5 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda and Queen Elizabeth Safari

From

From $3500.00

Duration

Max People

Min Age

Tour Type

Game Drives, Trekking

Overview

This 5-day Uganda safari combines the unforgettable thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with classic big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The adventure begins in the mist-shrouded hills of Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the world's premier destination for encountering endangered mountain gorillas. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll trek through lush jungle terrain to spend a rare and humbling hour with a habituated gorilla family — a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. With your gorilla permit included, every step of the journey is made seamless and memorable.

Beyond the wildlife, Bwindi also offers powerful cultural interactions. Optional visits to the indigenous Batwa pygmies give insight into the forest’s human history, while tranquil evenings at eco-lodges nestled within the rainforest allow you to relax amid birdsong and misty views. From here, your journey continues west to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse and iconic safari destination. The park’s Kasenyi Plains offer thrilling game drives where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

A scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel adds another dimension to your safari. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, offering up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and more than 600 bird species, including kingfishers, fish eagles, and herons. It’s a must for bird watchers and photographers alike.

Whether you’re starting in Entebbe, connecting from a Kenya safari, or winding down with a Zanzibar beach escape, this well-paced 5-day Uganda itinerary is a perfect blend of primal rainforest immersion and scenic savannah exploration. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and curious explorers, this trip delivers the very best of Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures — all in one epic safari journey.

Highlights

Enjoy a magical close-up encounter with mountain gorillas during an unforgettable trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Travel through Uganda’s stunning landscapes from mist-covered rainforests to wide open savannahs.
Spot iconic African wildlife like lions, elephants, and leopards during game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and witness hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife up close.
Stay in top-rated lodges and immerse yourself in local culture with optional visits to the Batwa forest community.

Inclusions

Gorilla trekking permit
All park fees and game drives
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation (4 nights)
All meals as per itinerary
Kazinga Channel boat safari
Drinking water during safari
AMREF Flying Doctor Evacuation cover

International/domestic flights
Visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Tips and optional activities
Beverages and personal expenses

Itinerary

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Arrival in Bwindi – The Edge of the Wild

Upon arrival at Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, or after a scenic road transfer from Entebbe/Kampala, you'll be welcomed to the misty hills of Bwindi.

Check in to your lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest. Relax with views of emerald canopies and perhaps join a Batwa cultural visit for insights into the lives of forest dwellers.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Soulful Encounter

Today is the highlight of your adventure. Early morning, join expert rangers for a gorilla trekking expedition through thick jungle terrain. Your reward? A magical, close-up encounter with a mountain gorilla family, watching them feed, play, and gaze back at you with soulful eyes.

After your trek, unwind at your lodge and recount your once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Gorilla trekking permit included

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Into the Savannah

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse park. The journey itself is scenic, descending from the highlands into expansive plains dotted with acacia and fig trees.

Arrive in time for a relaxing evening and sundowners overlooking the wilderness.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise with the sun for a thrilling game drive through Kasenyi Plains, where lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs roam.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. You’ll cruise past herds of elephants cooling off at the banks — a photographer's dream.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Return to Entebbe – Journey's End

Enjoy breakfast with savannah views before your transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala. Flight options are available from Kasese Airstrip for convenience. Depart with memories of gorilla families, lion prides, and the soul of Uganda in your heart.

Meal Plan: Breakfast