10 days Uganda safari starting from Rwanda is an amazing safari experience that offers you an ultimate wildlife, cultural and primate encounter combined in these two different neighboring countries. 

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and incredible wildlife encounters await. This carefully crafted itinerary offers an immersive experience, blending adventure, nature, and cultural exploration. Beginning with a scenic transfer from Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll step into the heart of Africa’s premier gorilla trekking destination. As you trek through the dense forests, the chance to observe mountain gorillas up close will be a highlight, creating memories to last a lifetime.

The adventure continues with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity, where game drives and a boat cruise will reveal the park’s abundant wildlife. Your journey then takes you to Kibale Forest National Park, home to our closest relatives—the chimpanzees—and offers a deep dive into primate tracking. The itinerary also includes the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River roars through a narrow gorge, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Finally, a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary allows for an intimate rhino tracking experience before concluding your adventure in Kampala. This safari is a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility, designed to showcase the best of Uganda’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Day One: Transfer from Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your adventure begins with a scenic transfer from Rwanda to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The journey will take you through the picturesque landscapes of the Virunga Mountains and the lush countryside that borders Rwanda and Uganda. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking views, terraced hills, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge nestled amidst the verdant forest. This park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its biodiversity, particularly as the home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The evening will be spent relaxing and preparing for the incredible experience that awaits you the following day.

Day Two: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On the second day, you will embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trained rangers will guide you through the dense forest, tracking a specific family of mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, taking anywhere from a couple of hours to the better part of the day, depending on the location of the gorilla family. However, the effort is immensely rewarding as you come face to face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. You’ll spend up to one hour observing the gorillas, capturing photographs, and marveling at their behaviors. This rare encounter is often described as a life-changing experience. After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest, with the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day Four: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a relaxing morning, you will depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse national parks. The journey offers opportunities to take in the stunning scenery of the southwestern Ugandan landscape, including rolling hills, tea plantations, and the shimmering lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check into your accommodation, ideally situated to take advantage of the park’s rich wildlife. The park is known for its biodiversity, with ecosystems ranging from savannah to wetlands and rainforests, supporting a wide variety of animals including elephants, lions, leopards, and over 600 species of birds. The evening can be spent enjoying the tranquility of the park, with anticipation building for the adventures ahead.

Day Five: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

Day five is filled with the excitement of wildlife viewing. You’ll start with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the best areas in the park for spotting lions and other predators. As the sun rises, the park comes alive with animals grazing, hunting, and interacting in their natural habitat. Your guide will help you spot and identify various species, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard. After the game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world, as well as numerous crocodiles and water birds. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife, allowing you to observe animals as they come to the water’s edge to drink, bathe, and socialize.

Day Six: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

On day six, you will travel to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The park is a lush tropical rainforest that hosts 13 different species of primates, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. The drive from Queen Elizabeth to Kibale will take you through scenic countryside and small towns, providing a glimpse of daily life in rural Uganda. Upon arrival at Kibale, you’ll check into your lodge, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the area or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Day Seven: Chimpanzee Tracking and Evening Bigodi Walk

Day seven promises another thrilling wildlife experience as you set out for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll join a group led by experienced rangers who will guide you through the forest in search of a habituated group of chimpanzees. As you follow the sounds of their calls, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates up close as they play, forage, and interact in their natural environment. Spending time with the chimps offers incredible insights into their behavior and social structures. In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area known for its rich biodiversity. The walk provides a chance to spot more primates, as well as colorful bird species, butterflies, and a variety of flora. The evening is yours to relax at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s encounters.

Day Eight: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

The eighth day involves a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda. The drive will take you through the heart of the country, offering an array of landscapes and passing through traditional villages. Upon arrival at Murchison Falls, you’ll be greeted by the park’s dramatic scenery, dominated by the mighty Nile River, which plunges through a narrow gorge to create the powerful Murchison Falls. After checking into your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views, preparing for the exciting activities planned for the following day.

Day Nine: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

The penultimate day of your safari begins with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where the park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife. This area is particularly famous for its large populations of elephants, giraffes, lions, and Uganda kob, among other species. The game drive provides an excellent opportunity to spot these animals in the wild, as well as enjoy the park’s beautiful landscapes. After the game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This boat trip offers spectacular views of the falls and is a prime opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close. The cruise ends near the base of the falls, where the river’s full power is on display, making it a truly memorable experience.

Day Ten: Hike to the Top of the Falls and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your final day begins with a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge, creating a thunderous roar and misty spray. The hike provides a close-up experience of one of nature’s most powerful forces and offers excellent photo opportunities. After the hike, you’ll transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. Here, you’ll go on a guided rhino tracking experience, walking close to these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also supports other wildlife and is involved in crucial conservation efforts. After the rhino tracking, you’ll continue your journey to Kampala, where your incredible safari adventure comes to an end.