10-Day Ultimate Uganda Adventure (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Budget Safari – Affordable lodges and camps with essential amenities, local hospitality, and authentic experiences
Destinations: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Murchison Falls NP • Kibale Forest NP • Queen Elizabeth NP • Bwindi Impenetrable NP • Lake Bunyonyi • Kampala
Uganda’s All-in-One Safari Circuit
This 10-day adventure is designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Uganda’s natural and cultural wonders, without overspending. From tracking rhinos and chimpanzees to cruising the Nile and meeting mountain gorillas, this itinerary blends big game viewing, rainforest trekking, crater lake serenity, and vibrant community encounters. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly journey through the Pearl of Africa.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP
- Boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Scenic canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
- Cultural visits with Batwa and local communities
- Budget lodges with wildlife proximity, local cuisine, and group-friendly facilities
Major Attractions
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Rhino tracking on foot |
| Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
| Kibale Forest NP | Chimpanzees, primates, birding |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
| Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Gorilla trekking, rainforest hiking |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Canoeing, island visits, birdwatching |
| Kampala | Cultural sites, craft markets, nightlife |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Ziwa → Murchison → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Bunyonyi → Kampala (~2,000 km total)
- Transfers: All ground transport provided in 4x4 safari vans or coasters with bottled water and onboard guide
- Nearest Airstrips (Optional): Pakuba (Murchison), Kasese (Queen Elizabeth), Kihihi (Bwindi) — charter only
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls
Activities:
- Guided rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
Accommodation: Budget Option: Red Chilli Rest Camp / Fort Murchison Budget Rooms
Amenities: Budget bandas, en-suite rooms, restaurant, solar lighting
Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning game drive in northern Murchison
- Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Murchison → Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Activities:
- Scenic transfer through tea plantations and Rwenzori foothills
- Evening nature walk or crater lake visit
Accommodation: Budget Option: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp (Budget Tent)
Amenities: Basic rooms or tents, forest views, local meals
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP & Game Drive
Activities:
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Rwenzori foothills
- Afternoon game drive in Kasenyi Plains
Accommodation: Budget Option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Tembo Safari Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, local cuisine, Wi-Fi (limited)
Day 6: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Crater Lake Drive
Activities:
- Morning boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Afternoon crater lake exploration
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Activities:
- Transfer via Ishasha Sector (tree-climbing lions)
- Evening lodge check-in and gorilla trekking briefing
Accommodation: Budget Option: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge / Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Amenities: Basic rooms, shared facilities, forest views
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Forest Relaxation
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- Afternoon rest or optional Batwa cultural visit
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 9: Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi
Activities:
- Scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Sunset canoe ride and island visit
Accommodation: Budget Option: Bunyonyi Overland Resort / Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
Amenities: Lakeside bar/restaurant, canoe rentals, budget rooms
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi → Kampala
Activities:
- Optional morning birdwatching or hike to viewpoint
- Scenic transfer back to Kampala with equator stop
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight hiking clothes (quick-dry recommended)
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Rain jacket (especially March–May or Oct–Nov)
- Small backpack for day hikes
- Moderate fitness level for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 9 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
- Boat cruises, game drives, walking safaris
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chilli Rest Camp | Murchison Falls NP | Budget bandas, restaurant, bar |
| Kibale Forest Camp (Budget) | Kibale Forest | Budget tents, forest views, local meals |
| Pumba Safari Cottages | Queen Elizabeth NP | En-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, local cuisine |
| Bwindi Backpackers Lodge | Bwindi | Forest views, shared facilities |
| Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Lake Bunyonyi | Lakeside bar/restaurant, canoe rentals |
This budget safari offers the perfect blend of wildlife, primates, scenery, and culture, ideal for solo travelers and group adventurers.