5 Days Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Tours

5 Day Safari Tours In Uganda

Uganda is a great destination for wildlife safaris, where extraordinary experiences await at every turn.

From trekking alongside majestic mountain gorillas and observing playful chimpanzees to spotting elusive tree-climbing lions and over 1,080 vibrant bird species, the country is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Nestled at the ecological crossroads of the eastern savannah and western jungle, Uganda boasts Africa’s largest lake, the snow-capped peaks of the legendary Mountains of the Moon, and lush landscapes that seem straight out of a dream.

Adventure seekers can navigate the exhilarating white-water rapids of the Nile’s headwaters, or witness the raw power of the breathtakingly eruptive Murchison Falls.

Yes, you might face some difficult choices when it comes to deciding which highlights to include in a 5-day Uganda safari itinerary, but whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed by this truly amazing destination.

Best 5 Day Uganda Tour Packages

5 Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari

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5 Days Uganda Safaris FAQs

Is 5 days enough time for a safari in Uganda?

Yes, a 5-day Uganda safari can offer an incredible wildlife experience, provided you pace yourself and don’t try to pack in too much.

In this timeframe, you can enjoy major highlights such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and at least one boat safari or game drive.

Keep in mind, though, fitting all these experiences into just five days can make for a very full schedule.

If possible, adding an extra day or two allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to fully savor Uganda’s stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Where should I go on a 5-day Uganda safari?

For a 5-day Uganda safari, the most popular route heads southwest from Entebbe International Airport to combine Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, with optional chimp trekking and a stop at Lake Mburo National Park.

Bwindi is renowned for gorilla trekking, but it also offers monkeys, birds, and scenic forest walks. In Queen Elizabeth, enjoy boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel and game drives in the Ishasha sector to spot the famous tree-climbing lions.

You can also include Kibale National Park, Uganda’s premier destination for chimp trekking. For less travel, consider Kalinzu Forest Reserve or Kyambura Gorge, both near Queen Elizabeth and home to thriving chimp populations.

If gorilla trekking isn’t on your list, Murchison Falls National Park is a stunning alternative.

Here, you may encounter four of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo—on boat trips along the Nile or game drives north of the falls. Combine it with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch or chimp trekking in Budongo Forest for a fuller experience.

For a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore Kidepo Valley National Park, where lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and zebras roam the savannah.

You can also visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch along the way, rounding out a 5-day safari that’s packed with wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable encounters.

Which animals am I likely to see?

The wildlife you encounter on a 5-day Uganda safari depends largely on your chosen itinerary.

If your tour includes Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, you can be almost certain to see mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, and Nile crocodiles.

You’ll also encounter a variety of antelope, including the endemic Uganda kob, as well as several monkey species, such as Angola colobus, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys.

In Queen Elizabeth, lions are frequently spotted, and lucky visitors may even glimpse leopards or giant forest hogs. Chimp trekking offers an 80–90% chance of seeing chimps up close.

If your safari heads north to Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley National Parks, you’re almost guaranteed to see elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, warthogs, patas monkeys, and a variety of antelope.

Hippos and Nile crocodiles are commonly seen along the Nile in Murchison Falls, while Kidepo Valley is home to large herds of zebra. Leopards are present in both parks but are rarely spotted.

For white rhinos, a guided trek at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch nearly guarantees a sighting, and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest—on the border of Murchison Falls—also has a high success rate.

Beyond the large mammals, Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with hundreds of colorful tropical bird species awaiting discovery wherever you go.

What are the options to extend my 5-day Uganda Tour?

If you have an extra day or two after your 5-day safari, Uganda offers plenty of exciting add-ons.

Adventure seekers can try white-water rafting on the Nile River near Jinja, or take a boat trip into Mabamba Swamp to spot the rare and fascinating shoebill.

For a more relaxing experience, Lake Bunyonyi provides a serene escape with stunning views and calm waters.

For those looking to expand their safari experience beyond Uganda, a 5-day tour focused on gorilla and chimp trekking pairs beautifully with a Big Five safari in Tanzania or Kenya.

And for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea, a coastal extension to Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean offers a perfect tropical getaway.

What is the best time of the year to visit Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February.

These months offer ideal conditions for gorilla trekking and rainforest hikes in the southwest, while wildlife viewing in savannah reserves is at its peak.

With minimal rainfall, there’s also less chance of disruptions to boat trips, game drives, and other outdoor activities.

Although gorilla and chimp trekking is still possible during the wetter months of March to May, heavy rains can make trails slippery and some activities harder to enjoy, so these months are generally best avoided for first-time visitors.

How much will a 5-day Uganda safari cost?

The cost of a 5-day Uganda safari varies depending on your itinerary and level of comfort.

Budget safaris that do not include gorilla or chimp trekking typically start at just over US$1,000 per person.

If you include the gorilla trekking permit, prices usually range from US$2,000 to US$2,500. For a more luxurious experience with high-end lodges and domestic flights, expect costs of at least US$3,500.

Most safari packages in Uganda are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, park fees, transport, and guided activities. Additional expenses generally include drinks, tips, and personal purchases.