10 Days in Uganda - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Uganda: Wildlife & Landscapes

Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike, this highlights tour of Uganda's wildlife and landscapes offers a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a whitewater rafting trip on the Nile River, and safaris at Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Add in tracking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a Bigodi Swamp walk, and a city tour of Kampala, and you have a trip that provides an authentic taste of Uganda's natural and cultural splendor.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you'll tour Kampala, Uganda's capital. After settling in, head east toward Jinja for a thrilling ziplining experience in Mabira, Uganda's largest natural forest. In Jinja, cruise to the source of the Nile River and explore arts and crafts in the city, then don your life jacket for a whitewater rafting trip down the Nile the following day. Leaving Jinja on Day 4, journey northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, home to an incredible range of biodiversity, stopping for a rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Once in Murchison Falls, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile, a hike, and an evening game drive.

On Day 6, you'll travel to Kibale National Park, home to over 13 species of primates, where you'll have a day to explore the park before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site known for its rich biological and botanical regions. At Bwindi, you'll go on a gorilla trekking experience, immersing yourself in the habitat of these critically-endangered creatures. Finally, return to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a vast space known for its classic big game, primate species, and birdlife. You'll participate in one last game drive on your final day and return to Entebbe to close out your trip the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Uganda's National Parks: Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kibale & Rwenzori

On this itinerary through Uganda's national parks, you'll explore diverse ecosystems, from the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the ancient rainforests of Bwindi and Kibale. This itinerary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities for exciting game drives and gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, along with visits to four unique national parks. Highlights include up-close encounters with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest, and a visit to the "Mountains of the Moon" in Rwenzori National Park.

Begin in Entebbe, where you'll acclimate and explore the bustling streets of Kampala. From there, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Following two days of exciting game drives, water safaris, and a chance to witness the large population of Uganda kob (antelope), you'll then journey to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorillas. You'll spend a day tracking these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a truly unique experience.

After your gorilla adventure, return to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll traverse the endless Ishasha Plains—keep your eyes peeled for tree-climbing lions! Next, you'll head to the Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve for a day of tracking chimpanzees among the forest's vast biodiversity. On the penultimate day of your trip, explore the lush landscapes of western Uganda's Rwenzori National Park (home to the "Mountains of the Moon" equatorial peaks) before returning to Entebbe for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Uganda Adventure

Discover Uganda's outdoors with this active adventure. Perfect for thrill seekers, this trip offers a three-day hike across the extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, whitewater rafting on the Nile River, and a ziplining experience through Mabira Forest. You'll also explore the local culture with a guided walking tour of Entebbe and interact with the Indigenous Sabiny people.

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Entebbe, followed by a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the lively Entebbe Crafts Village, and sampling a local street food favorite, rolex (tomato and onion omelet rolled with chapati). You'll also explore the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens and unwind by a beach on Lake Victoria. From Entebbe, travel to Jinja for a ziplining experience at the Mabira Ecotourism Center, followed by a boat tour of the Nile River. You'll also enjoy exciting activities like whitewater rafting, quad biking, and bungee jumping.

Next, transfer to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa on Day 5 to explore the traditions of the Sabiny people through a unique cultural experience within a cave. While in Kapchorwa, you'll also experience coffee making at a local homestay and hike through the captivating Sipi Waterfalls. Following your stay, embark on a three-day hike across Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano, to marvel at the stunning views of lush forests and diverse landscapes. Wrapping up your trip, you'll be transferred back to Entebbe for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Uganda Cultural Journey

With this culture-forward itinerary, you'll discover traditional Ugandan communities, learn about the coffee-making process, sample local delicacies, and enjoy game drives in Kidepo National Park. Immerse yourself in Uganda's culture when you join the Sabiny people in a sacred cave to learn about their traditions and hike with the Indigenous Ik people in the Morungole Mountains and see how they live.

Your journey starts in Entebbe, the city at the northern end of Lake Victoria, where you'll have the option to visit Uganda's capital, Kampala. You'll then head to Jinja to explore the city and its vibrant central market. The next day involves a scenic hike through banana plantations to a homestay for a coffee plantation tour, followed by a Sabiny cave experience to learn about the region's culture. Continuing your journey, you'll cruise on the Nile River to its source and then travel north to Moroto, a region home to Indigenous communities within a mountainous region.

You'll immerse yourself in Karamojong culture with a trip to some traditional villages made up of manyattas (huts) and interact with the Karamojong people on a guided bike and walking tour. Your journey then takes you to Kidepo Valley National Park, where you'll enjoy game drives and nature walks. You'll also have the opportunity to meet the Indigenous Ik group and learn about their lifestyle with a hike in the Morungole Mountains. Afterward, you'll head to Gulu, one of Uganda's fastest-growing cities, to explore its bustling markets and try local eats. Your adventure brings you back to Entebbe in time for your homebound flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Discover the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda on this multicountry itinerary that leads you through the heart of both countries and focuses on wildlife-rich national parks and cultural encounters. Ideal for nature lovers, this itinerary includes spotting golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and safari drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Adding to the adventure, you'll visit the Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village, meet the Batwa community, and support an elephant conservation project.

Your adventure begins in Rwanda's vibrant capital, Kigali, where you'll experience the city's thriving music and café scene. The next day, visit NGOs that aid in the recovery from the 1990s genocide, learning about the country's history and the resilience of its people. Then, head northwest to Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas and over 300 bird species, before spending the afternoon visiting the Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about local traditions. The following day, you'll trek through the park with a guide to observe the rare and shy golden monkeys in their natural environment.

On Day 5, you'll cross into Uganda and head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population. You'll take a gorilla trek here, observing these gentle giants up close. Later that day, you'll visit the Batwa community and learn about their unique customs. Continue north on Day 7 to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its big game and exotic birds, to explore the park with a game drive and a boat safari along the verdant Kazinga Channel. While there, track chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve and shop for souvenirs to support local women at the Kataara Women's Elephant Conservation Project. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Uganda Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Uganda? Check out these other 10-day Uganda itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.