Uganda · Primate Tours

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trek and Safari with Kazinga Channel Cruise

5 Days Round trip from Katunguru Queen Elizabeth National Park Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas up close
02 Enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting lions, elephants, and other wildlife
03 Glide along the Kazinga Channel on a boat cruise to see hippos and crocodiles
04 Visit Kasenyi Village to learn salt harvesting techniques and local culture

Experience the wild beauty of Uganda on this 5-day private safari. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to encounter majestic mountain gorillas, explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on thrilling game drives, and glide along the Kazinga Channel spotting hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and travel in a 4x4 with expert guides as you take in Uganda's stunning landscapes and wildlife. This adventure combines nature, culture, and memorable safari moments in one seamless journey.

Spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

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, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Pickup from Entebbe in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with an expert guide.
Stop at the Equator for photos and enjoy a local lunch.
Drive through Ankole cattle ranches and tea plantations.
Arrive at the lodge by dusk, relax, and watch elephants graze.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 02

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
Set out on a sunrise game drive to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kob, and more.
Visit Kasenyi Village to learn about salt harvesting techniques and local culture.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Take an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 03

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Depart Queen Elizabeth via the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy wildlife spotting en route, including elephants and antelopes.
Pass through scenic highlands, rural villages, and lush landscapes.
Arrive at the lodge in Bwindi by late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bwindi.

Day 04

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with expert rangers to locate mountain gorillas.
Spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation while enjoying jungle views.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bwindi.

Day 05

Return to Entebbe International Airport

Breakfast at the lodge.
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Entebbe, stopping at Igongo Cultural Centre for local cuisine and storytelling.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for departure or an optional extended stay.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla treks, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Kasenyi Village salt harvesting

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Katunguru Queen Elizabeth National Park 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick up and drop off
Entry fee at all parks
Accommodation with meals as mentioned in itinerary
Transportation in a 4WD with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Drinking water
One gorilla permit per person
Kazinga boat cruise

What's Not Included

Visas and travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Tips and drinks
All international and local flights
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof with good ankle support.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from stinging nettles, branches, and insects.
Rain jacket or poncho for unpredictable weather.
Gardening gloves for holding onto branches or moving through thick vegetation.
Gaiters or long socks to keep ants out of boots.
Light sweater or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings.
Hat or cap for sun protection.
Daypack, lightweight for carrying water and snacks.
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack, at least 2 liters.
Energy snacks such as dried fruits, energy bars, or nuts.
Walking stick, usually provided or collapsible.
Camera; no flash photography allowed.
Binoculars for bird watching.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen and lip balm for high altitude sun protection.

Know before you go

Tourist visa required; apply online 2 weeks before arrival.
Passport valid for 6 months or more.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.
Take malaria prevention and bring repellent.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation is a must.
Do not trek if sick, as gorillas can catch human diseases.
Gorilla permit costs $800 in Uganda; book early.
Age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and above.
Trek duration is 2 to 5 hours on steep and muddy terrain.
Maintain a 7 meter distance from gorillas, use no flash photography, and spend 1 hour with the gorillas.
Rain can occur anytime in gorilla areas, so bring boots and a rain jacket.
Lake Bunyonyi can be cooler at night, so bring a sweater.
Currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
Bring new USD bills issued after 2009.
Cash is preferred in rural areas.
SIM cards (MTN/Airtel) are easy to buy.
Roads are long and bumpy; a 4x4 vehicle or domestic flight is recommended.
English is widely spoken.
Ugandans are friendly, and greetings matter.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Ask before taking photos of locals.