Private • Uganda
5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari in Uganda.
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Southwestern Uganda
- Duration
- 5 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Safari Overview
Experience the perfect combination of mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife game drives, and boat safaris on this unforgettable 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari. This adventure takes you to two of Uganda's most iconic national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's premier wildlife destination renowned for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and diverse birdlife.
This safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Uganda's rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and remarkable wildlife in a single journey. From tracking mountain gorillas deep within the ancient rainforest to cruising along the famous Kazinga Channel and searching for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, every day brings a new adventure.
Safari Highlights
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Search for the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, Scenic Drive Through Southwestern Uganda, Batwa Cultural Experience (Optional), Equator Photography Stop, Bird Watching and Wildlife Viewing, Professional English-Speaking Safari Guide, Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget Accommodation Options.
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Highlights
What you'll experience
One Hour with the Rushegura Family
A habituated gorilla group of 16 individuals, the Rushegura family range the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. You may sit close enough to hear a juvenile knuckle-drum on a hollow root.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The channel linking Lakes George and Edward draws the densest congregation of hippos in East Africa, and Nile crocodiles line the banks like weathered logs. African fish eagles call overhead; pink-backed pelicans drift in formation.
Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
In Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, lions regularly drape themselves along the spreading branches of old fig trees. No one has settled why — the behaviour is rare anywhere in Africa.
Evening at the Crater Rim
The western rift escarpment turns amber at dusk when you are sitting above one of the Kichwamba explosion craters. Hadada ibis cross the valley below; the smell of cooling earth rises through the tent canvas.
Morning Game Drive, Kasenyi Plains
The Kasenyi track is Uganda's best chance to see African wild dogs, and lion prides move between the tracks as Uganda kob perform their mating leks at sunrise. Your guide David Birungi knows every waterhole by name.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Gorilla permits, boat cruises, tree-climbing lions, and two very different ecosystems — this five-day private itinerary runs without wasted days and without compromising on access.
Gorilla Permit Secured for You
Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits sell out months in advance. We hold allocations across the Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors and confirm yours the moment you book.
Private Vehicle, Your Pace
Your guide and 4WD are exclusively yours for all five days. If the lions are up in the fig tree at 16:00 and you want to stay until dark, you stay.
Guides Who Know the Ground
Sylvia and David between them have led over 600 treks in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. They can tell a fresh lion track from a day-old one at a glance.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, your professional safari guide from Arrive Africa Safaris will pick you up from your hotel or residence for a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes approximately 8–9 hours through Uganda's beautiful countryside, featuring rolling hills, traditional villages, lush farmlands, and spectacular landscapes. Along the way, you will stop for lunch and enjoy several photography opportunities. Arrive at Bwindi in the evening and check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Bwindi View Bandas
Mid-Range: Wagtail Safari Camp, Lake Kitandara Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Luxury: Gorilla Resort Lodge,Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge
Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Gorilla Trekking Adventure and Optional Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and guidelines. You will then be assigned a gorilla family and accompanied by experienced rangers into the dense rainforest. The trek may take between 1 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, enjoy sightings of forest birds, butterflies, monkeys, and unique vegetation.
Once you locate the mountain gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch mothers care for their infants, juveniles play, and the dominant silverback oversee the group. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Batwa community, where you will learn about the traditions and history of the indigenous forest people through storytelling, music, dance, and cultural demonstrations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Bwindi View Bandas
Mid-Range: Wagtail Safari Camp, Lake Kitandara Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Resort Lodge: Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge
Super Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the famous Ishasha Sector, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an exciting game drive in search of these unique predators often seen resting in fig and acacia trees. You may also encounter buffaloes, elephants, topis, Uganda kobs, and various bird species.
After lunch, continue to your lodge where you can relax and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge
Budget: Tembo Safaris Lodge Ihamba Safari Lodge
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and numerous bird species. Lucky visitors may also spot elusive leopards. Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat safari on the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.
The Kazinga Channel is one of the best places in Africa to view large concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. The shores also attract elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and countless water birds including kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, and herons. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury, Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge
Budget: Tembo Safaris Lodge, Ihamba Safari Lodge
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy a scenic drive through western Uganda with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photography, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari
Safari Inclusions
Gorilla Trekking Permit, Park Entrance Fees, Game Drives, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, Professional English-Speaking Guide, Ground Transportation in a 4x4 Safari Vehicle, Accommodation and Meals as Per Itinerary, Bottled Drinking Water, All Activities Mentioned
Safari Exclusions
International Flights, Uganda Visa Fees, Travel Insurance, Alcoholic Drinks, Laundry Services, Tips and Personal Expenses
Meals · Breakfast
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- One Uganda Wildlife Authority mountain gorilla trekking permit per person
- All park entry fees for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 4 nights' accommodation as listed (Mahogany Springs Lodge × 2, Crater Rim Tented Camp × 2)
- All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 5 breakfast
- Private guide and 4WD safari vehicle for all transfers and game drives
- Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Two morning game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Evening nature walk along the Munyaga River, Buhoma
- All bottled water and snacks in the vehicle
- Airport transfers from and to Entebbe or Kampala
- Pre-departure gorilla trekking briefing notes and kit list
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years (Uganda Wildlife Authority minimum age for gorilla trekking)
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags only; maximum 15 kg for light aircraft transfers. Hard-shell luggage can be stored at your Entebbe hotel.
First Group Event
Arrival transfer and welcome dinner, Day 1 evening at Mahogany Springs Lodge
Last Group Event
Day 5 breakfast; vehicle departs Kasese airstrip by 10:30
Guaranteed Departures
All private departures are guaranteed from one person. No minimum group size applies.
Alternate Sightseeing
If gorilla trekking is curtailed by veterinary closure, we substitute a full-day chimpanzee tracking experience in Kyambura Gorge and arrange a partial permit refund via Uganda Wildlife Authority where applicable.