Uganda · Primate Tours

5 Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari in Africa

5 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Enjoy a wildlife game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 03 Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward
  • 04 Look out for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
  • 05 Stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and a craft village visit
  • 06 Visit the Igongo cultural centre and museum in Mbarara
  • 07 Explore Katwe Salt Lake and its local communities

Discover two of Uganda’s most memorable safari experiences in one journey: mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 5-day adventure combines rainforest, savannah, cultural encounters, and scenic overland travel through southwestern Uganda.

Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator, visit Mbarara and the Igongo cultural centre, and learn more about local traditions before heading into gorilla country. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat launch safari, and the chance to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelopes, and abundant birdlife.

Ideal for travellers short on time, this itinerary offers a rewarding mix of primates, landscapes, and wildlife in just five days.

Discover two of Uganda’s most memorable safari experiences in one journey: mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Entebbe, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest NPA very early rise today and together with your guide, you will transfer by private vehicle south-West to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will stop over at the Uganda Equator for some photoshoots and a visit to the Craft Village. You will then head towards the western part of Uganda to the town of Mbarara where you will take your lunch and visit the Igongo cultural centre.

After lunch, you will go for a museum tour where you will get an insight into cultures of people in western Uganda then proceed to Bwindi impenetrable forest. Dine at your place of accommodation and relax the rest of the evening as you prepare for a thrilling experience of Mountain Gorilla Tracking the following day, the reality is that tonight you actually are sleeping within an African Rain forest which is habitat to half the population of the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkOver Night at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge- Mid Range

2
Day 02

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National ParkAfter an early breakfast, head to the Headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an orientation plus meeting the guides as well as separation into groups based on which gorilla group you are to be tracking. From there you will set off for your thrill experience of Gorillas in the Mist.

You can never find any mountain gorillas living in the zoo, save for just in this not large area of Africa where a number of the remnant mountain gorillas can be seen. Luckily because of too many efforts, this population is thriving and well surviving within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and visitors get the opportunity of observing them at close proximity. Time permitting; thereafter visit the famous Batwa community for a community and cultural experience. You will learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Batwa, from the brewing of the local beer to medicines made from this very forest.Over night at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge- Mid Range

3
Day 03

Bwindi Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National ParAfter an early breakfast, drive north to the Ishasha sector which is notably recognized for its resident Tree climbing lions that are an exceptional attraction and one among the highlights on all safaris taken within Queen Elizabeth National park. In addition to the fascinating population of the Tree Climbing Lions within the Ishasha visitor will also come across huge buffalo herds, numerous antelopes that keep crossing your path. Upon reaching Queen Elizabeth, check into your accommodation, have lunch and go for a guided tour of the Katwe Salt Lake and the activities there. You will visit the lake, see how the salt is mined, and visit the factory, fishing village and the cattle keeping communities.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Best Time to Visit: January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)Parkview Safari Lodge (Mid-range lodge)

4
Day 04

Savannah Wildlife Game Drive and Boat Launch SafariAfter a cup of African coffee or tea, Embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park and expect to see Lions, Elephants, Cape buffalo, Warthogs, leopard, hyena, man-goose, Waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Topi and lots of many small animals and birds. After the game drive, have lunch and relax at your lodge. After a healthy lunch, enjoy the unique afternoon 2-hour launch cruise on Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. The trip passes through the highest concentration of Hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. The launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colourful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation: Parkview Safari Lodge (Mid-range lodge) Meals & Drinks: All meals included and drinking water (Other drinks not included)Parkview Safari Lodge (Mid-range lodge)

5
Day 05

Queen Elizabeth National Park Transfer to EntebbeAfter your breakfast, you will set off for Entebbe through the beautiful Fort Portal route. You first stop point will be Fort portal for lunch. Fort Portal is a land of Crater lakes, hills, and irresistible sceneries, with the giant Rwenzori Mountains, evidently punctuating the skyline’s background – the Mountains of the moon. Stop over for lunch and later proceed to Entebbe arriving in the evening.

Main Destination: No major destination visited Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided. 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

What's Not Included

  • Juices / Soft Drinks

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided.
Tour start
Pickup service provided.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided..

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