Ultimate 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary & Costs

Have you always dreamed of seeing majestic mountain gorillas roaming free in the lush jungles of Africa?

Or perhaps an encounter with humankind’s closest relative, the chimpanzees has been at the top of your bucket list.

Only in Uganda can you experience Africa’s rarest and most thrilling sights back to back: one day you’ll be face-to-face with mighty silverback gorillas in misty mountain forests, and then the next you’ll be marveling at rare tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient fig trees like oversized cats.

It’s the ultimate immersion in Africa’s untouched wilderness. There are 12 official wildlife reserves in Uganda, each of which has its own complex terrains and different animal populations.

That means you need to plan your itinerary very carefully so that you don’t risk missing out on the best sightings because you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Making sure you’ve chosen the right area for gorilla trekking can save you from wasting time on excessively long drives or unnecessarily battling through miles of thick vegetation on foot.

Don’t fret, because I’m going to share everything you need to know about planning a safari to Uganda. Based on my extensive experience exploring this country, as well as in-depth discussions with local experts.

In this guide, I’m going to dive into the ultimate 10-day Uganda safari itinerary. My goal is to provide you with everything you need to know, including cost, how to find the perfect tour operator and more, so that you can plan the safari of a lifetime!

How Long Do You Need for a Uganda Safari?

Based on my personal experience, you’ll need a minimum of 7 days in Uganda to see the key reserves across the whole country. However, 10 days will allow for a more relaxed pace and will enable you to really immerse yourself in each destination along the way.

If you’re short on time and prefer to focus your safari on primates, you can get away with as few as 5 days if you stick to gorilla and chimpanzee trekking only, and don’t take in any of the other sights.  

And if you have even less time than that, you can manage some focused gorilla trekking in as few as 3 days.

Uganda 10-Day Safari Itinerary Map

Why Go on Safari in Uganda?

Uganda is arguably best and most accessible places in Africa to see critically endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Add to that the likelihood of encountering most of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo – in the wild, and you have yourself a world class safari destination!

Let’s dive into some of the features that set Uganda apart as a safari destination. 

Abundance of  Parks and Reserves

There are 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, and 14 wildlife sanctuaries in the country, managed by the UWA. Some of the most breathtaking sights include Murchison Falls, Lake Victoria (source of the Nile River) and Rwenzori Mountain.

Below is map I made of Uganda showing the country’s safari highlights.

Mountain Gorilla Tracking 

Viewing a pride of lions or a herd of elephants from the comfort of a safari truck is exciting enough, but meeting a family of mountain gorillas with little ones, while you’re on foot, is a totally incomparable experience. Gorillas are unable to survive in captivity, so if your dream is to come face-to-face with them you’ll have to do it on their terms.

There are just over 1000 wild mountain gorillas left in the world, and nearly half of them – 459 – are found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In fact, Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat, the others being Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Competitive Pricing

Uganda’s gorilla tracking is competitively priced, with permits starting at $800 per person for foreign visitors. This is considerably less than Rwanda’s permits, which cost in the region of $1,500 per person.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while even cheaper at $450, is not currently open to visitors due to instability in the region.

You can see a table below showing gorilla tracking permits by destination.

Uganda is Politically Stable

In addition to the pricing advantage, Uganda is considered more politically stable and safer for tourists compared to certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where instability can pose risks. At this time the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is not open to visitors due to instability in the region.

Rwanda is arguably even more politically stable but the gorilla tracking permit fees are much higher.

Easy Access to Both Uganda’s Gorilla Tracking Locations 

On the whole, Uganda offers excellent accessibility for those in search of mountain gorillas, with both Uganda gorilla tracking destinations (Bwindi and Mgahinga) situated near main roads and air strips.

There are two airstrips, Kihihi Airstrip and Kisoro Airport to the north and south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which allow easy access by scheduled light aircraft. Alternatively you can access by road.

Chimpanzee Trekking 

What makes Uganda really special is that there’s even more to see than gorillas! Here you also have exceptional opportunities for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest National Park is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees. You can also see chimps in Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest.

Chimp tracking is lower cost than gorilla tracking with permits costing $250 for the world-class Kibale National Park and as little as $50 for other parks.

Seeing the Big Five

In addition, Uganda offers excellent game viewing opportunities for most of Africa’s Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. Due to poaching, rhinos are no longer found in the wild, but can be seen at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa is home to the country’s only white southern rhinos.

In addition to thhe Big Five, Uganda is one of very few places in the world where you can hope to see the rare shoebill, a large, prehistoric-looking bird native to the swamps and wetlands of eastern and central Africa.

Boating Safaris

The diversity of game viewing opportunities in Uganda is enriched even more by the opportunities for boating safaris presented in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Traveling by boat along jungle waterways offers a completely different perspective for wildlife viewing and is especially great for birding enthusiasts.

My Verdict on Self-Drive Safaris: 

My Verdict on Local Tour Operators

Option 3: Hotel-Provided Safaris

In Uganda, as in many other African destinations, many higher-end safari lodges offer their own safari game drives. This kind of safari can work if you prefer to stay in one place for a longer period or want to fly between lodges.

These experiences are generally suited for those with larger budgets, as they provide a more upscale way to explore the area. Additionally, lodges can assist with booking gorilla tracking permits, simplifying your travel arrangements.

My Verdict on Hotel Safaris:

Hotel safaris are ideal for those with generous budgets who prefer a stationary, luxurious experience. Just remember, you’ll likely share game drives with other guests.

This option is ideal for those who aren’t concerned about budget and prefer to have their entire trip, including international flights, fully arranged. However, it’s important to note that you will typically pay 25% – 40% more than if you booked through a local tour operator, and there are several other potential drawbacks too.

My Verdict on International Travel Agents:

Ultimately, aside from potentially easier international flight bookings, there isn’t much advantage to booking your safari with an international travel agent. At best, your safari experience will be similar to what you’d get with a local operator, but at a much higher price. I personally always recommend booking directly with a local tour operator, as this approach offers the best balance between a rewarding safari experience and good value for your money.

Private vs Group Uganda Safaris

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group will affect your overall costs quite significantly, but it will also have an impact on the quality of your safari experience. 

I usually recommend a private safari, rather than joining an external group. Let’s look into the pros and cons of each different option.

Private Uganda Safaris

Private safaris in Uganda are ideal for travelers who are after a personalized and intimate wildlife experience. This option is my personal favorite and I recommend it for most safari-goers, particularly if you value flexibility and exclusivity.

Group Shared Safaris

Shared safaris are best suited for solo travelers looking to meet others and those on a very tight budget. This option is less popular, but can be a good fit for those who prioritize cost savings over flexibility.

How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?

A typical private Uganda safari, including gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, can cost from $450 per person per day for two adults sharing. This price is based on a trip length of 7-10 days, with one day each dedicated to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, and the remaining days spent on safari in national parks, which helps reduce the average park fees per day.

This cost includes your accommodation, park fees, meals, transfers, and all safari activities. By contrast, a shorter 3-day safari, where you spend two out of the three days on gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, starts at $700 per person per day.

Shared group safaris are slightly less expensive, starting from around $350 per person per day. However, savings are limited due to the unavoidable $800 per person gorilla tracking fees. Also, these safaris typically offer only basic camping accommodation options. This is a good option for those who are interested in a more rugged experience, but it’s not for everyone.

The prices outlined above are based on direct bookings with local tour operators, and these figures can be significantly higher if your trip is arranged through an overseas travel agent. I strongly recommend booking locally for a more cost-effective route to experiencing Uganda’s incredible wildlife.

Below you can view a chart of typical safari costs based on the luxury level.

Uganda Safari Costs Breakdown

Let’s take a look at how your per day expenses are distributed in a Uganda safari. 

Park and permit fees make up the biggest percentage of costs due to the high costs of gorilla and chimp tracking permits which are $800 and $250 respectively. However, the comparatively low park fees of around $45 in the other reserves offsets the high tracking costs on longer safaris, bringing down the average cost per day.

The second biggest cost is vehicle and driver guide costs. These costs will account for just over 26% of your total spend, but having an expert local guide and a comfortable, functional vehicle are well worth the cost.

Your accommodation and meals will account for around 18% of your daily expenses, depending on what type of accommodation you choose. I’ve based this estimate on comfortable mid-range lodge accommodation.

Bank charges and fuel each absorb around 4% of your budget. Your tour operator’s insurances and overheads come in at around 11%, and finally, their net profit makes up just over 4% of your total budget. This percentage would be significantly higher if you were to book through an international travel agent.

Below I’ve included a chart which breaks down where the money goes for a safari of two people.

Factors Affecting Uganda Safari Costs

There are several factors that can influence the cost of your Uganda safari. The most obvious is the level of accommodation you choose, with luxury options costing significantly more than budget ones. 

How you book your safari can also affect the price significantly. For example, booking through an international travel agent is typically more expensive than going through a local operator. 

In Uganda, another key factor is the number of days you spend on gorilla tracking, as the permits for this activity are considerably higher than standard national park entrance fees.

How you Book Your Safari

When it comes to booking your safari, using overseas travel agents or international safari companies is without a doubt the most expensive option. These companies add their profit margins on top of the prices set by local operators, who are usually the ones actually conducting the safari in any case. 

Booking directly with a local safari company usually provides the best value, as it eliminates the middleman and allows for more competitive pricing.

Hotel-provided safaris can also be costly, as they capitalize on a captive market (you!). If you haven’t arranged your safari with a local provider in advance, you may find yourself having to use the hotel’s services, which are typically priced at a premium. 

Self-drive safaris offer a slightly cheaper alternative, but not having a guide means you might miss out on many wildlife sightings.

Shared group safaris are another lower-cost alternative, though they come with compromises such as less flexibility and limited accommodation options.

Below you can view a chart of typical safari costs based on the booking method.

My preference: These days I book all of my safaris with local tour operators. When I occasionally do fly-in safaris, I also book these with local tour operators, using them for the game drives as well, as they take care of everything (including airport transfers).

Accommodation Comfort Level

The level of comfort you choose for your accommodation will have a significant impact on the total cost of your safari, and there are several options to choose from. 

In Uganda, the most popular  safari accommodation available is in lodges and tented camps, and these options are quite reasonably priced compared to other safari destinations. 

From basic camping to luxurious lodges, there are options for every preference and budget.

Basic camping at private campsites is the most economical choice, at $10-$20 per person per night. It’s worth bearing in mind that in certain parts of Uganda, such as Murchison Falls, it can get very hot at certain times of the year, and you will have no air conditioning in your tent! 

Budget lodge accommodation provides more comfort at around $40-$100 per night, whereas mid-range lodges offer a higher standard of amenities and better locations for $100-$250 per person per night.

There’s quite a large range of prices at the higher end. In general you can expect top notch service, beautiful settings, and superior comfort in the range of $250 to $700-plus per person nightly. At their best, luxury lodges and tented camps feature spectacular views, gourmet dining, and exclusive safari experiences that justify their premium pricing. 

The proximity of your accommodation to prime wildlife areas, particularly those inside national parks or near primate habitats, are generally more expensive, regardless of the comfort category. Properties near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, or Queen Elizabeth National Park often charge premium rates due to their excellent locations.

Time of Year

The time of year you choose to visit Uganda can significantly impact your safari budget. 

During peak seasons (June to September and December to February), you can expect to pay premium rates for accommodation, as tourism demand is at its highest during this time. These periods offer excellent wildlife viewing, but come with correspondingly higher price tags.

While some safari costs remain consistent year-round, including the coveted gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits ($800 and $250 respectively), budget-conscious travellers can cut costs by visiting during low seasons. During March to May and October to November, when there is occasional rainfall, it’s not unusual for some of the most expensive accommodations to be discounted up to 30-40% off peak season rates. However, at this time of the year, many lodges also close.

Uganda’s national park entrance fees are consistently priced throughout the year, with the main parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls charging $40–$45 per person per day. This differs from neighboring countries like Kenya, where park fees fluctuate seasonally.

Although visiting during the long rainy season might be cheaper than any other time of the year, I don’t recommend this as the heavy rainfall is likely to make key activities, like gorilla and chimp trekking, quite more challenging.

My Preference: I like to visit Uganda in the shoulder season. I find this is the perfect balance between slightly lower accommodation pricing and the advantages of good weather and wildlife sightings – plus the parks aren’t too busy. October, November and June are my favourite times to visit.

How Many Days you Spend Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Park and permit fees in Uganda take up around 32% of your budget, due to the high cost of gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits. These cost $800 and $250 respectively, per person per day. This means that if you spend several days tracking chimps and gorillas your budget should expand to accommodate this.

However, the park fees in the other Ugandan reserves are comparatively low, at around $45 per person per day. On longer safaris, this cost discrepancy balances things out somewhat and reduces your average per-day spend on park permits.

Mode of Transport Between Parks

If you choose to travel between parks by air, this can have a significant impact on your total safari cost. If you’re travelling between parks by road, your transit won’t be an additional cost as you’re already paying for the game drive vehicle, which will need to travel from destination to destination anyway.

Flying significantly reduces your travel times and helps you avoid long trips on bumpy roads. This travel method is particularly convenient when visiting several parks that are far apart, allowing you to maximize your wildlife viewing time.

For travelling by air in Uganda, you have two options––scheduled or chartered flights. Scheduled flights offer a cost-effective air travel option, typically ranging from $230-$350 per person per flight.  Several airlines operate between Entebbe International Airport and most of the national parks across the country. These services operate on fixed timetables to popular destinations like Kihihi (Bwindi), Kasese (Queen Elizabeth), and Pakuba (Murchison Falls).

Chartered flights provide maximum flexibility, but come at a premium price of $1,500-$3,000 per flight (in total), depending on the distance traveled. With a chartered plane, you can create custom itineraries and fly directly to more remote airstrips at times that suit your schedule.

Mode of Transport for Game Drives

In Uganda you have more vehicle options available to you than in other popular safari destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania.

The standard minivan is the most economical choice, at around $250 – $350 per day, including a driver-guide,  while Toyota Land Cruisers offer better off-road capability and comfort for an additional $100 per day.

Land Cruisers with professional driver-guides typically cost between $350-$450 per day, with this fee shared among all passengers in your group. There is a choice between a short wheelbase and longer wheelbase versions in Uganda whereas in other countries they are typically all long wheelbase.

For serious photographers, specialised Photographic Land Cruisers provide an enhanced experience with larger windows that open fully allowing you to maximise viewing angles. Many of these vehicles also come equipped with beanbags which help with camera stabilisation.

My preference: I personally always opt for a Land Cruiser and upgrade to a photography version (with open sides) where possible, as I find it’s well worth the extra cost.

Group Size

The number of people in your group can dramatically influence the overall cost of your safari. Solo travelers typically encounter the highest expenses compared to couples or groups travelling together, as they bear the full cost of fixed expenses like the vehicle and guide. When these costs are shared among multiple people, the trip becomes more economical for everyone. However, most private safari vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 7 people, so it’s best not to let your group get bigger than that.

My preference: I always choose a private safari experience and, as I take a lot of photos, I usually stick to a maximum of 3 – 4 people (including myself) in the back of the truck. This allows all of us to move around to the best positions for sightings.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda is almost a year-round destination, offering something fantastic to see at all times, with the exception of the long rainy season between March and the end of May.

My Preference: I like visiting Uganda in shoulder season. I find this is the perfect trade-off between having good weather and wildlife sightings whilst at the same time the parks aren’t too busy and I can benefit from slightly lower accommodation pricing. October, November and June are my favourite times to visit.

Uganda’s Unique Weather and Climate

Despite its small size and equatorial location, Uganda experiences significant regional climate variations because of its proximity to some of Africa’s largest lakes and mountains. Elevation plays a crucial role in temperature differences, with higher areas like Bwindi being cooler, while lower regions such as Murchison are warmer.

The Important Role of the Rains

As in most other safari destinations in East or Central Africa, your trip to Uganda can also be impacted by the rains. 

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which differ between the northern and southern regions.

The southern region has two dry seasons (June – August and December – February) and two wet seasons (March – May and September – November).

However, rainfall can still occur during the dry seasons, particularly in higher-altitude or forested areas. The northern region has one longer dry season (December – end of February) and a single, extended wet season (April – end of November). While there’s generally less rainfall in the north during its dry season compared to the south, rain can still happen at any time.

Let’s delve a little deeper into what you can expect to experience during each season.

Dry Season in South (June – August)

June to August is an ideal time for visitors who want to visit reserves in the southern regions of Uganda such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for gorilla tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for having four of the Big Five and tree-climbing lions. 

During this period, the south experiences its dry season, making it perfect for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Although June and July are the driest months, occasional rain showers can still occur. 

At the same time, the northern region is in its wet season. However, the far north, including Kidepo Valley National Park, remains largely unaffected by the rains due to its semi-arid climate, offering a unique and less crowded safari experience.

Dry Season Throughout Uganda (December – February)

Visiting Uganda from December to February is the best time for most people as the entire country experiences a dry season during this period which presents great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

In northern Uganda, the weather is particularly good, with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for exploring national parks like Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley.

Do note however that February is the hottest time of year and parks located at a low altitude, such as Murchison Falls, will be particularly hot. Whilst not typical, I experienced 40 degree celsius temperatures during my visit to Murchison Falls in February.

The southern regions also see less rainfall compared to other times of the year, although they may still receive more rain than during the June to August dry season. 

This period is also the hottest time of the year, with February being especially warm, so visitors should be prepared for higher temperatures.

Light Rainy Season Throughout Uganda (September – November)

Visiting Uganda from September to November is a good choice for travelers who want a quieter experience with weather conditions that are still reasonably good.

During this period, the weather brings light rains with the possibility of heavier downpours, especially in the south. While trails can be muddy and sometimes tricky to navigate, the landscape greens up quickly, and by November, a carpet of wildflowers takes over the countryside––a truly spectacular sight to behold

Most national parks stay open and teeming with animal activity. In the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can witness the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region of the park. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the gorillas descend to lower elevations, making sightings more accessible. This is also the beginning of the calving season across Uganda, attracting big cats and other predators to the plains.

Birding is particularly rewarding during these months: northern migratory birds join the local residents, and the onset of nesting season means birds display vibrant plumage and fascinating courtship dances. Altogether, this makes for a vibrant and memorable safari experience in Uganda.

Long Rainy Season Throughout Uganda (March – May)

For most travellers I wouldn’t recommend visiting Uganda during March – May as March signals the arrival of the long rainy season, which peaks in April. This is generally not a good time to visit Uganda, whether in the north or in the south. 

Lodges and tour operators offer some discounts at this time of year so it can be attractive to budget travellers. However, the biggest accommodation discounts are usually at luxury lodges.

Daytime temperatures are mild, ranging from 16–28°C (61–82°F), but nights in higher elevations can get chilly, so packing warm clothing is a must.

Wildlife remains abundant throughout this season, but game viewing can be challenging. Many roads and trails become waterlogged and difficult to navigate, and some parks or lodges may temporarily close. 

However, those willing to brave the conditions are rewarded with quieter parks. The landscape greens up with a colourful sprinkling of wildflowers once again, creating photogenic scenes for nature photographers.

Birdlife is rich, and you’ll still spot numerous migrant species, although rainy days can make birdwatching more difficult.

One of the highlights of the wet season is Uganda’s spectacular waterfalls. Rivers are at their fullest, making falls like Murchison in the northwest, Sipi and Ssezibwa in the central-east, and Kisiizee in the southwest truly breathtaking sights. These are must-see natural wonders!

How Long to Spend in Uganda

I would recommend a minimum of 7 days in Uganda if you want to go chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking on foot and also to enjoy some more traditional game drives. 

If you can spare 10 days, you’ll be able to travel at a more relaxed pace and really immerse yourself in each destination.

For those focused mainly on primate experiences, 5 days is usually enough time to cover both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. If your main goal is gorilla trekking, you can fit this incredible experience into as few as 3 days.

My preference: Time-permitting, I would visit for 10 – 14 days in order to visit all the best national parks in Uganda.

Uganda Safari Logistics

If you book your trip with a local tour operator, they will take care of most of your logistics, but there are still a number of things that you’ll need to consider and organise yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of those things:

Uganda Border Crossings

If you’re flying to Uganda, you’ll enter the country through Entebbe International Airport, which is located near the town of Entebbe, about 40 kilometers from the capital city, Kampala. 

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main international gateway and functions as its primary border post for air travellers.

Uganda shares borders with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and there are a number of entry points for overland travel too. The most frequently used border crossings are with Kenya – namely, Malaba and Busia.

Crossings from Rwanda, such as Gatuna and Cyanika, are also popular, as are the Mutukula border with Tanzania and the Bunagana border with the DRC, particularly for those visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. 

While many tourists and locals cross at Bunagana without any problems, the overall safety of this border can fluctuate, depending on the security situation in the DRC. You might also want to avoid borders with South Sudan.

Border controls can sometimes be time-consuming, so be sure to have all your required documents to hand, such as your passport, yellow fever certificate, and relevant vehicle paperwork if self-driving. It’s also helpful to have some local currency.

Uganda Visa

Travellers from the USA, UK and Europe require a visa to enter Uganda. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50. 

If you’re planning to visit Rwanda and/or Kenya as well, it makes sense to apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This visa allows multiple crossings into all three countries for a period of 90 days from the date of issue, and costs $100.

You can apply online for either visa on the Uganda eVisa Portal.

Uganda Vaccinations

Travelers to Uganda are required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival. This is a mandatory entry requirement and should be administered at the latest 10 days before you plan to travel.

It is optional, but advisable, also to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid and rabies.

Further information can be found on NHS Fit4Travel.

Uganda Medications

Malaria is prevalent in Uganda, so you should consider taking antimalarial medication. You should arrange this with your regular healthcare provider or travel clinic back home. It is also important to cover up during dusk, dawn and evenings, and to use insect repellent during these times, in order to avoid mosquito bites. 

Also make sure you have sufficient supply of any regular or chronic medications, as pharmacies are unlikely to be easily accessible during your travels.

Uganda Currency 

It’s a good idea to carry cash in the form of both US Dollars (USD) and Ugandan Shillings (UGX). USD is widely accepted, and even preferred, for larger purchases such as tourist activities, gorilla permits, safaris, and hotel stays. However, notes should be newer (post-2013) and in good condition.

For daily expenses and tips, local markets, small shops, restaurants, and transportation, you’ll need Ugandan Shillings. You can get these from local ATMs or forex bureaus, which usually offer better exchange rates than hotels. 

However, bear in mind that ATMs and forex bureaus are mainly found in larger towns and cities like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Mbarara, and Kabale, but are not readily available in remote areas or near national parks.

For instance, when you’re visiting places like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or remote areas around Lake Bunyonyi, you shouldn’t rely on finding ATMs. So make sure to withdraw enough cash before heading out to remote locations. 

While major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at high-end establishments, it’s best to carry cash, especially in remote areas.

Remember to only exchange money at official bureaus or banks, and keep receipts from all currency exchanges.

10-Day Uganda Safari Overview

I have crafted the perfect 10-day Uganda safari itinerary below based on both my personal experience and after conducting copious research on the topic.

I have also considered the distance between the parks and driving times in order to come up with the most enjoyable itinerary.

I have no doubt that you’re going to have one of the greatest safari experiences of your life with this 10-day itinerary in Uganda. From tracking gorillas in the mountains to watching unusual tree-climbing lions lounging in the treetops, your adventure in Uganda will be an unforgettable one. 

This itinerary takes you from the bustling cities of Kampala and Entebbe deep into environments that feel like their polar opposite, like the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest––which is almost as impenetrable as the name says!

10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary Map

Day by Day Breakdown of the Ultimate 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

This is what you can expect to experience on your epic 10-day Uganda safari itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Uganda is a completely unique safari destination. From dense African jungles to pristine, mirror-like lakes, the natural environment is awe-inspiring. But the truly incomparable nature of this country is revealed when you come face-to-face with our not-so-distant cousins, the great primates. 

Nothing can prepare you for the uncanny feeling of familiarity, coupled with awe, when you watch how a mountain gorilla mother tenderly holds her child. Or how young chimpanzees play with each other with such a human-like mixture of affection and spontaneity. 

I’ve had some of my best ever safari experiences in Uganda. From watching a leopard in the rosy pink dawn as she stretched atop the ruins of an ancient building to standing face to face with one of the world’s last mountain gorillas, Uganda has stolen my heart. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too.