Can I choose which gorilla group to track in Bwindi?

Gorilla group allocation is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and is based on your fitness level and availability, though requests can be made.

How long does the gorilla trek usually take?

The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located that day.

Is the boat cruise suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise is smooth, safe, and ideal for all ages.

Do I need to be fit to track gorillas?

Moderate fitness is recommended. Some treks involve hiking steep, forested terrain. Porters are available for assistance.

5 Days Gorilla Tracking Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari

Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi and discover the wild beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park on this unforgettable 5-day Uganda safari.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Map

FAQs

Overview

This 5-day Uganda safari seamlessly combines the thrill of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with classic savannah game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Perfect for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, this journey delivers dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural immersion.

Your adventure begins with a scenic road trip to the lush, mist-covered hills of Bwindi, home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

After an unforgettable trek through the forest to observe these gentle giants, you’ll continue on to Queen Elizabeth National Park—Uganda’s most iconic safari destination.

Here, you’ll explore tree-climbing lion territory in Ishasha, enjoy game drives across the Kasenyi plains, and cruise the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel at sunset.

Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy of a gorilla encounter or the expansive beauty of the African savannah, this itinerary offers a rare combination of Uganda’s finest wildlife experiences.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Bwindi via the Equator
Day 2: Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi
Day 3: Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha sector
Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Return journey to Kampala or Entebbe

Day 1 :

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe by your guide.

After a warm welcome, you’ll hit the road toward southwestern Uganda, passing scenic countryside and rolling hills. En route, stop at the Equator for a photo opportunity, local crafts, and refreshments.

After lunch, continue your journey into the dense green embrace of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its mountain gorillas and rich biodiversity. Dinner and overnight in the forested highlands.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Broadbill Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Rushaga Haven Lodge
Gold: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge
Platinum: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 2 :

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by experienced rangers.

Then set off into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s movements, but the reward is priceless—an hour spent face-to-face with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

After your trek, return to your lodge to rest.

Time permitting, take an optional walk to visit the Batwa community for a glimpse into their hunter-gatherer heritage.

Day 3 :

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The route through Ishasha offers a chance to spot the region’s famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees.

Continue northward to your lodge overlooking the plains or Kazinga Channel. Settle in and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: The Bush Lodge
Gold: Marafiki Safari Lodge
Platinum: Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4 :

Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains, known for excellent lion sightings and large herds of Uganda kob.

Keep your camera ready for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and if luck is on your side, a leopard in the shadows.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and an astonishing variety of birds.

The sunset over Lake Edward is the perfect finale.

Day 5 :

Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the savannah and enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.

A stop for lunch along the way gives you time to reflect on your extraordinary safari experience. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport in the evening.