10 Day Best Of Uganda Safari Tour
Tour Overview
Uganda is one of Africa’s most scenically diverse countries. Thanks to its varied habitats, the country is home to an impressive range of wildlife that amazes even experienced nature lovers. In the national parks, you search for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, hippos, zebras, and the unique Ugandan kob.
This 10-Day Uganda Safari also leads you to high-altitude rainforests. Here, you encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild. Combined with the friendliness of the local people, all the ingredients are present for an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s highlights. The accommodations are carefully selected for their location, small scale, and atmosphere. One highlight is the beautifully located Mutanda Lake Resort. From your veranda, you enjoy views over Lake Mutanda. In the background rise the seven volcanoes of the Virunga range.
Almost all excursions included in this trip are covered in the price. This allows for relaxed and worry-free travel. At Greenway, we are always looking for special experiences. For travelers who want even more, our specialists are happy to suggest unique activities. These include a night walk in Kibale Forest, lion GPS tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, canoeing on Lake Mutanda, or mountain biking among zebras in Lake Mburo Game Park.
Your Itinerary In Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
- Day 2: On to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 3: Lions, elephants and hippos during the game drive and boat safari
- Day 4: Along tea fields, crater lakes and villages to Kibale Forest
- Day 5: Looking for chimpanzees and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 6: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: On to the fairytale lake of Mutanda
- Day 8: The great gorilla trekking!
- Day 9: On to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 10: Walking or mountain bike safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
Your safari will start as soon as you touch down at the Entebbe International Airport. You will be met by your Greenway Nature Tour guide who will help load the bags into our comfortable, airconditioned vehicle before we set off for our guesthouse situated nearby. Located near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe has a relaxed and local feel. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a stroll through Entebbe Botanical Garden, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria, or shop for souvenirs at Entebbe Craft Village.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Airport Guest House
Midrange: The Boma Hotel
Semi-Luxury: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Luxury: No.5 Boutique Hotel
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: On to Murchison Falls National Park
Your day begins early with breakfast at the hotel. After checking out, you set off north toward your first national park: Murchison Falls National Park. The total drive takes about 5 to 6 hours. You will make regular stops along the way to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and enjoy the changing scenery. There is also a special highlight waiting for you before you reach the park. As you travel, this is a great time to talk with your guide about what you hope to see during your safari. Wildlife, landscapes, photography, or birdlife—your guide will tailor the journey to your interests as much as possible. You will also learn more about Uganda itself, a country that surprises many first-time visitors.
You will quickly understand why the national anthem begins with the words “Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty.” Late in the morning, you leave the main road at Nakitooma for a very special stop: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. Here, you take part in a two-hour rhino tracking experience on foot, guided by expert local rangers. Walking quietly through the bush and suddenly seeing a white rhino just a few meters away is unforgettable. Ziwa is currently home to around 48 rhinos, and sightings are very likely. The sanctuary also protects many other animals, including antelopes, monkeys, reptiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
After this thrilling start to your safari, you stop for lunch at Kabalega. This is a great opportunity to try local Ugandan food if you wish. Ugandan cuisine is influenced by English, Arab, and Indian flavors. You may enjoy stews made with beans, peanuts, or meat, served with ugali or wrapped in banana leaves, as well as fish dishes and tasty vegetarian options.
In the afternoon, you continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. As you enter the southern part of the park, you already get a sense of its vastness and beauty. This is Uganda’s largest national park and one of its most impressive. Although wildlife numbers declined during years of heavy poaching in the past, the park has made a strong recovery. Today, it protects 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five, as well as around 450 bird species.
The park is named after the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge and plunges with incredible force. The falls were named by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in honor of geologist Roderick Murchison. Over the years, the park has welcomed famous visitors such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and members of the British royal family. Scenes from the classic film The African Queen were also filmed here. You arrive at your lodge in the early evening.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 3: Lions, elephants and hippos during the game drive and boat safari
You begin the day early with breakfast at the lodge, then head out for your first full game drive of the safari. This morning, you explore the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park. The landscape here is classic African savannah, dotted with borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland. It contrasts beautifully with the denser woodlands and forests found in the south of the park.
As the sun rises, wildlife becomes active. You search for lions resting in the grass, elephants moving slowly across the plains, and giraffes browsing the treetops. Buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, and Jackson’s hartebeest are commonly seen, along with warthogs and oribi. With luck, you may also spot a leopard or a spotted hyena. Along the riverbanks, hippos and Nile crocodiles are often present, and this area supports Uganda’s largest population of Nile crocodiles. Patas monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates add movement and energy to the scene.
Murchison Falls National Park is also a paradise for bird lovers. More than 450 bird species have been recorded here. During the drive, keep an eye out for some of the park’s highlights, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill, the rare Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, African dwarf kingfisher, red-winged grey warbler, and the elegant grey crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird.
Late in the morning, you return to the lodge for time to relax and enjoy a well-earned lunch. Afterward, you prepare for one of the highlights of the entire journey: a leisurely afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. The 3-hour boat trip follows the calm stretch of the Nile as it flows toward the Albert Delta. Along the way, the riverbanks come alive with wildlife. Large pods of hippos lounge in the water, Nile crocodiles bask on the shores, and elephants often appear to drink or bathe. Birdlife is abundant, and with some luck, you may even spot the elusive shoebill along the papyrus-lined banks.
As you approach the falls, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. You arrive at the base of Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. Here, the Nile, which is about 50 meters wide, is forced through a narrow rocky gap less than eight meters across before plunging 45 meters into the churning waters below, known as the “Devil’s Cauldron.” The roar of the water, the rising spray, and the ever-present rainbow create a breathtaking and unforgettable sight. In the late afternoon, you cruise back downstream and return to the lodge.
After some time to unwind, you enjoy dinner and settle in for the night. Before heading to bed, take a moment to look up at the African night sky, filled with countless stars. Listen carefully as well—after dark, hippos often leave the river to graze around the lodge grounds. Seeing and hearing them nearby is a magical reminder that you are truly in the wild.
Optional Activity: Private Boat Cruise
You can book the boat cruise activity in a private boat. This offers a significant advantage over the large, general boat, as a smaller boat brings you much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace, and it’s wonderful to share this experience exclusively with your own group.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Exlusive: Nile Safari Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 4: Along tea fields, crater lakes and villages to Kibale Forest
This morning, you’ll head to the top of Murchison Falls, one of Uganda’s most spectacular sights. A short walk takes you to several viewpoints where you can watch the mighty Nile squeeze through a narrow 8-meter gap before plunging down with incredible force. The roar of the water and the spray rising from the “Devil’s Cauldron” make this a truly unforgettable experience. If time allows, take a slightly longer walk for a panoramic view of the falls—an awe-inspiring scene you won’t soon forget.
After soaking in the falls, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park. The journey is about seven hours (approximately 360 km), but it is filled with beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass vibrant villages, rolling tea plantations, crater lakes, and patches of lush rainforest. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Midway, you’ll stop in the bustling town of Fort Portal for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant.
From Fort Portal, it’s about an hour’s drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is world-famous for its primates. The park has the highest concentrations and diversity of primates in East Africa. Here, you can find endangered chimpanzees, Ugandan grey-cheeked mangabeys, the rare ashy red colobus, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, guerezas, blue monkeys, and the vulnerable L’Hoest’s monkeys. Walking through the forest, listening for bird calls and primate sounds, and spotting these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience for any wildlife enthusiast.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Midrange: Turaco Treeptops – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 5: Look for chimps and travel to Queen Elizabeth
After breakfast, you’ll gather at the Kanyanchu Tourism Centre in Kibale for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure, which starts promptly at 8:00 AM. The activity begins with a briefing from the knowledgeable park rangers, who will guide you through the forest and provide important safety tips and information about the chimpanzees.
Once the briefing is over, you head into the lush forest in search of man’s closest relative—the chimpanzee. The trek usually lasts 3 to 4 hours and has an impressive 98% success rate of sightings. The chimpanzees here are fully habituated, allowing you to observe them closely without disturbing their natural behavior. You’ll see them munching on fruit, swinging through the trees, grooming each other, patrolling, mating, and making their iconic hooting calls. You will have a full hour to spend with these amazing creatures, taking photos and simply soaking in the incredible experience.
While the chimpanzees are the stars of the forest, Kibale is also home to many other mammals, though they are more elusive. With luck and a keen eye, you might spot bushbucks, blue duikers, forest hogs, or bush pigs. On very rare occasions, forest-adapted African elephants or buffaloes may make an appearance. The forest is also alive with vibrant amphibians, reptiles, and countless colorful butterflies, making every step an adventure for nature lovers.
Kibale is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 325 recorded species, including six endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley. Keep your binoculars ready for the Dusky Crimsonwing, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Afep Pigeon, and the African Grey Parrot. Every sighting adds another unforgettable layer to your forest adventure.
After your trek, you return to the Kanyanchu Centre for a well-deserved picnic lunch. The adventure continues after lunch as you begin a scenic drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes around 2 hours, and en route, you’ll stop at the famous Equator Monument for a photo opportunity. Uganda is one of the few countries crossed by this imaginary line, and standing on the Equator is a fun and unique experience. Take a few photos, feel the magic of being in both hemispheres at once, and then continue your journey to one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Bush Lodge – Self-contained Tent
Midrange: Bush Lodge – Banda
Semi-Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Classic Tent
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Exclusive: The River Station
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 6: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge, then head out for an exciting morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its open savannah, dramatic scenery, and abundance of wildlife.
During your drive, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s Big Five—African Elephants, African Buffalo, Leopards, Lions, and occasionally African Leopards—alongside other fascinating animals like Kob, Bushbuck, Common Warthog, Forest Hog, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, and Spotted Hyena. The morning light makes the plains glow golden, creating perfect conditions for photography and wildlife spotting. Bird lovers will also enjoy the experience, as the park is home to over 600 bird species.
After your morning adventure, return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, your next adventure awaits: a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Gather at the Mweya jetty for departure around 2:00 PM. The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward to Lake George and is one of the park’s most spectacular wildlife hotspots.
From the boat, you will cruise close to hundreds of hippos lounging in the water, African Elephants drinking or grazing along the banks, and large herds of African Buffalo. Nile Crocodiles often sunbathe along the shoreline, and you’ll see an incredible variety of waterbirds, including African Skimmers, Pink-backed and Great White Pelicans, Saddle-billed Storks, Glossy Ibises, African Openbills, White-breasted Cormorants, Water Thick-knees, Grey-hooded Gulls, and White-winged and Gull-billed Terns. The combination of wildlife, calm water, and scenic banks makes this one of the most memorable experiences of the safari.
After the cruise, continue your day with a short evening game drive along the Channel track as you head back to the lodge. The late afternoon and early evening light often brings out more elusive animals and creates perfect photo opportunities. Return to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.
Optional Activity: Private Boat Cruise
For a more intimate experience, you can book a private boat cruise. A smaller boat allows you to get closer to wildlife, control the pace, and enjoy the Kazinga Channel exclusively with your group. This is perfect for photographers, families, or anyone who wants a quieter, more personalized safari experience.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Bush Lodge – Self-contained Tent
Midrange: Bush Lodge – Banda
Semi-Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Classic Tent
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Exclusive: The River Station
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 7: On to the fairytale lake of Mutanda
This morning, you will leave the savannas behind and travel south to the stunning volcano region of southwestern Uganda. The drive itself is a highlight, showcasing Uganda’s incredible diversity. Along the way, you will pass lush rainforests, sparkling crater lakes, rolling hills, coffee plantations, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Every turn offers a new and breathtaking view, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Depending on your chosen package, overnight stays vary. The luxury version takes you to the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Buhoma, about 3 hours from Queen Elizabeth National Park. The basic option spends the night in the town of Kisoro, a 6-hour drive. Another choice is the beautiful Mutanda Lake Resort, perched on the lake’s edge, roughly 6-and-a-half hours from Queen Elizabeth.
Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is often called a fairytale lake for good reason. Nestled at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, this tranquil lake offers a picture-perfect setting of volcano peaks reflected in calm waters. The Virunga volcanic chain spans Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, and the surrounding forests are home to rare wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla.
From this base, you can access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. But the lake area itself is full of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for kingfishers, the elegant gray crowned crane, otters, chameleons, frogs, and a variety of snakes and lizards. Nature lovers will be delighted by the rich flora and fauna right at the lake’s edge.
Optional Excursions Around Lake Mutanda & Bwindi
There is something for every type of traveler in this green and diverse region. On the lake, enjoy fun activities such as sailing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. For a relaxing end to the day, take a sundowner motorboat cruise and watch the sun dip behind the Virunga peaks. In Mgahinga National Park, adventure seekers can climb the Virunga volcanoes or trek to find the playful golden monkeys. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, beyond gorilla trekking, you can enjoy serene nature walks or explore local villages. A visit to the Batwa pygmy community offers a meaningful cultural experience, as you learn about their traditional forest life. Our travel specialists are happy to help you customize your day. They can arrange activities in advance or leave some flexible time for you to explore on-site, ensuring your experience is perfectly suited to your interests and pace.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Exclusive: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 8: The great gorilla trekking!
This morning, you will travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Today is the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking. During your trek, you will move quietly through dense rainforest, following the signs of a gorilla family. Look for nesting sites, dung, broken bamboo stems, and footprints—all clues that you are close. Guided by the experienced rangers of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), you will eventually come face-to-face with a gorilla family. Witness a silverback protecting his group, calmly observing your presence. This is an intimate and awe-inspiring experience, one you will remember for a lifetime.
Optional Gorilla Habituation Experience
For a truly unique adventure, consider the gorilla habituation day offered by Greenway Nature Tours. Unlike standard trekking, this experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still being habituated to human presence. The group is limited to just four people, giving you a rare, private glimpse into gorilla behavior and conservation in action.
Watersports at Lake Mutanda (Optional)
After your trekking or habituation adventure, the lake awaits. Mutanda Lake Resort offers a range of water-based activities. Swim in the crystal-clear, bilharzia-free waters, relax on the jetties, or try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing. For a more traditional experience, paddle a dugout canoe like the locals, or take a motorboat cruise to enjoy birdwatching and panoramic views with a glass of wine.
Lake Muléhe Canoe Trip and Hike (Optional)
For another unforgettable day, take a trip to nearby Lake Muléhe. Begin with a canoe ride across the lake, followed by a scenic walk along the shore. Marvel at the views of Lake Mutanda, the Bwindi rainforest, and the Virunga volcanoes. Along the way, meet friendly locals, fishermen, and a traditional medicine man, and enjoy a local lunch as part of the experience. The hike is moderately uphill but manageable, lasting approximately 6 hours, and offers a perfect mix of activity, breathtaking scenery, and cultural encounters. Excursions can be arranged directly at Mutanda Lake Resort.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Exclusive: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 9: On to Lake Mburo National Park
You’ll leave Lake Mutanda with memories that will last a lifetime. The encounter with the mountain gorillas—Dian Fossey’s protégés from “Gorillas in the Mist”—is unforgettable, but so is the breathtaking beauty, raw power, and unique magic of Central African nature.
From here, you will drive along the scenic road connecting Rwanda, Kampala, and Kenya to reach Lake Mburo National Park. This is Uganda’s smallest safari park, but it is packed with wildlife and natural beauty. Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda home to impalas and elands, and the central Lake Mburo itself is alive with hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of bird species, making it a must-visit for both wildlife lovers and birdwatchers.
Lake Mburo Night Safari – Optional
For a truly thrilling experience, embark on an optional night safari just before dinner. This is your chance to spot nocturnal creatures like galagos and hyenas. With luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard prowling in the shadows—a rare and exciting sight that adds a whole new dimension to your Ugandan safari.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Eagle Nest Mburo
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock
Semi-Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Exclusive: Mihingo Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 10: Walking or mountain bike safari in Lake Mburo
In the morning, you can choose how you want to explore Lake Mburo National Park. You may go on a walking safari or a mountain bike safari through the park. Because there are no lions or elephants here, both activities are safe and very enjoyable. They offer a rare chance to experience wildlife up close, without a vehicle, and feel truly connected to nature.
For something extra special, you can also choose an optional horseback safari. This unique experience is only available if you stay overnight at Mihingo Lodge. Riding quietly through the park gives you a new perspective on the landscape and its wildlife.
After your morning activity, you will enjoy a late breakfast. Then it’s time to begin the journey back to Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and a short break. You will arrive at Entebbe Airport in the early evening, in time for your international flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Uganda. We hope you leave with incredible memories, stunning photos, and a deep love for the Pearl of Africa.
Accommodation: Not Included (End of tour)
Included Meals: Breakfast
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