5 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas & Wildlife

Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Game Drive

Learn About & Visit Local Communities

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This 5-day Uganda safari combines the best of wildlife viewing and primate adventures. Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha), and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This trip offers an unforgettable glimpse into Uganda’s rich biodiversity, landscapes, and cultures—rightly earning the country its name, “The Pearl of Africa.”

Tour Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spotting tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Kazinga Channel boat cruise with hippos, elephants & crocodiles
Cultural stopovers at the Equator, Igongo Cultural Centre & local markets

Click the Tabs to Find out More

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with a pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. After a briefing, drive through Uganda’s scenic countryside towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy stopovers at the Equator, Igongo Cultural Centre, and local markets for fresh tropical fruits. Along the way, take in views of the rolling hills, crater lakes, and the unique long-horned Ankole cattle.

Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where you may spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and a variety of birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large population of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and one of the highest concentrations of bird species in Africa. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, enjoy a game drive in the Ishasha sector, home to the rare tree-climbing lions that can be seen lounging in acacia and fig trees. Continue the journey through rolling hills and villages to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Visit

Start early with a briefing at the Bwindi park headquarters before heading into the dense forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending an unforgettable hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is priceless. After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and later visit the Batwa pygmies for a unique cultural experience. Overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kampala / Entebbe

After a relaxed breakfast, begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop at the Equator, Igongo Cultural Centre, or craft markets for souvenirs and photos. You will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Locations

Queen Elizabeth National Park – game drives in Kasenyi plains & Mweya sector, Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP) – search for the famous tree-climbing lions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – gorilla trekking with a habituated gorilla family
Batwa Community (Bwindi region) – cultural encounter with the indigenous Batwa pygmies

Transport
Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, guided by an English-speaking professional driver.

Trekking Notes

Gorilla & chimpanzee permits included (UWA-issued).
Treks last 2–6 hours, depending on primate location.
Fitness level: moderate, with some uphill forest trekking.

Best Time to Visit
Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) are best for trekking, but safaris run year-round.

What to Pack
Hiking boots, rain jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, gloves, and a reusable water bottle.

Safari Package Includes

Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Gorilla trekking & chimpanzee tracking permits
Budget lodges with full board (meals included)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Park entrance fees & ranger services

Excludes

International flights, visas, and travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips and personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)