5 Days Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari
Safari Highlights
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and cultural richness. This safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi—each offering unique encounters with nature and heritage.
From the sprawling savannas and tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth to the misty forests of Bwindi, where mountain gorillas roam, every moment is filled with awe-inspiring wonders. The adventure culminates at Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil haven dotted with lush islands, providing the perfect retreat after thrilling wildlife encounters.
Prepare to immerse yourself in untamed beauty, encounter rare wildlife, and forge deeper connections with the landscapes and cultures that make Uganda one of Africa’s most captivating safari destinations.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Glide through this wildlife-rich waterway, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birds.
- Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha – Witness the rare spectacle of lions lounging in fig trees, a unique behavior found in this region.
- Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking – Venture into the "Valley of Apes" for an unforgettable encounter with wild chimpanzees.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit a Maasai village to experience traditions, music, and daily life.
- Mweya Peninsula Game Drives – Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, home to elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Gorilla Trekking – Embark on a life-changing journey to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Birdwatching Paradise – Spot rare Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing.
- Batwa Cultural Experience – Engage with the indigenous Batwa people, learning about their traditional forest lifestyle.
- Scenic Forest Trails – Hike through dense rainforest, discovering waterfalls, exotic flora, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Lake Bunyonyi
- Island-Hopping Boat Tours – Explore the lake’s 29 islands, each with its own fascinating history and legends
- Canoeing Adventures – Paddle across Africa’s second-deepest lake in a traditional dugout canoe.
- Birdwatching & Nature Walks – Discover over 200 bird species and enjoy serene walks along the lush shores.
- Cultural Encounters – Visit local communities to learn about the traditions of the Bakiga people.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Pick up from your hotel or Entebbe Airport and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – one of Uganda’s most frequented tourist destinations.
The park features diverse ecosystems called home by a variety of wildlife species – ten primate species (including chimpanzees), more than 600 bird species, and classic big games.
You will stop for lunch en route then proceed into the beautiful Queen Elizabeth NP, arriving late afternoon (evening) and check into the accommodation and relax.
Note: If you reach with some time still available, we can proceed for a late afternoon-to-evening game drive.
Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge)
Day 2: Full Day, Quen Elizabeth National Park
Arise and shine for your breakfast so that we get early for our morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains and be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, leopards among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax.
After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds at the water shores.
After the boat trip, you can decide either to return to the lodge to rest or first proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter, return to the lodge.
Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge)
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then travel to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP – famously known for tree-climbing lions frequently seen in the area.
Should you get to spot them up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, you will continue to the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check in your accommodation, relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience tomorrow.
Accommodation: (Ride 4 a Woman)
Day 4: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular!
The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates.
Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The time with these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Thereafter, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical — you could admire them all day.
Accommodation: (Itambira Island-Tree House)
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi to Enbebbe for Departure
Have a relaxed breakfast at the accommodation with spectacular view of the Bunyonyi little islands just right in front of you and thereafter embark on your return journey to Entebbe Airport.
Expect en route lunch and a stop at the Uganda Equator line mark in Kayabwe for some memorable photos and maybe buying some art pieces of interest. Proceed with the journey arriving late afternoon/evening for drop off at the airport to catch your flight back home.
Please note that itinerary can be changed based on what you like and prefer.
Safari Price Includes
- Game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles with expert guides.
- Park Entry Fees
- Accommodation in safari lodge or tented camps
- Services of an English/German/French/Italian speaking driver/guide
- Mineral water during game drives.
Safari Price Excludes
- All airport taxes, International airfares and Visas
- Premium Drinks / Beverages with meals
- Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities to driver and hotels staff
- Activities/Excursions not mentioned on itinerary
