10 Day uganda highlight tour
10 Day Uganda Highlight Safari Tour
Tour Overview
This 10-day journey captures the essence of Uganda’s incredible biodiversity. Thanks to its varied habitats, Uganda 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. The tour also leads you to high-altitude rainforests. Here, you encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild.
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 NP, canoeing on Lake Mutanda, or mountain biking among zebras in Lake Mburo Game Park.
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1 | Arrive in Uganda
Your 10-day Uganda safari adventure begins when you step off your flight at Entebbe International Airport. Here, you will be met by a friendly guide and comfortably transferred to a hotel in Entebbe for an overnight stay. Entebbe sits on a peninsula on the shores of Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake), a stone’s throw from the Ugandan capital city, Kampala. With its colonial past, leafy avenues, and tranquil atmosphere, this city is an ideal place to acclimatize or unwind.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Via Via Hotel or similar
Middle Class: The Boma Hotel or similar
Semi-Luxury: The Boma Hotel or similar
Luxury: No.5 Boutque Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 | On to Murchison Falls National Park
Your day starts early with breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, you will be driven north to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. You make a few stops along the way to stretch, relax, and enjoy the changing views. This is also a good time to talk with your guide about your interests; wildlife, birds, or photography. As you travel, you begin to understand why Uganda is called the “Pearl of Africa.”
The landscapes are green, open, and full of life. Late in the morning, you leave the main road at Nakitooma and visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. You go on a guided walk with expert rangers. The walk takes about two hours. Seeing a white rhino up close is a powerful moment. The sanctuary has around 48 rhinos, so chances of seeing them are very high. You may also see antelopes, monkeys, and many birds.
After the walk, you stop for lunch in Kabalega. You can try local food if you like. Meals often include beans, meat, or groundnut sauce, served with rice, posho, or bananas. There are also good vegetarian options.
In the afternoon, you continue to Murchison Falls National Park. As you enter the park, you already feel its size and beauty. It is the largest park in Uganda. It is home to 76 mammal species, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. There are also about 450 bird species. The park is named after the famous Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile River pushes through a narrow gap and falls down with great force. It is one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. You arrive at your lodge in the early evening, ready to relax after a full and exciting day.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Papa’s Camp
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge – Deluxe Banda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 3 | Lions, elephants, hippos during the game drive and boat safari
Game Drive
You start the day early with breakfast, then head out for a 3 to 4 hour morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. You explore the northern part of the park, where the land is open and wide. You see acacia trees, borassus palms, and long golden grass. You look for lions resting in the grass, elephants walking slowly, and giraffes feeding on treetops. You often see buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, and Jackson’s hartebeest. Warthogs run across the plains, and oribi stand quietly in the distance. If you are lucky, you may also see a leopard or a hyena. Near the river, hippos and Nile crocodile are easy to find. The park has many crocodiles. You may also see monkeys and baboons moving through the trees. This park is also great for bird lovers. More than 450 bird species live here. Look out for the rare shoebill, as well as kingfishers, herons, and the grey crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird. Late in the morning, you return to the lodge to relax and enjoy lunch.
Scheduled Boat Cruise
In the afternoon, you go for a 3 hour boat safari on the Nile. This is one of the best parts of the trip. The boat moves slowly toward Murchison Falls. Along the way, you see hippos in big groups, crocodiles on the riverbanks, and elephants coming to drink. The river is full of life. Birds are everywhere, and you may even spot a shoebill in the papyrus. As you get closer to the falls, the sound of water grows louder. The river becomes narrow and very strong. At the falls, the Nile pushes through a small gap and drops down with great power. The water crashes below, creating mist, rainbows, and an amazing view. In the late afternoon, you return to the lodge. You have time to relax before dinner.
Optional Activity: Private Boat Cruise
You can choose a private boat instead of a shared one. It is quieter and more flexible. You get closer to the animals and move at your own pace. It feels more personal, but it costs a bit more.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottage
Luxury: Papa’s Camp
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 4 | Along tea fields, crater lakes and villages to Kibale Forest
This morning, after breakfast, you visit the top of Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful sights in Uganda. A short walk brings you to several viewpoints. Here, you watch the Nile squeeze through a narrow gap of just 8 meters before crashing about 43 meters down with a thunderous roar. It is a strong and unforgettable moment. If time allows, you can take a longer walk for a wider view of the falls.
After this, you begin your journey to Kibale National Park. The drive takes about 7 hours, but it is full of beauty. You pass green tea plantations, small villages, crater lakes, and forest areas.
On a clear day, you may even see the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Along the way, you stop in Fort Portal for a relaxed lunch. This town is known for its calm atmosphere and lovely surroundings. From here, it is about one more hour to Kibale Forest.
Kibale National Park is one of the best places in Africa for primates. It has a very high number of species. Here, you can find chimpanzees, baboons, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many more. Walking through this forest is special. You hear birds, leaves, and distant calls of primates. Seeing these animals in the wild is a true highlight of your safari.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Midrange: Turaco Treeptops – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Primate Lodge
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge – Deluxe Room
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 5 | Chimpanzee Trekking and travel to Queen Elizabeth NP.
After breakfast, you head to the Kanyanchu Tourism Centre in Kibale National Park for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. The activity starts at 8:00 AM with a briefing from park rangers. They explain the rules, safety tips, and what to expect in the forest. Then you enter Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees. The walk usually takes 3 to 4 hours. The chances of seeing them are around 97%. These chimpanzees are used to people, so you can watch them closely without disturbing them. You may see them eating fruit, swinging in trees, grooming each other, or calling loudly through the forest. You spend one full hour with them.
Kibale is also home to many other animals. You might see bushbucks, forest hogs, or small antelopes. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you may spot forest elephants or buffaloes. The forest is full of life, with butterflies and many small creatures all around you. This park is also excellent for birdwatching. More than 370 bird species live here. Keep an eye out for colorful turacos as you walk through the forest.
After the trek, you return to the center for a picnic lunch. Then you begin your journey south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about 2 hours. On the way, you stop at the Equator Monument at Kikorongo. Here, you stand right on the Equator line. It is a fun moment. You can take photos and enjoy being in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. After the stop, you continue to the park, ready for the next part of your safari.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Bush Lodge – Self-contained Tent
Midrange: Bush Lodge – Banda
Semi-Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
Exclusive: The River Station – Deluxe Cottages
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 6 | Full day safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day early with breakfast, then head out for a morning game drive of about 3 to 4 hours in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This area is open and wide, with classic savannah views and plenty of wildlife. During the drive, you look for elephants, buffalo, lions, and if you are lucky, a leopard. You will also look out for Uganda kob (Uganda National Animal), bushbuck, warthogs, hyenas, and more. The soft morning light makes the landscape beautiful and is perfect for photos. The park is also rich in birdlife, with over 600 species recorded, the highest of any national park in East Africa.
After the game drive, you return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you go for a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The boat leaves from Mweya around 2:00 PM. This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to the densest concertation of hippo in Africa. From the boat, you see large groups of hippos in the water, elephants drinking at the shore, and buffalo resting along the banks. Nile crocodiles are often seen lying in the sun. The birdlife here is incredible, with pelicans, storks, kingfishers, and many other species all around you.
After the boat cruise, you take a short evening game drive along the channel track as you return to the lodge. This is a good time to spot animals that come out later in the day. The light is soft, and the views are beautiful. You return to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Optional Activity: Private Boat Cruise
You can upgrade to a private boat. It is quieter and more flexible. You get closer to the animals and enjoy the experience with just your group. This is ideal if you want a more personal and relaxed safari.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Bush Lodge – Self-contained Tent
Midrange: Bush Lodge – Banda
Semi-Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
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, rolling hills, coffee plantations, and dramatic mountain landscapes. 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, and frogs.
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, adventure seekers can climb the Virunga volcanoes or trek to find the playful golden monkeys. In Bwindi, 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: Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 8 | The great gorilla trekking!
You start very early today. After breakfast at 6:00 am, you drive to the offices of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for registration and briefing. Your lodge will give you a packed lunch to enjoy later in the forest. Make sure you carry at least 2 liters of water, strong hiking shoes, a rain jacket, a face mask for use near the gorillas, and your passport.
At the park office, you receive a clear briefing from a ranger of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You are placed in a small group of up to 8 people. Then you are assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level. Treks range from short and easier to longer and more challenging. You can ask for an easier or medium trek if you prefer. The trek can take between 1 and 7 hours. You walk slowly through thick forest, following signs like nests, dung, broken branches, and footprints. Step by step, you get closer. Then it happens. You meet the mountain gorilla. You watch a silverback sitting calmly, protecting his family.
Optional Gorilla Habituation Experience
If you want more time with the gorillas, you can choose the habituation experience. This special activity allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still getting used to people. The group size is very small, with only four visitors. It gives you a deeper look into gorilla behavior and conservation work.
Watersports at Lake Mutanda (Optional)
After your trek, you can relax at Lake Mutanda. From Mutanda Lake Resort, you can swim in clean, bilharzia-free water, sit on the jetty, or enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also try a traditional dugout canoe or take a motorboat ride for birdwatching and beautiful views.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 9 | On to Lake Mburo National Park
You will 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
Prices and levels for this private trip
The selected comfort levels give you a good indication of the type of accommodations and the total price. We would be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs. And we can combine different accommodation levels if you are interested. The tour is conducted in a 4×4 safari land cruiser.
High Season Price
Simple Package
- 1 Pax: USD 5596
- 2 Pax: USD 3846 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 3480 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 3146 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 3066 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 2912 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 5728
- 2 Pax: USD 3988 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 3647 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 3309 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 3240 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 3082 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 6788
- 2 Pax: USD 4746 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 4391 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 3981 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 3921 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 3726 Per Person
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 10984
- 2 Pax: USD 7701 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 7585 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 6804 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 6619 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 6506 Per Person
Exclusive Package
- 1 Pax: USD 19299
- 2 Pax: USD 13941 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 13897 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 12791 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 12655 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 12408 Per Person
low Season Price
*Low season applies for the months of April, May, and in November.
Simple Package
- 1 Pax: USD 4982
- 2 Pax: USD 3389 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 3073 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 2764 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 2700 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 2557 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 5207
- 2 Pax: USD 3585 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 3283 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 2964 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 2907 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 2755 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 6390
- 2 Pax: USD 4363 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 4012 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 3604 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 3545 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 3351 Per Person
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 8822
- 2 Pax: USD 6198 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 6047 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 5439 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 5400 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 5186 Per Person
Exclusive Package
- 1 Pax: USD 12733
- 2 Pax: USD 9385 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 9133 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 8370 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 8315 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 8031 Per Person
Inclusions
- All transfers and transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari landcruiser
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All park entrance and activity fees
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Packed lunch for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
- Water in the vehicle during drives and safaris
- All activities unless listed as optional
exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions
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