5 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari
Introduction
Experience Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari with Let’s Go Gorilla, combining mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and wildlife adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this journey, you will encounter the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the lake Bunyonyi, and experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with over 15 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers diverse wildlife, over 600 recorded bird species, and unforgettable game-viewing experiences, making it one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Safari Highlights
• Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector, spending up to 1 hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, and over 600 bird species.
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
• Batwa cultural experience, learning about the indigenous “pygmy” people’s forest traditions through demonstrations of hunting, dancing, and storytelling.
• Nature walks in Bwindi, exploring the ancient rainforest’s flora and fauna.
• Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake, with island visits and swimming opportunities.
• Relaxed nature walks around Lake Bunyonyi, spotting otters, crayfish, and birds in terraced hills.
Day 1: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 7-hour drive)
Meet your driver-guide at Entebbe International Airport (or your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe) after breakfast.
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping en route for lunch and scenic views of the Ugandan countryside.
Arrive in the afternoon for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, searching for lions, elephants, antelopes, and warthogs.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at a mid-range lodge like Elephant Plains Lodge or similar. Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth Activities and Transfer to Bwindi (Approx. 4-hour drive)
Start with a morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel (2 hours), spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.
After lunch, transfer south to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive passes through Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions (optional quick stop).
Arrive in the evening for relaxation amid the misty forests. Overnight at a mid-range lodge like Rushaga Gorilla Haven or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the Rushaga ranger station for a briefing (starts at 8:00 AM).
Embark on your gorilla trek (2-7 hours, depending on gorilla location), led by rangers with porters available (extra cost).
Spend 1 hour observing the gorillas. Return for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. (Note: Trekking is physically demanding; minimum age 15.)
Day 4: Nature Walk in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (Approx. 1-2 hour drive)
Morning guided nature walk in Bwindi (2-3 hours), focusing on birds, butterflies, and forest trails.
After lunch, transfer to nearby Lake Bunyonyi. Afternoon canoeing session (1-2 hours) on the bilharzia-free lake, paddling to islands like Punishment Island for local stories. Relax with sunset views over the terraced hills.
Overnight at a mid-range resort like BirdNest Resort or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi Activities and Departure to Entebbe (Approx. 8-hour drive)
Enjoy a relaxed morning nature walk around the lake (1-2 hours), visiting local communities or hiking for panoramic views.
After breakfast/brunch, 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. (Extensions or flights available at extra cost.)
Safari Includes
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide (including fuel and guide fees).
• 4 nights mid-range accommodation (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner on Days 1-4; breakfast and lunch on Day 5).
• All meals as specified.
• Park entry fees for Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 days).
• Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person).
• Batwa cultural experience.
• Guided nature walk in Bwindi.
• Game drive in Queen Elizabeth (guided).
• Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
• Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi.
• Bottled water during drives and activities.
• All government taxes and 10% operator markup on base costs.
Safari Excludes From Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari
• International flights and visas (Uganda visa ~$50).
• Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking).
• Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, tips ~$10-15/day for guide).
• Porter fees during gorilla trek (~$20/person).
• Optional activities (e.g., extra game drives, community visits).
• Laundry, phone calls, or additional meals/drinks.
• Any COVID-19 or health-related tests/fees.
• Gratuities and anything not listed in inclusions.
Gorilla trekking is regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, ensuring the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.