Uganda, famously dubbed the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, is an extraordinary destination that packs a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences into one compact country. A 10 day Uganda tour is the sweet spot for a full immersion, typically covering the country’s highlights, from the immense power of the Nile to intimate encounters with our closest relatives.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of what you can expect on this thrilling ten-day adventure.
The Big Three Primate & Wildlife Highlights
A standard 10-day itinerary is meticulously crafted to ensure you experience Uganda’s “Big Three” must-sees: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the African Big Five (or most of them).
1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (The Pinnacle)
- What to Expect: This is often the emotional and physical highlight of the trip. You will rise early for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers, then embark on a trek through the dense, misty rainforest.
- The Experience: The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day depending on the gorilla family’s location. It is challenging—involving steep slopes, muddy paths, and thick vegetation—but profoundly rewarding.
- The Reward: Once your guides locate the family, you are permitted one hour to observe them. Witnessing a massive Silverback, playful juveniles, and mothers with infants in their natural habitat is a magical, humbling experience unlike any other.
- Permits: Expect a significant portion of your tour cost to go towards the mandatory Gorilla Trekking Permit (currently around $800 USD per person).
2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- What to Expect: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale offers a similar but distinct trekking experience. Chimpanzees are more active, fast-moving, and noisy than gorillas.
- The Experience: You’ll follow their hoots and screams through the forest. When found, the chimps are often high in the canopy, feeding, grooming, and squabbling, providing an exhilarating, action-packed hour of observation.
- Complementary Activity: Many tours include a guided walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community project known for excellent birding and views of other primates like the Red Colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
3. Big Game Viewing in the Savanna Parks
A 10-day itinerary typically includes two of Uganda’s premier savanna parks:
- Murchison Falls National Park:
- Activity 1: The Launch Cruise: A boat trip on the Victoria Nile to the Bottom of the Falls is spectacular. You will see enormous Nile crocodiles, numerous hippos, and elephants and buffaloes coming to the riverbanks to drink.
- Activity 2: Game Drives: Early morning drives across the savanna offer excellent chances to spot lions, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and possibly leopards.
- Activity 3: Top of the Falls Hike: A short hike to stand right where the mighty Nile River is forced through a mere 7-meter-wide gorge—an awe-inspiring sight.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park:
- Activity 1: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Similar to Murchison, this cruise connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is a haven for over 600 bird species, plus a dense population of hippos.
- Activity 2: Game Drives: Focus on the Kasenyi Plains for lions, hyenas, and antelopes. Some itineraries include a drive through the Ishasha sector in the park’s south, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees.
The Journey and Logistics
Uganda is known for its long, but scenic, road transfers. Expect to spend a fair amount of time in your comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
| Day | Typical Route & Major Activity | Travel Time (Approximate) |
| Day 1 | Arrival at Entebbe (EBB) and transfer to Kampala/Entebbe area. | Varies |
| Day 2-3 | Transfer to Murchison Falls N.P. & Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Sanctuary. | 5-7 hours |
| Day 4-5 | Transfer to Kibale Forest N.P. for Chimpanzee Tracking. | 7-8 hours |
| Day 6-7 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth N.P. & Game Drives/Kazinga Cruise. | 4-6 hours |
| Day 8-9 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable N.P. for Gorilla Trekking. | 5-7 hours |
| Day 10 | Return transfer to Kampala/Entebbe for departure, with a stop at the Equator Line. | 8-10 hours |
- Rhino Tracking: To complete the “Big Five” (which includes the critically endangered Black and White Rhinos), most tours incorporate a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. This is a thrilling, on-foot experience.
- Accommodation: Lodges range from comfortable budget camps to mid-range tented camps and high-end luxury lodges. A 10-day trip can be tailored to any of these styles.
Practical Expectations and Budgeting
1. Costs and Inclusions
A 10-day Uganda safari is a significant investment, primarily due to the mandatory permits.
| Travel Style | Estimated Cost Per Person (USD) |
| Budget | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Mid-Range | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Luxury | $5,000 – $8,000+ |
Export to Sheets
Key Costs to Budget For:
- Gorilla Permit: $800 (as of 2024/2025)
- Chimpanzee Permit (Kibale): $250
- Park Entry Fees: Approximately $40–$50 per day per person.
- What’s Usually Included: 4×4 transport, English-speaking driver/guide, accommodation, meals (Full Board), all park and activity permits.
- What’s Usually Excluded: International flights, visas, personal insurance, tips/gratuities, alcoholic drinks.
2. Health and Safety
- Vaccinations: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Consult a travel clinic for advice on Hepatitis, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
- Malaria: Uganda is a malaria risk area. Prophylaxis is highly recommended.
- Tipping: Tipping your guides, trackers, and lodge staff is customary and appreciated.
- What to Pack: Sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves and trousers for primate trekking (protection against stinging nettles/insects), rain gear, insect repellent, sun protection, and a good camera with zoom.
3. The Cultural Angle
Your journey will be peppered with cultural insights:
- Equator Stop: A classic photo-op where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the South.
- Batwa Pygmy Experience: Many Bwindi tours include a visit to the local Batwa (forest people) communities, offering a glimpse into their traditional forest life through music, dance, and storytelling.
- Local Markets and Villages: The long drives offer views of rural life, traditional homesteads, and agricultural landscapes, providing a genuine sense of the country’s vibrant culture.
In conclusion, a 10-day Uganda tour is not a simple vacation; it is a profound, adventurous, and often life-changing expedition into one of Africa’s most biodiverse and stunning countries. From the misty mountain forests to the vast savannas, you will leave with a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of the Pearl of Africa.
To book a 10 day wildlife tour in Uganda today, simply contact us now by sending an email to [email protected] or calling us on +256-700135510 to speak with reservations team.