These 5 days gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi itinerary combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and later relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi. Designed for adventure seekers, the trip focuses on Uganda’s southwestern highlights, including mountain gorillas, game drives, spotting lions and elephants, and cultural experiences with the Batwa people. Travel is by private 4×4 vehicle with an English-speaking driver guide. Total distance covered: approximately 1,100 km.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spending up to 1 hour with a habituated gorilla family.
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel for hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
- Batwa cultural experience
- Nature walks in Bwindi,
- Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
- Relaxed nature walks around Lake Bunyonyi, spotting otters, crayfish, and birds in terraced hills.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Pick up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala after breakfast. Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping en-route for lunch and scenic views of the Kasenyi plains, searching for lions, elephants, antelopes, and warthogs. Evening at leisure, overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth Activities and Transfer to Bwindi (Approx. 4-hour drive)
After breakfast, start off with a morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds. After lunch, transfer south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive passes through the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Arrive in the evening for relaxation amid the misty forests. Overnight at Wagtail Bwindi Forest
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a briefing, which starts at 8:00 am. Embark on your gorilla trek (2-7 hours, depending on gorilla location), led by rangers with porters available at an extra cost. Spend 1 hour observing the gorillas’ return and rest later in the afternoon and join the Batwa cultural experience (2-3 hours), including forest walks, traditional dances, and insights into their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Overnight at the same lodge in Rushaga (Note: Trekking is physically demanding, and the minimum age is 15.)
Day 4: Nature Walk in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (Approx. 1–2-hour drive)
Morning guided nature walks in Bwindi (2-3 hours) focusing on birds, butterflies, and forest trails. After lunch, transfer to nearby Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing (1-2 hours) on the free lake, paddling to islands like Punishment Island for local stories. Relax with sunset views over the terraced hills. Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort.
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi Activities and Departure to Entebbe (Approx. 8-hour drive)
Enjoy a relaxed morning nature walk around the lake, visiting local communities or hiking for panoramic views. After breakfast depart for Entebbe with lunch en-route at the equator for photos and souvenirs. Arrive in the evening for your onward flight or hotel drop-off.
5 days gorilla trekking Queen Elizabeth and lake Bunyonyi Inclusions.
- Private safari vehicle
- Accommodation & meals
- Park entry fees
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Batwa cultural experience
- Guided nature walks
- Game drive
- Boat cruise
- Canoeing
- Bottled water during drives and activities
5 days gorilla trekking Queen Elizabeth and lake Bunyonyi exclusions
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking
- Personal expense (drinks, souvenirs, tips)
- Porter fees during gorilla trek
- Optional activities
- Laundry, phone calls, or additional meals/drinks
- Any covid 19 or health related tests
- Gratuities and anything not listed in inclusions.