5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
On our refreshing 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari, travelers will explore the stunning Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks with an opportunity of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat then the big game (lions, African bush elephants, leopards, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, warthogs and others) in the sweeping savannah plains of Uganda’s second largest Park.
Situated in the extreme south-western part of the country, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the World’s highest concentration of mountain gorillas (almost half) and also has the largest number of habituated gorilla families, totaling to about 20.
Uganda Wildlife Authority issues over 160 gorilla permits each day for this Park alone and they cost $700 per person. For this 5-day safari, you will trek one of the habituated mountain gorillas in any of the four trekking sectors in addition to visiting the Batwa pygmies around the Park.
In the western side of Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the extraordinary safari destinations that the country offers. With its spectacular landscapes (Crater and freshwater Lakes, the Kazinga Channel, forests, woodlands, Savannah plains and rolling hills), animal diversity (95 mammal species) and plethora of birds (over 600 species), this Park is a must-visit for unrivaled safari experiences.
Get the chances to unwind at the comfort of your Safari Lodge, drive through the game tracks crisscrossing the sweeping Savannah plains, and undertake the Kazinga Channel boat ride with opportunities of seeing Hippos, Nile crocodiles and elephants among others.
Highlights of the 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
- Trekking one of the twenty habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.
- Spot different game species in the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Cruise through the Kazinga Channel for lots of birds, crocodiles and Hippos.
- Learn about the cultures and traditions of Batwa Pygmies.
- Make a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe, Masaka Road.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park; 7-8 hours via the Fort Portal or Mbarara Road.
- Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game drive through Kasenyi plains & Boat ride through Kazinga Channel.
- Day 3: The Drive through Ishasha sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 4: Bwindi: Gorilla trekking through the dense jungles and visit to Batwa pygmies.
- Day 5: Bwindi-Kampala; Departure
Detailed Itinerary for the 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park; 7-8 hours via the Fort Portal or Mbarara Road
After an amazing breakfast, take a private ride by a customized safari jeep (7-8 hours) to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Fort Portal or Mbarara-Bushenyi route. The latter offers the opportunity of photography and coffee at the Equator crossing.
This Protected Area is a 1978-square kilometer Park sheltering the rare tree climbing lions, lots of African bush elephants, Hippos and buffaloes in addition to 600 bird species. Make a stop along the way for lunch and arrive late afternoon to relax with beautiful sunset views then dinner and overnight in a beautiful African wilderness.
Overnight;
- Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp or Kazinga Channel view Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Drive time: 7-8 Hours.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game drive through Kasenyi plains & Boat ride through Kazinga Channel
Following a hearty breakfast, make your way to the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi Plains), the most endowed part of this Protected Area with lots of Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, Oribis, Hippos, Topis and also big cats- leopards and lions as well as spotted hyenas.
The highlight of this drive is seeing lions or leopards during a hunt and after 3-4 hours of driving through different areas, return to the Lodge for a cold bath, siesta and lunch.
Converge at the Mweya jetty for the private boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel where stunning sceneries-of elephants and buffaloes grazing along the banks, Nile crocodiles and Hippos basking in the shallow waters as well as birds of various species. Later be driven back to your place of lodging for a cold bath, dinner and overnight.
Overnight;
- Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge or Bush Lodge.
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp or Kazinga Channel view Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: The Drive through Ishasha sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this day, you will pay a visit to Ishasha sector in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park but along the way, come across lots of Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, bushbucks, Cape buffaloes, Topis and so much more.
The southern sector is particularly known for its tree-climbing lions. Spend some time in this sector and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with lunch break at Savannah Resort Kihihi. Upon arrival at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be amazed by the views of densely forested slopes and settle for dinner/overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Camp or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge.
- Ride 4 a woman or Haven Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Bwindi: Gorilla trekking through the dense jungles and visit to Batwa pygmies
The fourth day offers one of the most unforgettable highlights of Uganda safaris. Start the day with a hearty breakfast and meet with other trekkers and Park Rangers at the Park Headquarters for briefing.
The search for mountain gorillas starts at 8:00am after the mandatory briefing and allocation into any of the habituated gorilla families.
It’s not going to be easy walking through the forest because it involves descending slopes, ascending hills, crossing streams and at some point even losing grip but the antidote is one hour of observing and photographing these creatures go about their daily routines before descending back to the Park Headquarters for the trekking certificate. A hot and fresh lunch is served at the Lodge.
Late afternoon, make a stop at the Batwa community for the chance to learn about their traditions and cultures while they still lived in the forest-making fire with sticks, collecting wild fruits, harvesting honey, building their small huts and so much more. Enjoy the evening relaxing at the Lodge before having dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Camp or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge.
- Ride 4 a woman or Haven Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Bwindi – Kampala; Departure
Have an early breakfast and say goodbye to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Kampala City. Safe travels!!!!!
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Package Inclusions;
- Bottled water throughout the trip.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Gorilla permit at $700, $600 or Shs. 250,000.
- Park entrance fees.
- Services of an expert Safari guide.
- 4 nights’ accommodation in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
- Boat cruise fees.
- A 4WD Safari vehicle.
5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Tour Exclusions
- Visa fees (if required).
- Personal expenses like souvenir shopping, cigarettes, premium drinks, laundry fees and telephone calls among others.