5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
5 Days – 4 Nights
5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Overview
This 5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari is the perfect combination of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat to spotting lions, elephants, and hippos on thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and breathtaking nature.
Starting and ending in Kampala or Entebbe, this all-inclusive safari includes airport transfers, park entrance fees, gorilla permits, accommodation, meals, and an expert local guide. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the best of Uganda in just under a week.
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5 Days/ 4 Nights
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Uganda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide who will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe—or directly from Entebbe International Airport. From here, begin your scenic drive to the southwestern corner of Uganda, home to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside, rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant roadside markets. You’ll stop at the equator for photos and lunch en route. Optional stops to explore local crafts or communities can be made on request.
Drive Time: Approximately 8–9 hours
Accommodation Options:
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Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
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Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch (if en route) & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing led by expert rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group and begin your trek into the dense rainforest—home to nearly half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the experience of observing these gentle giants up close is truly unforgettable. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour in their presence—watching them feed, groom, and interact in their natural environment.
After the trek, return to the lodge to rest and receive your gorilla trekking certificate.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular safari destination. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and local communities. Arrive at your lodge in time for check-in and a brief rest, followed by an evening game drive to spot wildlife like buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, and even lions if you’re lucky.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its wide range of habitats, from savannahs and forests to wetlands and lakes, making it a haven for wildlife and birds alike.
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Drive Time: 4–5 hours
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Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge / Pumba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a hearty breakfast and then embark on a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains—a great spot to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and more. This is one of the best opportunities to spot the Big 4 animals (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo) in a single outing.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing but exciting boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is famous for its dense population of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers. It’s a wildlife photographer’s dream!
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Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge / Pumba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Optional Game Drive or Katwe Salt Lakes Visit – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, choose between a morning game drive in the Mweya Peninsula or a cultural visit to the Katwe Salt Lakes, where you’ll learn about traditional salt mining methods still used by local communities today.
Then, start your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the evening. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your flight.
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Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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Suggested Gorilla Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.