5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Safari Tours

Five Day Uganda Tours

Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, and an astonishing 1,080 bird species are just some of the many reasons people come to Uganda. This country sits at the ecological crossroads of the eastern savannah and the western jungle. It is a well-watered land, home to Africa’s largest lake and the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. Elsewhere, the headwaters of the world’s longest river offer excellent white-water rafting and feed the breathtaking Murchison Falls. True, you may face some difficult choices when deciding which highlights to include in a 5-day Uganda itinerary. But whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed by this truly remarkable country.

Uganda 5-day gorilla Trekking & safari trip packages

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Frequently asked questions

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Tours

A five day Uganda tour often raises questions. To ensure you are well prepared, we have answered the most important questions for you below.

Is 5 days enough time for a trip in Uganda?

Yes, it is. As long as you don’t try to cram too much into your itinerary. A 5-day Uganda safari gives you enough time to enjoy several highlights. You can do gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and also enjoy a boat safari and a game drive. However, it will be a busy trip if you try to include everything. If you have more time, it is worth adding an extra day or two. It makes the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.

Where Should I Go on a 5-Day Safari in Uganda?

The most popular 5-day itinerary goes southwest from Entebbe or Kampala. It combines Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and one or two chimp trekking areas. Lake Mburo National Park is also sometimes included.

The main highlight of Bwindi is gorilla trekking. But the park also offers monkeys, birds, and beautiful forest walks.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can enjoy boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel. You can also go on game drives in the Ishasha sector, which is famous for tree-climbing lions.

Chimpanzee trekking is often done in Kibale National Park. This is the most popular chimp destination in Uganda. But you can also visit Kalinzu Forest Reserve or Kyambura Gorge, which are closer to Queen Elizabeth and reduce travel time.

If you do not plan to see gorillas, Murchison Falls National Park is a great 5-day option. Here you can see four of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Boat trips on the Nile and game drives north of the river offer excellent wildlife viewing. This park can also be combined with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch and Budongo Forest for chimp trekking.

For a more remote experience, Kidepo Valley National Park is another option. It also has lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. It can be combined with a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.

Which animals am I likely to see?

It depends on your 5-day itinerary. If you visit Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, you are almost certain to see mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, and Nile crocodiles. You will also see many antelopes, especially the Uganda kob. Monkeys are common too, including colobus, baboons, and vervet monkeys.

Lions are often seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you are lucky, you may also spot leopards and giant forest hogs. If you go chimp trekking, your chances are high, around 80% to 95%.

In Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley National Parks, you are very likely to see elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, warthogs, patas monkeys, and many antelopes. Hippos and crocodiles are common along the Nile in Murchison Falls. Kidepo Valley is also known for zebras. Leopards live in both parks, but they are harder to see.

At Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, white rhinos are almost guaranteed. Chimp trekking in Budongo Forest also has a very high success rate. Birdlife is everywhere in Uganda. You will see many colorful tropical bird species throughout your journey.

What Are the Options to Extend My 5-Day Uganda Trip?

If you have an extra day or two after your 5-day safari, there are some great options in Uganda. One popular choice is white-water rafting on the Nile near Jinja. It is an exciting adventure on one of the world’s most famous rivers.

Another option is a boat trip in Mabamba Swamp. This is one of the best places to see the bizarre shoebill storks. If you want to relax, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda are the best places. They are very beautiful.

If you prefer to travel further, many travellers combine a Uganda safari with Zanzibar. The island lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. It is a great place to relax after a wildlife trip.

What Is the Best Time of the Year for a Trip in Uganda?

The best months to travel in Uganda are from June to August and from December to February. These are the driest periods, especially in the southwest.

This makes them ideal for gorilla trekking and rainforest hikes. Wildlife viewing in savannah parks is also better during the dry season. Animals are easier to spot, and there is less rain to interrupt your plans. It is still possible to travel in March, April, and May.

But these are the wettest months in Uganda. For gorilla and chimp trekking, the rainy season can be more difficult. The forest trails become muddy and harder to walk. For the best experience, the dry seasons are usually recommended.

How much will this 5-Day safari cost?

A budget 5-day Uganda safari without gorilla or chimp trekking usually costs just over US$1,000 per person. If your itinerary includes gorilla trekking, the price is higher. Most of these safaris cost between US$2,000 and US$2,500 per person.

Luxury 5-day safaris, with high-end lodges or domestic flights, usually start from around US$3,500 and can go higher. In most cases, safari prices include everything you need. This covers transport, accommodation, meals, park fees, and guides. You usually only pay extra for drinks, tips, and personal expenses.