5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari with Lake Bunyonyi

5 Days Entebbe to Kigali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park
02 Scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds
03 Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest with an experienced ranger guide
04 Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
05 Relax by the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi

Discover western Uganda on this 5-day safari that combines classic wildlife viewing with unforgettable primate encounters. Enjoy a game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, and trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey also includes time to relax by Lake Bunyonyi before travelling through the scenic hills to Kigali, Rwanda.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Equator

Pick-up: Morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe.
Transfer: Drive southwest towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Stop: Stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photographs and a chance to explore local craft shops.
Lunch: Continue to Mbarara for lunch.
Arrival: Arrive in the late afternoon.
Activity: Enjoy a short evening game drive across the savanna plains, depending on your arrival time.
Wildlife viewing: Look out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Check in at your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or similar.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 02

Kasenyi Plains Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Activity: Set out for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Wildlife viewing: Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and other savanna animals.
Breakfast: Return to your lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
Lunch: After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel.
Activity: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Wildlife viewing: Look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
Return: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Activities: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking and Scenic Transfer to Bwindi

Breakfast: After breakfast, head to Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest.
Activity: Enjoy a chimpanzee trekking experience.
Guide: Be accompanied by an experienced ranger guide.
Activity details: Walk through the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees and observe their social interactions, feeding habits, and playful behaviour in their natural habitat.
Transfer: Continue south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Scenic drive: Take in beautiful views of rolling hills, rural communities, and the changing landscapes of southwestern Uganda.
Arrival: Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax as you prepare for the following day's gorilla trekking adventure.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking and scenic transfer.
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel or similar, subject to the selected gorilla trekking sector.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 04

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Breakfast: After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters.
Briefing: Attend a gorilla trekking briefing, meet your ranger guides, and learn about the trekking guidelines.
Activity: Enter the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trek duration: The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas' location and the terrain.
Gorilla viewing: Spend one unforgettable hour observing their behaviour, feeding habits, and family interactions while taking photographs.
Transfer: Return to the starting point and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
Scenery: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of this highland lake, famous for its numerous islands and peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Check in at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing by the lakeshore.
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi.
Activities: Mountain gorilla trekking and scenic transfer.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 05

Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Free time: Depending on your departure schedule, take some time to appreciate the lake's peaceful atmosphere.
Transfer: Begin your journey to Kigali.
Scenic drive: Drive through the scenic hills of southwestern Uganda.
Border crossing: Cross into Rwanda through the agreed border crossing.
Arrival: Continue to Kigali.
Drop-off: Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on your travel arrangements.
Note: This marks the end of your memorable 5-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.
Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda.
Activities: Scenic transfer and international border crossing.
Accommodation: Not included.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Entebbe to Kigali 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park entrance fees for non-residents.
Gorilla trekking permit for one person (non-resident).
Chimpanzee trekking permit for one person (non-resident).
All activities mentioned in the itinerary, except optional activities.
Accommodation for four nights as specified in the itinerary.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
All transportation as specified in the itinerary.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
All applicable government taxes and VAT.
Hotel pick-up in Entebbe and drop-off in Kigali.
Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary.
Drinking water throughout the safari.

What's Not Included

International flights to and from your home country.
Rwanda and Uganda visa fees, where applicable.
Travel insurance.
Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities (recommended US$10 per person per day).
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and telephone bills.
Alcoholic and other personal beverages.
Government-imposed increases in park fees, taxes, or permit costs after booking.

What to bring

Comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
Lightweight rain jacket.
Gardening gloves for forest trekking.
Hat and sunglasses.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Small backpack for drinking water and personal items.
Camera with extra batteries.
Binoculars.
Personal medication and toiletries.

Know before you go

Gorilla permits: Permits should be booked in advance because availability is limited.
Chimpanzee trekking: The activity takes place in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, depending on availability and arrangements.
Fitness: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involve walking through uneven, sometimes steep and muddy forest terrain.
Border crossing: Ensure your passport and relevant Uganda and Rwanda entry documents are valid.
Gorilla trekking age: The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
Accommodation: Lodges may be substituted with similar-standard properties depending on availability.