5 Days Gorilla and wildlife safari
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Duration
Overview
The 5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Uganda is a perfectly balanced adventure that combines classic African savannah game viewing with the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking. This itinerary takes you to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the mist-covered rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Designed for travelers who want both big game and primates within a short timeframe, this safari offers thrilling game drives, a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and an intimate gorilla encounter in the dense tropical forest. With carefully selected lodges and professional guiding throughout, the journey delivers comfort, efficiency, and exceptional wildlife diversity.
Detailed Tour Plan
Your safari begins with early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Travel west toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional villages.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an evening game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, where you may encounter elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and possibly lions.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators before the heat rises. The park is home to elephants, buffalo, warthogs, antelope species, and occasionally leopards.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation before heading out in the afternoon for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and hosts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, as well as Nile crocodiles and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive through this remote and scenic region.
Continue south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive offers breathtaking views of terraced hills and rural communities.
Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge near the park sector where your gorilla trek is scheduled.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family and guided into the forest.
The trek can take between two and eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once located, you will spend one remarkable hour observing them at close range. Watch the silverback dominate his group, juveniles play in the vegetation, and mothers nurture their young.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and reflect on this extraordinary wildlife experience.
Optional community visit available in the evening.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. Stop at the Equator crossing for photographs and lunch en route.
Arrive in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Uganda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included/Exclude
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the safari
- Return road transfers from Entebbe or Kampala
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Park entry fees for all visited national parks
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking experience
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Accommodation for 4 nights in safari lodges or tented camps
- All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Government taxes and conservation fees
- International flights
- travel insurance
- tips
- alcoholic drinks
- optional activities not mentioned.
