6-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Kazinga Channel boat trip and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, gorilla trekking in Bwindi and a final night at Lake Mburo.

6 days / 5 nightsUgandaMid-range · Private Guided

Photo: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

This safari combines Uganda’s headline primate experience with its best savanna park. Begin in Queen Elizabeth National Park with a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel and a drive to the Ishasha sector to search for tree-climbing lions.

Continue to Bwindi for your gorilla trek, then return east via Lake Mburo, where a walking safari among zebra and eland rounds off the trip.

Route

EntebbeQueen Elizabeth NPBwindiLake MburoEntebbe

Highlights

  • Kazinga Channel boat safari
  • Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
  • Mountain gorilla trek (permit included)
  • Walking safari at Lake Mburo
  • Over 600 bird species

Activities

  • Boat safari
  • Game drives
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura
  • Gorilla trekking
  • Gorilla habituation experience
  • Nature walks
  • Guided walking safari
  • Boat trip
  • Horse riding

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1:

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Your guide collects you from your hotel in Entebbe in the morning for the drive to Queen Elizabeth NP (6–7 hours). In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, passing pods of hippos, buffalo and elephants drinking at the water's edge, and an extraordinary number of waterbirds.

    Overnight: Lodge with Rift Valley views near Mweya Meals: L, D
  2. Day 2:

    Kasenyi Plains & Crater Lakes

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Head out at dawn onto the Kasenyi plains to look for lions hunting Uganda kob, then explore the explosion craters with their sweeping views across the Rift Valley.

    Overnight: Lodge with Rift Valley views near Mweya Meals: B, L, D
  3. Day 3:

    Journey to Bwindi

    Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    After breakfast, continue by road from Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi (about 4 hours via Ishasha). Arrive at your lodge on the forest edge in time to hear the evening chorus of birds and the rainforest settling for the night.

    Overnight: Forest lodge with gorilla-trek access Meals: B, L, D
  4. Day 4:

    Mountain Gorilla Trek

    Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing, then set off with rangers and trackers into the forest. The trek may take from one to several hours through steep, green terrain. When you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour watching the silverback, mothers and playful youngsters at close quarters — an experience few people ever forget.

    Overnight: Forest lodge with gorilla-trek access Meals: B, L, D
  5. Day 5:

    Lake Mburo National Park

    Lake Mburo

    After breakfast, continue by road from Bwindi to Lake Mburo (about 5 hours). After lunch, enjoy a game drive among zebra, impala and eland, followed by a boat trip on the lake to see hippos and waterbirds at sunset.

    Overnight: Tented camp overlooking Lake Mburo Meals: B, L, D
  6. Day 6:

    Lake Mburo to Entebbe

    Lake Mburo

    After an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Entebbe (about 4 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel.

    Overnight: End of services Meals: B, L

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Accommodation

This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.

  • Queen Elizabeth National ParkLodge with Rift Valley views near Mweya2 nights
  • Bwindi Impenetrable ForestForest lodge with gorilla-trek access2 nights
  • Lake MburoTented camp overlooking Lake Mburo1 night

Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
  • Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
  • All national park, reserve and conservation fees
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • All government taxes and levies
  • 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
  • One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person (currently USD 800)
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
  • Optional porters on gorilla and chimpanzee treks (around USD 20 per trek)

Travel information

Best time to travel

June to August and December to February; good all year.

What to pack

  • Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
  • A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
  • Insect repellent and personal medication
  • A soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase
  • Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters for forest treks
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
  • Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers

Experiences on this safari

Frequently asked questions

Is this a private safari?

Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.

What does the price include?

The guide price from USD 2,850 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.

When should I book my gorilla permit?

As early as possible — ideally three to six months ahead for June to September and December to February. We purchase permits as soon as you confirm your booking.

Why do the Ishasha lions climb trees?

Nobody knows for sure — theories include escaping biting insects, catching a breeze and watching for prey. It is one of only a few places in Africa where this is common.

Gallery

Lioness at golden hour in Queen Elizabeth National ParkOpen image: Lioness at golden hour in Queen Elizabeth National ParkWildlife on the banks of the Kazinga ChannelOpen image: Wildlife on the banks of the Kazinga ChannelAfrican elephants in the Maasai MaraOpen image: African elephants in the Maasai MaraMist rising over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UgandaOpen image: Mist rising over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UgandaMountain gorilla feeding in Bwindi Impenetrable ForestOpen image: Mountain gorilla feeding in Bwindi Impenetrable ForestGiraffes in Lake Mburo National ParkOpen image: Giraffes in Lake Mburo National ParkZebra and wildebeest during the Serengeti migrationOpen image: Zebra and wildebeest during the Serengeti migrationEland on the Maasai Mara savannaOpen image: Eland on the Maasai Mara savanna

Enquire about this safari

Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.

Countries of interest
Interests

We reply within one working day. Prefer to chat? WhatsApp us or call +254 724 241 818.

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