This 5-day Uganda Bwindi Wildlife and Gorilla Safari is specially designed for gorilla treks, savannah wildlife and boat rides. It first takes us to Queen Elizabeth National Park, best known as the home of the Kazinga Channel and tree-climbing lions. After a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is home to endangered mountain gorillas, a significant list of bird species and other animals. In addition to cultural encounters, you will spend time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trip ends at Lake Bunyonyi to explore its many beautiful islands, more than 29 of them. The 5-day Uganda Wildlife and Bwindi Gorilla Safari starts and ends at Kampala or Entebbe International Airport.

5-Day Uganda Wildlife and Bwindi Gorilla Safari Overview

Day 1: Reception in Kampala and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Safari and boat cruise on the Kazinga canal

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector

Day 4: Hike to meet gorillas and boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi

Day 5: Boat cruise and return to Kampala.

Detailed Itinerary for 5-Day Uganda Wildlife and Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Reception and transfer to the Queen Elizabeth

Depending on your place of arrival, you will be picked up by a guide from Zizou Tours And Travel who will first explain the circuit to you. You will then be driven in a comfortable safari vehicle to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the southwest region of Uganda. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. You will have lunch en route in Mbarara. Continuation of the road towards the park with a spectacular view of agricultural lands, traditional houses and tea plantations. Other stops are possible to take photos. On arrival in the park, check-in at the lodge for rest, dinner and the night.

Day 2: Safari or lion tracking and afternoon boat cruise

Safari: After an early breakfast, you will travel to the Kasenyi plains for a morning safari. During the safari, you will have rewarding views of the sunrise, the four big mammals such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and other animals like bushbucks, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, various species of birds and many more. After the safari, return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel starts after lunch. You will take a boat cruise along the impressive Kazinga Canal to see a variety of aquatic animals, including hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and elephants bathing on the banks of the canal. You can also spot various species of water birds on the banks, especially the famous pelicans and Jacana, the royal fishermen, among others. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi gorilla park, safari with the Ishasha lions

After breakfast at the lodge, you will leave the lodge and meet your driver guide for transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive will take you through the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will have the chance to spot lions climbing trees and resting in the branches of fig trees during the excursion. The Ishasha sector is not only home to climbing lions but also animals such as buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, Uganda kobs and many more.

After the safari, you will leave Queen passing through Ishasha sector and continue the journey to Bwindi with a stop for lunch en route. The journey from Queen to Bwindi takes approximately 4-5 hours. On arrival, you will settle in at the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Hiking to meet the gorillas

Wake up early, breakfast at 6:30 a.m. and packed lunch. You will be picked up by your driver guide who will take you to the park headquarters for a briefing on the gorilla trekking activity. You will then be grouped into groups of 8 and you will be assigned a family of gorillas. The guide will accompany you through the thick canopy and undergrowth in search of gorillas.

Gorilla trekking can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on their movements. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have an hour with them. You will learn how they survive in the forest, how they behave, how they play, how they build their nest in the evening and you will be able to take great photos for your future memories. After gorilla trekking, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. On arrival, you will settle into your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 5: Boat cruise and departure for Kampala/Entebbe

Boat Cruise: After breakfast, you will leave the lodge for a lake cruise where you can explore some of the 29 islands. One of them is Punishment Island, where young girls were thrown to starve because they became pregnant before being married off by their parents. You will have spectacular views of the terraced farmlands, Kigezi hills, traditional dwellings and can observe magnificent bird species. Later, you meet your driver and start the journey back to Entebbe. End of 5-day Ugandan wildlife and Bwindi gorilla safari.