5 days gorilla trekking and wildlife safari Uganda takes you through Queen Elizabeth National Park which is Uganda’s second largest national park. The park is blessed with a variety of wildlife including the Big four (Lions, Leopards, Elephants and Buffalos). On this gorilla trekking and wildlife safari, you will do game drives which will bring you closer to a array of wildlife, numerous bird species and one of the Uganda's best scenery. You will also do boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre (20 mi) long grandeur that connects two Lakes; Lake Gorge to the east and Lake to the west. This natural habitant has one of the largest population of hippos in the whole world as well as a plentiful Nile crocodiles. 

From there we shall drive further south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to visit the misty blanketed forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a memorable encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and a home to 459 gorillas, an increase from 400 as of the 2018 census. These 459 gorillas are categorised into 50 gorilla groups or families, of which 21 are currently habituated for tourism. This Park is punctuated with several species of trees, rivers and waterfalls all of which in time past made a perfect haven to the Batwa, a native tribe that used to inhabit the forest. Within the park, one can find a further 120 species of mammals like elephants, antelopes etc. but with some chances as well, of coming across chimpanzees. Almost 350 species of birds inhabit the forests, something that is remarkably relevant for bird enthusiasts.

This 5 day wildlife and gorilla trekking safari Uganda altogether combines the classic Big game safari, ultimate Gorilla experiences as well as a taste of culture. There will be  stop over at Ishasha for the fabled tree climbing lions. Bird enthusiasts are not left out! During this gorilla safari, gorilla trekking activity and wildlife safari, ensure that you enjoy both nature and sun, right within the adrenaline capitals of the world.

We give you a range of accommodation to choose from, ranging from budget, moderate to upmarket.

Activities

  1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
  2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Leisure Time

Game Drive

Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Journey time: 7 - 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Upmarket), Kasenyi Safari Camp or Marafiki Lodge (Midrange), Marafiki Safari Lodge (Budget)
  • Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
  • Pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe at 7am and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in south-western Uganda. We shall stop over in the Mbarara town for a lunch break after which you shall continue for another 3 hours and reach Queen Elizabeth National park. Check into the lodge for the rest of the evening and overnight. Evening Game Drive at client's discreation.

Day 2

Game Drive

Boat Cruise

Crater Drive

Game Drive through the Kasenyi Savannah Plains in the Morning,  Boat Cruise along the Kazinga Channel & Scenic Crater Drive

  • Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Upmarket) Kasenyi Safari Camp or Marafiki Lodge (Midrange), Marafiki Safari Lodge (Budget)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • The early morning game drive starts at 6:30am after a quick cup of coffee. Set out to explore the vast Kasenyi Plains that is teeming with an array of animals and birds. Animals to sight include Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Lions, and Hyenas among others. Enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery in Africa! A lush hilly landscape is dotted with beautiful crater lakes. After three hours, return to the lodge for breakfast. After lunch you shall do the boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, usually operated between 3 to 5 pm (although additional expeditions can be done at 11am and 1 pm basing on your preference) to spot an array of wildlife which includes Hippos, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, and plenty of birds. On the way back from the boat cruise, you will do a loop through one of the most scenic part of Uganda: the carters of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Take your time and make a few stops for photos when driving through this spectacular landscape and enjoy the sundowner. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Game Drive

Transfer to Bwindi National Park with a Stopover at Ishasha for a Game Drive on the Look-Out for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions

  • Journey time: 2 hours to Ishasha, 4 hours to Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable NP
  • Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury), Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket), Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodgem(Midrange), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • After early breakfast check out of the lodge and transfer to the southern area of the park called Ishasha which is popular for sightings of the famous Tree Climbing Lions. Also watch out for Topis which are unique to this area of the park. Other animals include Hyena, Buffaloes, Elephants among others. You will have lunch at the Ishasha Jungle Lodge after which you will proceed out of the park and continue to Bwindi National Park in southern Uganda. Check into the lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 4

Gorilla Tracking

Leisure Time

Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Rest of the Day at Leisure 

  • Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury), Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket), Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Today's schedule will take us through the impenetrable Jungle of Bwindi National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Bwindi Impenetrable NP occupies the size of about 321 sq km and it's the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi acts as the source of five major rivers which flow into Lake Edward. There are also flowing streams of fresh water that endlessly slither down from the different falls, as well as the different almost 400 plant species that have patiently endured the great storms which rampage throughout the forest during the heavy rains. The park is divided into 4 gorilla tracking sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors.
  • Have early breakfast and transfer to the park offices by 7:30am. After you are assigned a Gorilla group, meet the rangers for briefing and thereafter transfer to the start of the trek into the forest to locate the Gorillas. The time taken to find the group can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending on location and movement of the Gorillas. After you have found them, yoiu will stay with them for 1 hour to observe them feeding, socializing, playing and grooming. Return to meet your driver and transfer back to the lodge for the rest of the day and overnight. Top tip. There are always park guides with you who interpret the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. So be ready to ask any questions.

Day 5

Uganda Equator 

Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable NP to Kampala/Entebbe with a Stopover at the Equator Line

  • Journey time: 9 - 10 hours
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

  • After breakfast leave for Kampala/Entebbe as our 5 day tour wildlife and gorilla experience slowly comes to an end. We will stop for lunch is en-route in Mbarara town. We will also make a stopover at the Uganda Equator line for some picture moments and souvenir shopping.

General Tips:

  • Please note the age limit of 15 years and above for gorilla tracking.
  • Book your permits well in advance as only 8 permits are issued per gorilla group in a day. There are 14 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi.
  • You should be free from infectious diseases such as Flue which can be passed to the gorillas since humans share 98% DNA with gorillas. If you are found to carry an infectious disease you will not be allowed to track.
  • Every participant has the chance to hire a trekking assistance (porter) who will help carrying the bags and support whenever it is needed. For the trekking assistant an additional fee of US$ 15 is charged
  • OPTIONAL: Are you interested in getting a close-up experience with the Lions? Then book the LION EXPERIENTIAL at Queen Elizabeth National Park and get closer to the big cats than anyone else, as you will leave the main tracks and drive on unbeaten tracks through the park accompanied by the Cat Doctor.

What to bring:

  • Walking boots, long trousers and rain gears as you will be hiking through Bwindi Forest.
  • Sun screen is recommended.
  • Mosquito repellant is advisable.
  • At least 1-2 liters of drinking water per person during the trekking.
  • Binoculars are always useful, especially when booking the Hot Air Balloon Safari.
Taken by Ellington Safaris
Taken by Ellington Safaris
Taken by Ellington Safaris

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