10-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari: Ultimate Wildlife and Cultural Adventure

Embark on a 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari Holiday that combines the best of southern and eastern Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. From the shimmering channels of the Okavango Delta and the wild plains of Moremi Game Reserve to the mighty elephants of Chobe National Park, Botswana is a land of pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and serene waterways. Here, safari enthusiasts can witness Africa’s iconic species lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and countless antelope species—while enjoying personalized game drives, walking safaris, and Mokoro excursions in a tranquil, intimate setting.

After exploring Botswana’s wilderness, your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari journey continues to Uganda, where lush rainforests, misty mountains, and vibrant local communities await. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Observing these gentle giants is not just a wildlife experience but an emotional journey, fostering a connection to conservation and local culture. The safari also includes a visit to the Batwa community, offering insight into indigenous forest traditions, and time at Lake Bunyonyi, a serene haven known for its dramatic landscapes and rich birdlife.

This 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari journey is designed for the discerning traveler seeking adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion. It combines Botswana’s iconic floodplains and savannahs with Uganda’s verdant rainforests, offering an unparalleled contrast in ecosystems, wildlife, and experiences. Whether you are cruising in a Mokoro, tracking gorillas, or engaging with local communities, this Botswana Uganda Safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Detailed 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana & Transfer to the Okavango Delta

Your Botswana Safari begins in Maun, often referred to as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, clear immigration and meet your guide for a briefing about your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari adventure. You will then be transferred to your lodge deep in the delta, accessible via light aircraft or road transfer, depending on your package.

The Okavango Delta is a mosaic of waterways, lagoons, reed beds, and islands teeming with wildlife. As you approach the lodge, the first glimpses of elephants, giraffes, and a variety of water birds set the tone for the adventure ahead. Your lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, offering comfort while respecting the delicate ecosystem. From your elevated viewing deck, watch as African fish eagles soar overhead, hippos yawn in the water, and elusive predators may move silently in the distance.

After settling in, enjoy a late afternoon Mokoro ride, gliding silently along the delta channels. This traditional dugout canoe provides an intimate encounter with the delta’s wildlife, allowing you to observe species like sitatunga antelope and jacanas, which are rarely seen on traditional game drives. As the sun sets, the golden hues reflecting on the water create a picture-perfect moment for photography and reflection. Dinner at the lodge features local ingredients and flavors, preparing you for the exciting days ahead.

  • Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 2: Game Drives and Sunset Mokoro in the Okavango Delta

Wake up early to the gentle sounds of the delta birdsong, rustling reeds, and the occasional elephant trumpet. After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through the floodplains and islands of the delta. The Okavango Delta is renowned for its dense populations of big game. Lions may be spotted lounging under acacia trees, while leopards silently stalk their prey. Herds of elephants wade through shallow channels, and giraffes browse the treetops. The delta’s waters are home to hippos and crocodiles, providing excellent photographic opportunities and creating a landscape alive with natural drama.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Mokoro excursion, gliding through hidden waterways inaccessible by vehicle. Your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari local guide explains the intricate ecosystem of the delta, the importance of seasonal floods, and the interdependent relationships between predators, herbivores, and birds. Observe colorful kingfishers, herons, and the rare African skimmer, all thriving in this unique wetland environment. The quiet serenity of gliding along the water offers a striking contrast to the adrenaline of game drives, making it a true highlight of any Botswana Wildlife Safari.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a sundowner on a secluded sandbank, sipping a drink while elephants pass by in the distance. Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner and evening storytelling session with guides, sharing knowledge of the delta’s ecosystems and the culture of local communities who rely on these waters.

  • Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 3: Moremi Game Reserve – Adventure in the Untamed Botswana Wilderness

After breakfast, travel to the Moremi Game Reserve, located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta. Known as one of Botswana’s premier 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari destinations, Moremi is a haven for biodiversity, including large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and African antelope. The reserve’s mosaic of lagoons, mopane woodlands, and acacia savannahs offers a variety of habitats, each supporting different wildlife communities.

Spend the day on guided game drives and walking safaris, exploring the bush alongside experienced trackers. Walking safaris allow for intimate observation of smaller creatures, tracks, and plant life, teaching travelers about the interconnectedness of all living things. Moremi’s diverse ecosystems provide excellent opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Keep your binoculars ready for the elusive African wild dog or the rare sitatunga in swampy areas.

After an exhilarating day, relax back at your lodge overlooking a watering hole. Here, wildlife congregates at dusk, providing one last chance to observe elephants, buffalo, and antelope in natural interaction. Dinner at the lodge offers traditional cuisine alongside international favorites, providing a culinary reflection of Botswana’s cultural diversity.

  • Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Moremi Safari Camp – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 4: Khwai Community Area – Walking Safaris and Local Engagement

Your Botswana Cultural Safari continues as you travel to the Khwai Community Area, a community-run conservancy bordering Moremi Game Reserve. This area combines sustainable wildlife management with cultural immersion, allowing visitors to learn about Botswana’s people while enjoying exceptional wildlife viewing.

Engage in walking safaris with local guides, tracking elephants, giraffes, and predators on foot. Learn about indigenous plant use, traditional hunting techniques, and the local communities’ efforts to coexist with wildlife. The Khwai area is also rich in birdlife, with over 400 species including lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and malachite kingfishers. Walking alongside the delta’s waterways offers a quiet, immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the delicate balance of Botswana’s ecosystem.

In the evening, gather for a sundowner on the lodge deck, watching as the African sun sets over the floodplains. Dinner includes storytelling about the community’s culture, history, and conservation initiatives. The Khwai experience exemplifies how Botswana Safaris integrate wildlife and cultural awareness for an enriching, responsible 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari travel experience.

  • Main Destination: Khwai Community Area, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Khwai Safari Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 5: Chobe National Park – Elephants and River Safaris

Today, transfer to Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, renowned for its massive elephant herds and thriving biodiversity. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon river safari along the Chobe River, one of Africa’s most productive wildlife corridors.

The Chobe River attracts hundreds of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. Observing elephants cross the river, sometimes in playful interaction with one another, is a mesmerizing sight that defines the essence of a Botswana Wildlife Tour. Lions and leopards are occasionally spotted along the riverbanks, offering thrilling encounters for avid wildlife photographers. The golden hour on the river is magical, reflecting the silhouettes of wildlife against the water and creating unforgettable memories.

After the 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari, enjoy dinner at your lodge with views overlooking the river, listening to nocturnal wildlife. Chobe National Park is not only a wildlife haven but also a symbol of Botswana’s conservation success, offering travelers a rare combination of adventure, education, and relaxation.

  • Main Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
  • Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 6: Afternoon Chobe River Safari and Flight to Uganda

The morning is at leisure to reflect on your Botswana experiences. After lunch, you embark on an afternoon boat safari along the Chobe River. Watch as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds interact along the riverbanks. This leisurely cruise contrasts the adrenaline of game drives, allowing for photography, wildlife observation, and relaxation.

Later, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Uganda, usually via Kigali. Upon arrival, you are transferred to a lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, your gateway to gorilla trekking. Enjoy a restful evening, preparing for the 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari adventure ahead.

  • Main Destination: Chobe River, Botswana & Bwindi, Uganda
  • Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 7: Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Following a breath-taking morning in Chobe or Bwindi, you will begin the road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and the iconic mountain gorillas that inhabit its misty mountains. Your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari journey takes you through Uganda’s picturesque landscapes, transitioning from the open savannahs of southern Uganda to lush rolling hills, terraced farmland, and tropical rainforest edges that herald the approaching Bwindi region.

As you drive, the scenery shifts dramatically: roadside villages emerge, interspersed with banana plantations, coffee farms, and local markets where villagers sell fresh produce and handicrafts. The rolling hills are often dotted with children playing and women carrying baskets atop their heads a glimpse into rural Ugandan life and culture. Along the way, keep an eye out for Uganda’s smaller wildlife species: the vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys are often spotted in forested areas, and birdwatchers will delight in the vibrant African paradise flycatchers, African grey parrots, and the occasional hornbill.

Upon arrival at your lodge near Bwindi, you will be greeted with the rich scents of the rainforest and panoramic views of mist-clad hills and valleys. Bwindi’s unique ecosystem, comprising over 160 tree species and countless ferns and vines, creates a labyrinth of green teeming with life. The lodge itself is designed to blend harmoniously with the environment, offering a serene retreat with spacious rooms, locally inspired cuisine, and observation decks for wildlife viewing. This evening, enjoy dinner while watching the sun set behind towering forested hills, listening to the sounds of the forest the rhythmic drumming of gorillas, birdcalls, and rustling leaves a perfect prelude to the highlight of your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari Holiday: gorilla trekking.

  • Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
  • Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is the pinnacle of your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will meet your experienced guides and trackers for a briefing on gorilla behavior, tracking protocols, and safety precautions. Bwindi’s dense rainforest terrain is challenging yet rewarding, with narrow paths, steep inclines, and moss-covered trees creating an immersive wilderness experience.

The trek begins with a hike through misty valleys and thick undergrowth, following the signs and tracks left by these magnificent primates. As you traverse the forest, your guide points out smaller wildlife, unusual plants, and medicinal herbs used by local communities. Birds abound here, including the African broadbill, African green broadbill, and the rare grey-headed sunbird. After several hours, the anticipation builds as the guide signals that the gorilla family is nearby.

Meeting the gorillas is a life-changing experience. These gentle giants, up to 200 kilograms in weight, move gracefully through the forest, interacting with their young in playful displays. Observing their social dynamics grooming, playing, and the protective silverback’s commanding presence is both humbling and exhilarating. Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike will marvel at this intimate encounter, which is strictly limited to one hour per group to minimize disturbance.

In the afternoon, visit a Batwa community, indigenous forest dwellers who offer insights into traditional forest-based lifestyles, hunting techniques, and cultural rituals. Learn about their music, crafts, and storytelling traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for how human communities coexist with these rich ecosystems. Return to the lodge for a celebratory dinner and reflect on a truly unforgettable day that combines wildlife wonder and cultural immersion.

  • Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
  • Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 9: Full Day at Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation, Boat Cruise, and Nature Walks

After the intensity of gorilla trekking, enjoy a full day of serenity and natural beauty at Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as “the place of many little birds.” This crater lake, surrounded by terraced hills, islands, and misty peaks, is one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations. After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise, gliding across calm, emerald waters. Islands dot the lake, each with its own story from local legends to small bird colonies. The lake’s avian diversity is extraordinary, including kingfishers, weaver birds, African fish eagles, and the elusive papyrus gonolek.

The day also includes guided nature walks along the lake’s perimeter and surrounding hills, where you can observe terraced agriculture, banana plantations, and villages. Interactions with local communities provide insight into sustainable farming, traditional crafts, and daily life in the southwestern highlands of Uganda. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities: reflections of islands on the lake, mist-covered peaks, and villagers in colorful attire.

For those seeking adventure, optional canoeing or swimming in designated safe zones is available. Meanwhile, relaxation is central to the experience: savor lunch on a lodge terrace overlooking the lake, listen to the calls of nature, and reflect on your experiences trekking gorillas in Bwindi. The day serves as both a restorative interlude and a final immersion in Uganda’s rich landscapes, combining eco-tourism, adventure, and culture.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day with fellow travelers. The calm of Lake Bunyonyi contrasts perfectly with the adrenaline of wildlife encounters, providing a well-rounded and restorative experience in your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari Holiday.

  • Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
  • Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Lodge – Mid-range
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Day 10: Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport & Departure

On the final day of your 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari, you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lush Ugandan landscape. After check-out, embark on a road transfer back to Entebbe International Airport, traversing scenic hills, farmlands, and tropical forests. The journey offers last glimpses of Uganda’s rural life, with roadside villages, bustling markets, and stunning panoramas of the Rwenzori foothills.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for photographs, quick shopping for handicrafts, or to enjoy a brief nature walk. Reflect on the journey: from Botswana’s vast floodplains, Moremi’s untamed wilderness, Chobe’s elephant herds, to the emotional encounter with mountain gorillas in Uganda and the serenity of Lake Bunyonyi. This safari has provided a seamless blend of adventure, wildlife observation, cultural immersion, and relaxation.

Upon arrival at the airport, check in for your outbound flight. As you depart, you carry memories of intimate wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of local communities. This 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari is more than a journey; it is a transformative experience that connects you with the heart of Africa, leaving you inspired and eager for future adventures.

  • Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
  • Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
  • Meals: Breakfast included
  • Drinks: Not included

 

Optional Gorilla Trekking Safari Extension: Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

For travelers seeking an alternative or additional gorilla experience, consider extending your trip with gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Located in the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda offers another pristine habitat for mountain gorillas. Trekking here follows similar protocols, led by expert trackers who guide you through dense bamboo forests, misty slopes, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Rwanda’s approach emphasizes conservation and community engagement. Visitors often spend time with local cultural groups, learn about sustainable practices, and explore the volcanic scenery, which offers striking views of crater lakes, forested ridges, and endemic wildlife. An extension to Rwanda allows for additional gorilla encounters, photography opportunities, and an understanding of regional conservation efforts across Uganda and Rwanda.

 

Detailed 10-day Botswana and Uganda Safari

Safari Inclusions

  • All park fees (Botswana & Uganda, non-residents)
  • All game drives, guided walking safaris, and boat safaris as indicated
  • Light aircraft and charter flights (Botswana segments)
  • All accommodation as specified (mid-range lodges/camps)
  • Professional guides/drivers for safari activities
  • Road transfers in Uganda
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Drinking water (where specified)
  • Cultural visits (Batwa community, local villages)

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Botswana and Uganda
  • Visa fees (where applicable)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and lodge staff (recommended USD $10/day)
  • Optional activities not listed as included
  • Personal items, souvenirs, and additional beverages
  • Government-imposed taxes/fees not mentioned in itinerary

This comprehensive 10-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari offers a premium blend of wildlife, landscapes, and culture, highlighting the diversity of southern and eastern Africa in a single transformative journey. From Botswana’s legendary floodplains to Uganda’s misty rainforests and gorilla families, this safari is designed for travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences in some of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas.