5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wild Life Safari

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your safari adventure begins with a morning pick-up by your driver-guide from your accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe. From there, you will embark on an 8-hour journey westward to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque Ugandan countryside, dotted with small towns, villages, roadside markets, and lush greenery.

A stopover in Fort Portal town will allow you to enjoy lunch before continuing toward the park. The final stretch of the drive offers spectacular views of the mystical Rwenzori mountain ranges.

Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will set off on an evening game drive, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and buffaloes. Afterward, you’ll check in at your lodge and relax, reflecting on the day’s excitement.

Day 2: Wildlife Viewing and Boat Cruise Along Kazinga Channel
Start your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park’s diverse ecosystem comprising grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes, and volcanic craters—hosts an abundance of wildlife. Against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, you’ll have the chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Topis, bushbucks, and more.

After lunch, enjoy a 2-3 hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This channel boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos and offers opportunities to see animals like elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge. The cruise also provides excellent photography and bird-watching opportunities, with over 600 bird species in the area. If time permits, an evening game drive can be arranged to conclude your day.

Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following breakfast, you’ll depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 6-hour drive takes you through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” with its terraced hills and winding roads.

En route, you’ll pass through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. While sightings are not guaranteed, the chances of spotting them are relatively high.

A stopover in Kabale for lunch will break up the journey before you continue to the lush Bwindi forest, where you’ll check in at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is the highlight of your Uganda safari! After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll venture into the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

During the trek, your guide will point out signs of gorilla activity, such as nests, dung, and chewed bamboo shoots. The trek itself is an exhilarating journey through forested slopes, vines, and bamboo thickets. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience.

Day 5: Drive Back to Kampala/Entebbe
On the final day of your safari, you’ll enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on the long drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The 9-hour journey takes you from the cool, mountainous Kigezi Highlands to the rolling landscapes of Ankole and Buganda, where you’ll see large farms, plantations, and bustling towns.

You’ll have several stopovers along the way, including a visit to the equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos. Additional stops can be arranged based on your schedule and preferences.

You’ll arrive in Kampala in the early evening, with time to freshen up and prepare for your onward travel.

This 5-day Uganda Safari Holiday offers an incredible blend of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, making it a truly memorable adventure.