5-Day Uganda Safari Adventure: Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Exploration
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest and the unforgettable thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi, planned with trusted local guides.
Savannah wildlife, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in five unforgettable days.
This immersive 5-day safari combines three of Uganda’s most iconic experiences: wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest, and the unforgettable thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s a journey that showcases Uganda’s astonishing biodiversity, rich landscapes, and the raw magic of primates in their natural habitat.
From the savannah plains and boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel to the misty forests of Bwindi, this mid-range private tour offers a perfectly balanced itinerary for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers. You’ll travel comfortably in a pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle, stay in intimate lodges close to nature, and be guided by experienced local professionals every step of the way.
Top Tour Features
- Mid-Range Lodges
- Comfortable accommodation in carefully selected bandas and safari lodges.
- Private Safari Vehicle
- All travel in a private 4×4 with a professional English-speaking guide.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Get close to hippos, elephants, crocodiles and water birds.
- Gorilla & Chimp Permits Included
- All required trekking permits are part of the package.
- Cross-Border Option
- Flexible drop-off in either Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda).
- Solo Travelers Welcome
- Solo travelers can book this private tour.
- Minimum Age: 16 Years
- The minimum age for this tour is 16 years.
Day by day, from Entebbe to the gorilla forests.
Your route and accommodation overview. Lodges shown are sample choices and may vary with availability.
- StartEntebbe (Day 1)
- Day 1Queen Elizabeth National ParkThe Bush Lodge (Banda) – Mid-range bandas just outside Queen Elizabeth NPAll Meals Included
- Day 2Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP)The Bush Lodge (Banda) – Mid-range bandas just outside Queen Elizabeth NPAll Meals Included
- Day 3Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi (Option for chimp trek)Silverback Lodge – Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NPAll Meals Included
- Day 4Gorilla Trekking in BwindiSilverback Lodge – Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NPAll Meals Included
- EndEntebbe or Kigali (Day 5)End of Tour – No AccommodationBreakfast & Lunch Included
- Day 1
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
⌂AccommodationThe Bush LodgeMid-range bandas just outside Queen Elizabeth NPAll Meals IncludedDay details
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive southwest from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Along the way, you’ll stop at the equator line for fun photo opportunities and enjoy lunch in Mbarara, a bustling town known as the gateway to Uganda’s west. From there, continue through beautiful hilly terrain and lush plantations until you reach your lodge near the park.
After check-in, take the evening to relax and soak in the sounds of the savannah. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. Your guide will brief you on the upcoming game drives and the rich ecosystems you’ll explore in the days ahead.
- Day 2
Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
⌂AccommodationThe Bush LodgeMid-range bandas just outside Queen Elizabeth NPAll Meals Included
Day details
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive through the northern Kasenyi plains. These grasslands offer excellent chances to spot big game, including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and even elusive leopards. Birdlife is also abundant, with colorful storks and raptors often seen in the morning light.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then set out for an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. This 36-kilometer channel teems with hippos, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and flocks of birds along the shore. After the cruise, head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner and recount the day’s encounters under the stars.
- Day 3
Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi (Optional Chimp Trek)
⌂AccommodationSilverback LodgeMid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NPAll Meals IncludedDay details
After breakfast, travel south to the remote Ishasha Sector, famed for its unique tree-climbing lions. These big cats often lounge in the branches of fig trees during the heat of the day, providing fantastic photographic moments. Along the way, keep your eyes open for herds of buffalo, antelopes, and other savannah dwellers.
At midday, enjoy a hot lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you wish, you can opt to visit Kalinzu Forest in the early morning for a chimpanzee tracking experience. Kalinzu is rich in wildlife and home to six species of primates, including the lively chimps. Later in the afternoon, arrive at Bwindi for a cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmy community and a restful night in the forested highlands.
- Day 4 · Highlight
Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi
⌂AccommodationSilverback LodgeMid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NPAll Meals Included
Day details
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and group allocation. Then, accompanied by armed rangers and expert trackers, you’ll begin your trek into the dense, misty jungle of Bwindi in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family, the trek can last anywhere from one to six hours.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior—watching the silverback preside over his troop, young gorillas playing, and mothers gently caring for their babies. This intimate wildlife experience is emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable. Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest and dinner overlooking the forest canopy.
- Day 5
Return to Entebbe or Kigali
⌂AccommodationEnd of TourNo AccommodationBreakfast & Lunch IncludedDay details
After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive back to Entebbe or Kigali, depending on your preferred drop-off point. The road to Entebbe takes around 8–9 hours and passes through tea plantations, rural villages, and rolling hills. If you’re flying from Rwanda, the transfer to Kigali is shorter—approximately 4–5 hours.
Enjoy lunch en route and make one final stop at the equator line before reaching your destination. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of a safari filled with primate encounters, wildlife wonders, and rich cultural insights.
Transparent from the start, tailored in your quote.
The final price and full list of inclusions and exclusions is confirmed by the local operator in your personalized quote, based on dates, group size and the lodges you choose.
Prices may vary depending on the lodges or camps selected. Ask for simpler accommodations if you need something more budget-friendly, or upgrade where it matters to you.
Get a Free QuoteIncluded
- Park fees & Gorilla permits (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless marked optional)
- All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
- Professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled optional)
- All taxes & VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
- Drinking water (provided every day)
Excluded
- International flights (to/from home)
- Extra accommodation before or after the tour
- Tips (suggested US$10 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Possible government increases on taxes or park fees
Rates per person
- Solo$2,820
- 2 people$2,420
- 3 people$1,340
- 4 people$1,290
- 5 people$1,250
- 6 people$1,200
Important notes about rates
- All rates are per person and do not include international flights to/from your home country.
- Prices are listed in US dollars (USD).
- Children of all ages are welcome! Kids under 12 enjoy a special discount, and little ones under 2 travel for free.
- The rates shown here are estimates only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, the exact itinerary, and chosen accommodations. Each local agency will provide you with a personalized, definitive quote.
- Rates may vary due to seasonal demand, availability, and occasional changes in park fees or taxes.
Ready to get your customized safari quote? Submit your details now and take the first step toward your unforgettable adventure!
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