5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi

5 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park to kampala Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting lions, elephants, and buffaloes
03 Cruise the Kazinga Channel observing hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife
04 Relax at Lake Bunyonyi with canoeing and scenic island exploration

Discover Uganda on a 5-day safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes, and cruise the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi's rainforest, experience Batwa culture, and travel through scenic rolling hills and rural landscapes. Visit the equator at Kayabwe and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi before concluding in Kampala.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up by a professional driver from Entebbe International Airport.
After a briefing from the guide or driver, set off on a scenic 9-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy a lunch stop en route in Mbarara.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in to your lodge and relax.

Day 02

Game Drive in Ishasha and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with breakfast before heading out for a game drive in Ishasha, known for its tree-climbing lions.
You may be lucky enough to spot these elusive creatures before continuing your exploration.
Afterward, return to your lodge for a break.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to a wealth of wildlife.
Get close to hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and elephants along the channel's banks.
Observe birdlife including shoebill, pelican, and jacana.

Day 03

Scenic Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Enjoy a scenic transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Experience a picturesque drive through wildlife-rich landscapes, with the chance to spot elephants, buffaloes, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Travel through lush forests and rolling hills.
Arrive in the afternoon at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Visit the Batwa for a cultural experience.

Day 04

Gorilla Trekking and Sunset at Lake Bunyonyi

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.
Receive a detailed briefing at the park headquarters on trekking guidelines.
Venture into the dense jungle with an experienced guide to track mountain gorillas.
The trek may take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas' movements.
Observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat once located.
Continue to Lake Bunyonyi after the trek.
Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 05

Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala via the Equator

After breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi, embark on a scenic drive to Kampala.
The journey offers views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and lush green landscapes.
Pass through rural villages and observe local culture and way of life.
Stop for lunch during the journey.
Visit the equator at Kayabwe to experience zero degrees of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Continue your scenic drive to Kampala.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Queen Elizabeth National Park to kampala 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Travel documents & permits (passport, visa, gorilla permit)
Light safari clothing (neutral colors, long sleeves & trousers)
A warm layer (fleece/jacket for cool mornings in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
A rain jacket/poncho (for forest conditions)
Hiking boots & extra socks (essential for trekking)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insect repellent (for savannah areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Know before you go

Permits must be booked in advance.
Moderate fitness is required.
Weather is unpredictable - expect rain and sunshine, so carry proper gear for forest and savannah conditions.
Early mornings are common - activities like game drives and gorilla trekking start early.
Road transfers can be long - travel between Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, and Lake Bunyonyi involves several hours of driving.
Follow wildlife rules strictly - maintain distance and listen to rangers during gorilla encounters and game drives.
Carry cash for extras - tips, souvenirs, canoe rides at Lake Bunyonyi, and personal expenses.
Expect a mix of adventure and relaxation - from wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park to peaceful moments at Lake Bunyonyi.

Logistics