from your safari guide.
7. How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking several months ahead, particularly for peak travel periods, to improve your chances of securing your preferred gorilla trekking date and accommodation.
Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari with Kuku Safaris
Your dream African safari is waiting.
Experience Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife, discover its beautiful rainforests, encounter mountain gorillas and enjoy unforgettable game drives across some of East Africa’s most spectacular national parks.
At Kuku Safaris, we are passionate about creating meaningful African travel experiences through carefully planned itineraries, local knowledge and personalised service.
Whether you prefer a budget adventure, a comfortable midrange holiday or an exclusive luxury safari, we can help design a journey that meets your expectations.
Start planning your Uganda safari today!
Request a Personalised Safari Quote
Tell us about your travel plans and our team will help you organise your adventure.
Kuku Safaris – Discover the Pearl of Africa.