10 Days Uganda Safari, Kidepo, Murchison, Kibale and Bwindi

This 10-day Uganda safari takes you through Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a well-rounded wildlife and primate experience. It is designed for travellers who want to explore some of Uganda’s most rewarding safari destinations in one itinerary. The trip combines remote savannah wildlife in Kidepo, the dramatic Nile and waterfall landscapes of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Along the way, you also experience cultural encounters with the Karamojong and the Ik communities, making this safari broader and more memorable than a standard wildlife-only circuit.

Safari Highlights

• 10 days Uganda safari across Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi
• Remote wildlife viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park
• Karamojong Manyatta cultural visit
• Ik community visit in the Kidepo region
• Game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk in Kibale
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Scenic return to Kampala with cultural stops

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Transfer from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park

At 7am, you will depart Kampala and begin the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda. This is a long drive that takes most of the day, so you will have lunch en route and make a few short rest stops along the way. As you travel north, you will pass through changing landscapes and local trading centres before entering the more remote northeastern region of Uganda. You will arrive in Kidepo in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax after the long journey. Budget UWA Bandas, Mid-range Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Luxury Apoka Safari Lodge.

Day 2, Morning game drive in Kidepo, Karamojong manyatta visit

Wake up early for a morning game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park, especially in the Narus Valley area, which is one of the best wildlife viewing sections of the park. Watch out for animals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and, if lucky, leopards. Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax during the hotter part of the day. In the afternoon, visit the Karamojong manyattas to learn more about their traditional homesteads, way of life, cattle culture, dances, and daily routines. After the cultural visit, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3, Ik cultural visit, afternoon wildlife viewing in Kidepo

After breakfast, go for a cultural visit to the Ik community in the Kidepo region. This visit gives you insight into one of the area’s lesser-known indigenous communities, their traditions, lifestyle, and relationship with the surrounding landscape. After the visit, return for lunch and rest briefly at the lodge. In the afternoon, go for another short wildlife drive or relaxed viewing session in the park to look out for more animals and enjoy the scenery of Kidepo before dinner

Day 4, Transfer from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park

In the morning right after breakfast, you will depart Kidepo and drive to Murchison Falls National Park through Kitgum and Gulu. This is another long transfer day, so there will be breaks along the route for rest and lunch. You will arrive in the Murchison Falls area in the afternoon or evening, check in at your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the wildlife activities the next day. Budget Red Chilli Bandas, Mid-range Murchison River Lodge, Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 5, Morning game drive, boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls

At 6 am, go for an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park in search of wildlife. Watch out for giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, hartebeest, waterbucks, lions, and a variety of bird species across the savannah. Return to the lodge for breakfast or an early lunch, depending on the timing of your drive. In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. During the cruise, watch out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many birds along the riverbanks. The highlight of this trip is the view of the powerful falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging downward. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6, Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

In the morning, after breakfast, begin the drive to Kibale Forest National Park. This is a long transfer that takes about 7 to 8 hours, with lunch and short stops made along the way. You will arrive in the Kibale area in the late afternoon or evening and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Budget Chimpanzee View Guest House, Mid-range Crater Safari Lodge, Luxury Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge

Day 7, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Bigodi Wetland nature walk

This morning, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of chimpanzees. Kibale is one of the best places in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking, and the walk through the forest may also reward you with sightings of other primates, forest birds, and interesting vegetation. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, go for a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Watch out for primates, wetland birds, and local community life around the sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8, Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In the morning right after breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours, arriving in the afternoon. As you move toward southwestern Uganda, enjoy the changing scenery of hills, rural settlements, and cultivated landscapes before arriving in the Bwindi region. Check in at your lodge and prepare for gorilla trekking the next day. Budget Buhoma Bandas or Kisoro Travellers Rest Camp, Mid-range Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, or Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Luxury Clouds Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Mahogany Springs Hotel

Day 9, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, optional Batwa or village walk

Today you will go gorilla trekking in the forest. Briefing starts at 7 am, during which you will be allocated the gorilla family to trek, and the actual trek begins at 8 am. After entering the forest, you will search for the gorillas with ranger guides. Once you meet them, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour observing them and taking pictures. Later, return to the starting point and head back to your lodge. If you return early and still have the energy, you may go for an optional Batwa community visit around Bwindi. Overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 10, Return to Kampala via Igongo Cultural Centre and the Equator

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala. On the way, stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for a break and cultural experience, then continue to the Equator for photos before proceeding to Kampala. You will arrive in the evening and later continue to the airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 10 days Uganda safari to Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 9 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Game drives listed in the itinerary
• Victoria Nile boat cruise
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Bigodi nature walk
• Gorilla trekking  permit
• Cultural visits to the Karamojong and Ik communities

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included
• Items of a personal nature