5 Days Gorilla & Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth

This 5 Days Gorilla & Wildlife Safari combines the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The safari takes you through some of Uganda’s most scenic landscapes, from mist-covered mountains and dense rainforests to open savannah plains and wildlife-rich waterways.

You will trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, enjoy game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes, and cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.

The drive passes through beautiful countryside, rolling hills, local villages, and agricultural landscapes. You will stop at the Equator crossing for photographs and continue through Mbarara and Kabale before arriving in Bwindi in the evening.

After checking into your lodge, enjoy dinner and relax as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and receive instructions about gorilla trekking regulations.

The trek takes you through dense rainforest, steep slopes, and thick vegetation in search of mountain gorillas. Depending on the movement of the gorilla family, the trek may last between two and eight hours.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching a silverback protect his family, juveniles playing, and mothers caring for their infants is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and an evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Accommodation: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park through the famous Ishasha Sector.

This region is well known for its tree climbing lions, one of the few lion populations in Africa that regularly rest in fig trees. During your game drive through Ishasha, you may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs.

Continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hab Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Uganda. The open grasslands attract large numbers of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, and lions.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is famous for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds.

The cruise provides excellent photography opportunities and close views of wildlife gathering along the shoreline.

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hab Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Return to Entebbe or Kampala

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting out for a final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is another opportunity to search for wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park.

After the game drive, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with a stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in the evening and transfer to your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation: No Overnight Accommodation

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Activities

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Batwa Cultural Experience
• Gorilla Habituation Experience
• Guided Forest Nature Walk
• Bird Watching Excursion
• Community Coffee Tour
• Waterfall Trail Walk

Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Lion Tracking Experience
• Maramagambo Forest Walk
• Crater Lakes Tour
• Katwe Salt Mining Experience
• Bird Watching Safari
• Cultural Community Visit
• Sundowner Experience
• Night Game Drive
• Photography Safari