4 Days Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours
4 Day Safaris In Uganda
Uganda is often called the Pearl of Africa—and with good reason.
Its most celebrated safari experience is trekking to see the majestic mountain gorillas, found only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Yet gorillas are just the beginning. Uganda’s emerald rainforests are also among the finest places on earth to encounter wild chimpanzees, while its sweeping savannahs shelter classic safari giants such as lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos.
Bird enthusiasts will be equally enchanted, with over 1,080 recorded species—including the rare and otherworldly shoebill stork—making Uganda a true avian paradise.
With landscapes that shift from misty highlands to open plains and sparkling lakes, Uganda offers an unrivaled diversity of wildlife and scenery.
While four days won’t unveil everything this extraordinary country has to offer, it is the perfect window to experience some of its most iconic highlights—whether that’s a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, a big-game drive, or an unforgettable moment on the Nile.
Best 4 Day Uganda Tour Packages
4 Days Uganda Safaris FAQs
Where should I go on a 4-day Uganda Safari?
That depends entirely on your interests and what you most want to experience.
If your main goal is gorilla trekking, then Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in the country’s far southwest are the places to be.
These misty, jungle-covered mountains are home to the world’s largest population of endangered mountain gorillas, making them the ultimate highlight of any Ugandan safari.
For a more traditional Big Five safari—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino—without gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is the top choice.
Here the Nile dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall, while the surrounding savannah teems with classic wildlife.
If you would prefer an off-the-beaten-track adventure, in Karamoja region and Kidepo Valley National Park in the remote northeast are hidden gems. Their sweeping savannahs, rugged mountains, and rich culture and wildlife make them some of Africa’s most untouched safari destinations.
For travelers who are as excited by adventure as they are by wildlife, an exhilarating combination is white-water rafting on the Nile near Jinja (on the shores of Lake Victoria), paired with a hike to the spectacular Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mt. Elgon.
Whether your passion is gorilla trekking, big-game drives, remote wilderness, or adrenaline-fueled adventures, Uganda offers a perfect 4-day safari route tailored to your travel style.
Can I fit gorilla & chimp treks into a Four day tour?
Yes, it is possible to experience both gorilla trekking and chimp trekking in just four days, though the schedule will be quite full.
Starting from Kampala or nearby Entebbe International Airport, your first day is typically spent on the scenic 9–10-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
On the morning of day two, you’ll embark on the unforgettable adventure of tracking mountain gorillas. Depending on the exact itinerary, you can then transfer to a chimpanzee trekking site either later that afternoon or the following morning.
The most convenient chimp trekking destinations from Bwindi or Mgahinga are Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Kyambura Gorge, both bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may also enjoy a boat trip or game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, and even leopards.
While this itinerary is achievable in four days, it is quite rushed, and extending the trip by a day or two allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience. Many travelers now begin their safari in Kigali, Rwanda, rather than Kampala or Entebbe.
The drive from Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga is significantly shorter, Coastal Aviation operates direct flights from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kigali, and gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost US$800, almost half the US$1,500 required in Rwanda, making Uganda both convenient and more affordable without compromising the experience.
Can I See All of the Big Five on a 4-Day Safari in Uganda?
Yes—if you plan your itinerary carefully, you have a strong chance of encountering all five members of the iconic Big Five, even though Uganda is not typically considered a classic Big Five safari destination like Kenya, or Tanzania.
The best opportunity is a 4-day safari that combines Murchison Falls National Park with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Ziwa offers one of the rare chances in Africa to track white rhinos on foot, providing a genuinely thrilling experience with a nearly guaranteed sighting even on a short visit.
In Murchison Falls, boat trips along the Nile to the base of the falls often reveal elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and a rich array of waterbirds.
Lions are regularly seen on game drives north of the Nile, while leopards remain more elusive but can occasionally be spotted over a four-day period.
Elsewhere in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks also offer excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, and buffalo, though leopard sightings are less predictable.
Ziwa remains the only place in Uganda, outside of zoos, where rhinos can reliably be seen. While Ziwa can be included en route to Kidepo Valley, it is not feasible to combine it with Queen Elizabeth on a four-day safari.
With careful planning, a 4-day itinerary gives you an exciting chance to experience Uganda’s version of the Big Five while also enjoying its spectacular landscapes and extraordinary wildlife diversity.
What is the best time of year to tour Uganda?
The ideal time to explore Uganda’s wildlife and rainforests is during the dry seasons, which run from June to August and December to February.
During these months, roads are more accessible, wildlife is easier to spot, and trekking conditions in forests are far more comfortable.
The main wet season, from March to May, is best avoided, if possible, particularly for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, as heavy rains can make trails slippery, challenging, and less enjoyable. Traveling in the dry season ensures a smoother, more rewarding safari experience across Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
How much will a 4 Day Uganda safari cost?
The cost of a 4-day safari in Uganda varies depending on the level of comfort and activities included.
Budget safaris typically range from US$950 to US$1,200 per person and focus on savannah destinations such as Murchison Falls, Ziwa, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Park, using campsites or basic accommodations.
Mid-range safaris to the same destinations, with more comfortable lodges, generally start from US$1,500 per person.
Safari packages that include gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga are more expensive, reflecting the US$800 gorilla trekking permit fee.
Budget gorilla trekking safaris with simple accommodations usually cost between US$1,600 and US$1,900 per person, while mid-range options exceed US$2,000.
For those seeking luxury experiences with high-end lodges, private guides, and domestic flights, prices typically range from US$2,800 to US$4,500 per person.
Most safari prices include park fees, accommodations, meals, transport, and professional guides, making it straightforward to plan your adventure without hidden costs.
Whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury option, Uganda offers incredible wildlife experiences, from gorilla trekking to Big Five safaris, within a variety of price ranges.
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