Uganda · Safari

6-Day Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Kazinga Channel Cruise

6 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park with close-up wildlife viewing
02 Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
03 Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward
04 Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
05 Spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
06 Relax by Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by steep green hills and 29 islands

Travel through Uganda's wildlife-rich southwest on a 6-day safari from Entebbe to Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. Experience a walking safari in Lake Mburo, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Continue through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, before meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi for a memorable hour in their natural habitat. The journey ends with time to unwind by the scenic islands of Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe.

The excitement of having the chance to observe these gentle and endangered giants is something you will never forget.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Entebbe Arrival and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

You can be picked up either from your hotel or from Entebbe Airport on arrival. An English-speaking driver-guide will meet you and begin the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo is a small and convenient park located close to the highway linking Entebbe and Kampala with the parks of western Uganda.

It is a small savannah park in Uganda and is home to many different types of birds and animals, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and hippos. A rare leopard also lives here. On arrival, you will check in, and if time allows, you may head out for a late afternoon to evening game drive. Otherwise, you will continue to your accommodation and spend the evening relaxing at leisure.

Day 02

Lake Mburo Nature Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, you will go for a morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park with a ranger-guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, who will be armed. During this walk, you may see zebras, giraffes, eland, topi, other antelope species, Cape buffaloes, and more wildlife at close range. You can also follow the trail up the hills for views over Lake Mburo and the surrounding landscape.

After the walk, return to your accommodation to check out, then continue by road to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The plan is to arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. After lunch and a short rest, head out for wildlife viewing. During the game drive, you may spot herds of buffaloes or elephants, a pride of lions, a shy leopard, warthogs, and various antelope species. Later, return to your accommodation and relax.

Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After breakfast, set out to search for chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. This gorge is home to chimpanzees as well as other wildlife such as baboons, monkeys, and birds. You will spend the first part of the day tracking chimpanzees in this lush setting.

After the trek, return to your accommodation for a break and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, the natural waterway connecting Lakes George and Edward. During the cruise, you may be amazed by sightings of giant hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife, along with many different bird species along the shoreline. After the boat ride, there may be time for a short late afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge.

Day 04

Morning Safari in Kasenyi and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Wake up early for a morning safari in the Kasenyi Plains. Keep an eye out for Cape buffaloes, herds of elephants, lions, and leopards, although leopards can be difficult to spot, along with other wildlife. After the game drive, return to the lodge and check out.

You will then travel to the Ishasha sector in search of the famous tree-climbing lions. The chance of seeing these lions is around 70%, although they can sometimes be hard to find, especially when they are hunting in the tall grass. If you do see them, it is a beautiful and memorable sight.

After Ishasha, continue to your accommodation near Bwindi National Park in the Ruhija sector, arriving in the evening at around 5:00 or 6:00 pm.

Optional (extra cost $120): You may choose to join a lion tracking experience, accompanied by a member of the predator research team who will guide you during the activity.

Day 05

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, go to the ranger station for a briefing on what you should and should not do during the trek. After the briefing, enter Bwindi Forest for this exciting experience. The duration of the trek and the terrain covered will vary depending on the movements of these great primates.

Once you find a gorilla family, you will spend one hour with them. The excitement of having the chance to observe these gentle and endangered giants is something you will never forget.

After the trek, return to your accommodation, then depart for Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by beautiful green hills rising between 2,200 and 2,478 metres. What makes the lake especially remarkable are the 29 islands scattered across its waters. These islands come in different shapes and sizes and are enchanting to look at, and you could spend hours admiring them.

Day 06

Lake Bunyonyi Views and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation while taking in the stunning views of the Bunyonyi islands right in front of you. Afterwards, begin the journey back to Entebbe Airport.

You can expect to stop for lunch along the way and also pause at the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe. Here, you can take memorable photos and buy artwork if you wish. Continue the journey and arrive at the airport in the late afternoon or evening.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Mburo National Park savannah, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla habitat, Lake Bunyonyi islands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 6 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

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

What's Not Included

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

What to bring

Clothing and Footwear

Neutral-colored clothing: Opt for light brown, green, or khaki attire to blend with the environment and avoid attracting insects.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: Protect against sun, insects, and thorny vegetation.
Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for trekking in Bwindi and Kibale; ensure they are waterproof and broken in.
Gaiters or waterproof socks: Keep mud and water out during treks.
Light rain jacket or poncho: Rain is possible even in dry seasons, especially in rainforest areas.
Warm layers: Include a fleece or light down jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
Swimwear: For relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi or lodge pools.
Comfortable lodge attire: Casual clothes for downtime at accommodations.

Gear and Essentials

Daypack with rain cover: Carry essentials during treks and game drives.
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack: Stay hydrated during activities.
High-energy snacks: Granola bars or dried fruits for energy during treks.
Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing on game drives and walks.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: Capture memorable moments; avoid flash photography near wildlife.
Headlamp or flashlight: Useful in lodges with limited lighting.
Trekking poles: Assist with stability on uneven terrain; often available for rent locally.
Gardening gloves: Protect hands from thorns and rough vegetation during treks.

Health and Hygiene

Insect repellent with DEET: Essential for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF: Protect skin and lips from sun exposure.
First aid kit: Include plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer: Maintain hygiene during treks.
Face masks: Recommended during primate treks to prevent disease transmission.

Documents and Miscellaneous

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits: Mandatory for tracking activities.
Passport and copies: Keep originals and photocopies in separate bags.
Travel insurance: Ensure it covers adventure activities.
Vaccination certificate: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda.
Cash in small denominations: Useful for tips and purchases in areas without card facilities.
Travel adapter: Uganda uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G).

Additional Tips:

Avoid bright colors and camouflage: Bright colors can attract insects; camouflage is reserved for military use and should be avoided.
Pack light: Soft-sided luggage is preferred for ease during transfers.
Laundry services: Many lodges offer laundry, allowing you to pack fewer clothes.

Know before you go

Lake Mburo National Park: Walking Safari

What to Expect:
Lake Mburo is unique in Uganda for offering walking safaris, allowing you to explore its diverse ecosystems on foot. Guided walks, typically starting from Rwonyo Tourism Center, last about 3 hours and provide opportunities to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, hippos, and over 300 bird species. These walks are conducted during the day and at night, with nocturnal walks using spotlights to observe night-active animals like leopards and hyenas.

Preparation Tips:

Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
Carry insect repellent with at least 30% DEET, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing and photography.
Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle.
A small backpack can be useful for carrying essentials during the walk.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game Drive, Chimpanzee Tracking and Kazinga Channel

Highlights:

Game drives: Explore the park's diverse landscapes, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
Chimpanzee tracking: Kyambura Gorge offers a chance to track habituated chimpanzees in a lush, forested setting.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise: This 32 km natural channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, hosting one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles. The boat cruise provides close-up views of these animals and a variety of bird species.

Tips:

For chimpanzee tracking, wear long sleeves and trousers to protect against insects and thorny vegetation.
Boat cruises are typically scheduled in the morning and late afternoon when wildlife activity is highest.
Bring a good camera and binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Ishasha Sector: Tree-Climbing Lions

Unique Feature:
The Ishasha sector, in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions - a rare behavior observed in only a few places worldwide. These lions often rest in fig trees during the heat of the day.

Travel Note:
Access to Ishasha is typically by road, with the sector located approximately 2 hours from the main areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a common route when traveling from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Gorilla Trekking

Experience:
Bwindi is home to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forest to spend a precious hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Preparation Tips:

Wear sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, and trousers.
Bring gloves to protect your hands from nettles and thorns.
Carry a rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Hiring a porter is recommended to assist with your backpack and provide support during the hike.
Optional lion tracking is available at an extra cost of $120.

Lake Bunyonyi: Relaxation

Overview:
Lake Bunyonyi, meaning "Place of Many Little Birds," is Uganda's second-deepest lake and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. With 29 islands scattered across its waters, it is an ideal spot to unwind after your safari adventures.

Activities:

Take a canoe ride to explore the lake and its islands.
Visit local communities to learn about their culture and traditions.
Enjoy birdwatching, with numerous species inhabiting the area.
Relax at lakeside lodges, taking in the serene environment.

Travel Tips and Timing

Best time to visit: June to September and December to February are the dry seasons, offering better trekking conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Permits: Secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.
Health precautions: Consult your doctor about vaccinations and medications, such as malaria prophylaxis, before traveling.
Local currency: The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the local currency. It is advisable to carry some cash, as card facilities may not be available in remote areas.

Logistics