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Where the soul of the forest whispers in the mist

Overview — 5-Day Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari

Some journeys move you. Others change you. The 5-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Safari in Uganda offers both. It’s the perfect safari for travelers seeking a powerful combination of Uganda’s most iconic experiences—classic big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the life-altering intimacy of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This carefully balanced itinerary offers variety, excitement, and soul-deep connection to the land, its wildlife, and its people—all in just five days.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari lover, this journey allows you to see Uganda from multiple angles. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, elephants roam the open plains, lions prowl near fig trees, and hippos crowd the Kazinga Channel in one of the most biodiverse parks in East Africa. Then, deep in the tangled green of Bwindi, you’ll follow your ranger through ancient forest paths to come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family. From wide-open savannahs to misty jungle slopes, each day brings a new world, yet they all flow into one unforgettable experience.

So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and prepare to meet the wild — this is where your gorilla trekking dreams and unforgettable safari adventures truly begin.

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Trek through Bwindi’s mystical rainforest and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their breathtaking natural home.
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Encounter mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on Mgahinga’s misty volcanic trails, where culture and alpine wildlife thrive together.
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Unwind after your trek with a peaceful canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most tranquil and scenic highland lake.
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Enhance your gorilla trekking safari with an optional chimpanzee encounter in Uganda’s lush forests, adding depth and diversity to your primate adventure

Detailed Itinerary – 5-Day Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your driver-guide and receive a personal safari briefing. From here, your journey into the wild begins with a domestic flight or scenic road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in Uganda’s western rift valley. If you opt to fly, the aerial views over Lake Victoria, crater lakes, and lush farmland offer a beautiful start.

Upon arrival near the park, you’ll be transferred to your handpicked lodge, ideally situated near the Kasenyi plains or overlooking the Kazinga Channel. After check-in and lunch, relax and soak in your surroundings, or take an optional short evening game drive for a glimpse of what’s to come. As the sun sets over the distant Rwenzori Mountains, the sounds of the wild become your welcome music for the night.

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake early for a full-day immersion in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and ecologically diverse wildlife reserve. After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive across the open savannah of Kasenyi, where lions stalk Uganda kob, herds of buffalo graze, and elephants make their stately crossings. With every turn, there’s a chance for unexpected encounters—leopards slinking through the underbrush, warthogs trotting along dusty tracks, and colorful birds flitting above the acacia trees.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife activities: a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway between Lake Edward and Lake George teems with life. Cruise past hippos wallowing in pods, elephants bathing on the shores, and Nile crocodiles lurking along the muddy banks. The Kazinga Channel is also a birdwatcher’s dream, offering close sightings of African fish eagles, kingfishers, and the majestic saddle-billed stork. As your boat glides back to shore, the golden hour paints the landscape in hues of fire and calm.

Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening, full of reflection and excitement for the gorilla trekking chapter of your journey.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Enter the Gorilla Kingdom

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The road takes you through the Ishasha sector, where if luck is on your side, you may spot tree-climbing lions, a rare and captivating behavior unique to this part of Africa. The journey continues through breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, terraced gardens, and tea plantations, gradually leading into the cooler, mist-laden altitude of Bwindi.

Arrive at your lodge, located near your designated gorilla trekking trailhead (Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, or Nkuringo sectors). Check in and relax after the journey. Spend the evening soaking in the quiet mystery of the forest, where each rustling leaf hints at life just out of sight. A delicious dinner is served, followed by a briefing for tomorrow’s gorilla trek. As night falls, anticipation builds—tomorrow, you meet the giants.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Moment You’ll Never Forget

This is the moment that draws visitors from across the world. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters, where you’ll receive a full briefing and be assigned a gorilla family to track. Then, with your ranger and porters, begin the trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a living relic of the last ice age and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trek can be moderately to very challenging, depending on the gorilla group’s location, but the reward is beyond measure. The jungle is alive with bird calls, butterflies, and the whisper of branches, until suddenly—there they are. A family of mountain gorillas, calmly interacting, feeding, grooming, and playing right in front of you. For one magical hour, you’ll observe these incredible beings in complete silence, aware of how closely they resemble us and how fragile their world is.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free to relax or explore nearby communities and conservation projects that work to protect the forest and its inhabitants. In the evening, gather around a campfire or veranda and let the day’s wonder settle in.

Day 5: Return to Entebbe – Farewell to the Forest

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take in your last moments surrounded by Uganda’s mountain wilderness. You’ll then be transferred to the nearby airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe, or begin your return drive through the highlands. If time allows, you may choose to visit the Equator Monument or buy handcrafted souvenirs before your onward flight.

Your safari may be over, but the memories—of lions roaring on golden plains, hippos splashing at sunset, and a gorilla’s eyes meeting yours in the silence of the forest—will stay with you forever.

  • Safari Park fees
  • All Tour activities
  • All Tour accommodation
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation ( To & From )
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Everyday Meals ( As specified )
  • Drinking water ( On all days )
  • International flights ( From / to home )
  • Additional Accommodation
  • Tips
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, etc.)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees

Choosing between luxury and mid-range accommodation on your Uganda safari isn’t just about cost—it’s about how you want to experience your adventure. Both options offer comfort, security, and beautiful settings close to nature, but they differ in level of exclusivity, service, and amenities. Whether you dream of a forest-view bathtub and gourmet dining, or a warm lodge with charm and excellent local hospitality, Uganda has the perfect stay waiting for you.

Luxury Accommodation: Immersed in Comfort and Wilderness

Luxury lodges in Uganda are designed to blend world-class comfort with nature’s raw beauty. Expect spacious cottages or suites with private verandas overlooking misty forests or savannah plains, often built with eco-conscious materials and architectural elegance. Many luxury properties feature ensuite bathrooms with hot showers or soaking tubs, plush bedding, fine dining experiences, and fire-lit lounges where you can unwind with a drink after your trek or game drive. You’ll also enjoy exceptional service—personal butler or turndown service is not uncommon—and often, private or small-group experiences tailored to your pace. These lodges are perfect for honeymoons, photographers, or anyone who wants to enjoy the wild without sacrificing luxury.

Mid-Range Accommodation: Comfort, Character, and Value

Mid-range lodges and camps offer excellent value while still delivering quality, warmth, and atmosphere. You can expect clean, well-furnished rooms with ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and hearty local or continental meals. These stays often have communal dining areas, beautiful garden views, and cozy fire pits for evening storytelling and relaxation. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the properties are typically set close to key trailheads or park entrances, ensuring minimal transfer time to your activities. While less opulent than their luxury counterparts, mid-range accommodations still offer an authentic safari feel—with character, care, and comfort at their heart.

Related Safaris — 5-Day Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari

Discover more unforgettable journeys with our handpicked related safaris, each designed to showcase Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural richness. Whether you’re drawn to gorilla trekking, game drives, or scenic adventures, these safaris offer the perfect extension to your travel story.

Why this gorilla trekking trip?

This gorilla trekking trip isn’t just a journey—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand face-to-face with the world’s rarest great apes in their natural mountain forest home. It’s an emotional, humbling experience that connects you deeply with nature, conservation, and the raw beauty of Uganda.

Essential Planning Tips for Visiting Uganda’s National Parks.

Get ready for the wild heart of Africa with expert travel tips on when to visit, what to pack, where to go, and how to make the most of your safari across Uganda’s breathtaking national parks.