5 Days Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari

Safari Overview

This 5-day Bwindi Impenetrable & Queen Elizabeth safari offers an unforgettable Uganda wildlife experience, combining mountain gorilla trekking, classic savannah game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and chimpanzee tracking.
Travel through Bwindi Impenetrable & Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s top primate and wildlife destinations, home to endangered mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, and diverse birdlife.

Bwindi Impenetrable & Queen Elizabeth Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Depart Entebbe at 7:00 am and drive southwest through Uganda’s scenic countryside. Enjoy stopovers at the Mpambire Drum Makers Centre and the Equator for photography. Continue via Mbarara, passing rolling hills and terraced farmlands.
Arrive in Bwindi in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp / Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
  • Mid-range: Icumbi Hotel / Gorilla Mist Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Visit

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your guided gorilla trek. Trekking time ranges from 2–8 hours, depending on gorilla movements.
Spend one unforgettable hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
In the evening, enjoy an optional cultural experience with the Batwa community, learning about their traditions and forest lifestyle.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Along the way, spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and birdlife.
Check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Topi Lodge
  • Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge /Ishasha Pride Lodge
  • Luxury: Ishasha Wildness Camp

Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

  • Budget: Tembo Safari Lodge / Engiri Game Lodge
  • Mid-range: Bush Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. The trek lasts 2–3 hours and also offers sightings of other primates, birds, butterflies, and forest flora.
Later, transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala or Kigali, arriving in the evening.

Safari Inclusions

  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Game drives & Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Park entrance fees
  • Full board accommodation
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • All meals as per itinerary

Safari Exclusions

  • International & domestic flights
  • Accommodation before or after the tour
  • Personal expenses (visas, travel insurance, souvenirs)
  • Drinks and alcoholic beverages