5 Days
5-Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari (Entebbe Round-Trip)
Uganda’s primate and wildlife highlights in five days — mountain gorillas in the misty Bwindi rainforest, wild chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and a Kazinga Channel boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a peaceful finish on Lake Bunyonyi.
Tour Highlights
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
One unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family in the misty rainforest.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat (Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge).
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives for tree-climbing lions and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Learn about the traditional forest culture of the Batwa people near Bwindi.
Private 4WD Safari
Comfortable round-trip transport from Entebbe with a professional driver-guide.
All-Inclusive Logistics
Gorilla permit, park fees, meals, and accommodation arranged for you.
Day by Day
Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meet your driver-guide at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 5–6 hours), with a lunch stop en route. Check in at your lodge, then enjoy a late-afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — famous for large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight at a mid-range lodge in the park. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
An early-morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, elephants, and buffalo, then breakfast and check-out. En route to Bwindi, stop for chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve or Kyambura Gorge, spending about 1–2 hours with the chimps. Continue to Bwindi for dinner and a briefing on the next day’s trek. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
After breakfast, head to Bwindi park headquarters for the rangers’ briefing and assignment to a gorilla family (maximum 8 people per group). Trek through the dense forest — 1 to 4+ hours depending on the gorillas’ location — then spend exactly one hour with them from at least 7 meters (photography without flash). Return for lunch and rest, then visit a Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest culture through storytelling, dance, and guided walks. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi (or Lake Mburo)
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (approx. 2 hours) for a relaxing afternoon boat cruise on one of Africa’s deepest lakes, with views of terraced hills and small islands — or opt for a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Dinner and overnight at a lodge overlooking the lake. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Return to Entebbe
A relaxed breakfast with lake views, then drive back to Entebbe with a lunch stop and a photo opportunity at the Uganda Equator crossing (if route permits). Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in the late afternoon. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
What's Included
- Gorilla trekking permit ($800 USD per person)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit (one per person)
- Park entrance fees — Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi, and relevant forest reserves
- 4 nights at mid-range lodges (double/twin room)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (drinking water included)
- Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Kazinga Channel boat safari, game drives, Batwa cultural visit, Lake Bunyonyi boat cruise
- Entebbe airport pickup and drop-off
- Government taxes and service fees
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Uganda visa fee
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and porters (porter tip approx. $10–15)
- Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, laundry)
- Optional activities such as the gorilla habituation experience ($1,500 USD) or extra game drives
- Pre- and post-safari hotel stays
Permit Booking is Critical
Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months in advance, especially in peak season (June–September, December–February). Book 3–6 months ahead.
Physical Preparation
Gorilla trekking can be demanding, with steep, muddy trails at 2,500–4,000 meters. Bring waterproof hiking shoes, long pants, rain gear, and insect repellent.
Health Requirements
Anyone with a cold, cough, or fever will not be permitted to trek. Minimum age is 15 years.
