5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Name: 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
Brand: 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
SKU: 25140
Price: 2103 $
Availability: InStock
Rating: 0 (0 reviews)

From

$2103

5 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

From

$2103

Contact a Safari Expert

+256 (703) 740 870

Tour Overview

This 5-day Uganda Gorilla Safari takes you deep into the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to meet the rare mountain gorillas.

You will spend an unforgettable hour watching these gentle giants in their natural home. The trip also gives you time to relax by the beautiful Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanoes and green hills.

We take care of all the details — gorilla permits, accommodation, meals, transport, and an English-speaking driver-guide — so you can enjoy your adventure without stress.

Your journey begins from either Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda) and includes scenic drives or flights to Bwindi, the exciting gorilla trek, and a free day to explore or relax at the lake before returning to Entebbe or Kigali City.

Tour Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Scenic views of Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes
Optional water and hiking activities at Lake Mutanda
Comfortable lodges with full-board meals
Private transport with an English-speaking driver-guide

Your Itinerary In Brief

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe (Uganda)/Kigali (Rwanda)

Day 2: Transfer Entebbe/Kigali to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 4: Free day at the picturesque Lake Mutanda/Bwindi

Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe/Kigali

Your Itinerary In Detail

Day 1: Arrival

Option 1 – Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)

Arrive at Entebbe and spend your first night at Papyrus Guesthouse, a small and cozy place surrounded by trees and gardens, just 15 minutes from the airport. If you arrive early, you can explore Entebbe, visit the local markets, take a boat ride to see the rare shoebill bird, or enjoy a relaxing evening at the guesthouse.

Tomorrow, you’ll start your journey to Lake Mutanda. The drive takes about 10–11 hours, passing through beautiful countryside, small towns, and rolling green hills.

Option 2 – Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)

If you arrive in Kigali, your driver can take you directly to Lake Mutanda Resort—a 4–5-hour drive including the border crossing. You’ll travel through scenic hills and villages and reach the lodge before sunset. If you prefer to spend a night in Kigali to explore its vibrant culture, restaurants, or museums, we recommend staying at Hotel Des Mille Collines (not included in the package price).

Day 2: Travel To Lake Mutanda Near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you will travel to the beautiful Lake Mutanda, located in southwest Uganda at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. The lake is surrounded by lush hills and close to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks — home to the famous mountain gorillas.

You can reach Lake Mutanda in three ways:

Option 1 – Drive from Kigali (4–5 hours)

Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you through Rwanda’s rolling green hills. You’ll stop for photos and snacks along the way. After crossing the border, continue through scenic mountain roads to reach Mutanda Lake Resort. The last part of the journey is a little bumpy but very beautiful.

Option 2 – Drive from Entebbe (10–11 hours)

You’ll start early, around 6:00 a.m., to avoid traffic. On the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and have lunch in Mbarara. The drive continues through Kabale and Kisoro, passing through Uganda’s green countryside. The final two hours are on a dirt road, but the amazing mountain and lake views make it worth the trip.

Option 3 – Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro (1-hour flight + 1.5-hour drive)

If you prefer a shorter trip, you can take a morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airport. Theflight offers stunning views of Uganda’s lakes, forests, and hills. Upon landing, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Mutanda Lake Resort. If you’d like, you can take a short guided village walk or a canoe ride on the lake (optional, extra cost) before relaxing at the lodge.

Accommodation:

Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Day 3: The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Starting time: 7:30 am.

Duration: 4hrs+

You wake before the first light of dawn, the excitement a palpable energy in the lodge. Today is the day you’ll meet the mountain gorillas. After a quick, fortifying breakfast, you join your guides and step into the cool morning mist that shrouds Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The rainforest lives up to its name – vines tangle with ancient trees, moss carpets the ground, and the calls of exotic birds echo through the air.

Finally, after hours of navigating the lush undergrowth, your guide gestures ahead. There, nestled amidst the foliage, is a family of mountain gorillas. A massive silverback observes you with gentle, intelligent eyes, while playful juveniles tumble nearby. An hour spent in the company of these majestic creatures feels both eternal and fieeting.

Leaving the gorillas to their rainforest home, you emerge from the Bwindi changed, carrying a profound and unforgettable encounter within your heart.

At the resort, the chef will provide a packed lunch. Gear is key to a safe and comfortable trek. Sturdy hiking boots brace your feet against uneven terrain, and long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt protect from stinging nettles and thorns. Rain gear is essential, as downpours can be sudden and fierce. Gloves come in handy when grabbing branches for support, and a hat shields you from the sun. Plenty of water and energy-giving snacks fuel your journey. Be sure to bring a facemask – you must have one.

Accommodation:

Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Day 4: Free day at the picturesque Lake Mutanda/Bwindi

Today you can sleep in and enjoy a full day where you can choose what to do. You can swim in the lake, where otters sometimes play. On the lake, you can also try paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, or take a motorboat ride. If you like hiking, you can explore the surrounding hills, or take a more challenging hike over the volcanoes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also go on a Golden Monkey trek in the park.

Bwindi & Lake Mutanda Excursions (optional):

There are many activities to enjoy in this green and beautiful environment. Around Lake Mutanda, you can go sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. A sundowner tour on a motorboat with a drink is also recommended. In Mgahinga National Park, you can climb the Virunga volcanoes or trek to see the Golden Monkeys. In Bwindi rainforest, besides gorilla trekking, there are several beautiful forest walks. You can also visit the Batwa pygmies or take a village tour nearby. If you have specific interests, our travel specialist can help plan in advance or arrange activities on-site.

Watersports at Lake Mutanda (optional):

From Mutanda Lake Resort, you can enjoy water activities like swimming in the bilharzia-free lake, or sunbathing on one of the three jetties. For more active experiences, use stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or a laser sailboat. For a local experience, go canoeing in one of the dugout canoes. The motorboat is also ideal for birdwatching or just enjoying the scenery with a glass of wine.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga (optional):

You can go on a trek to see the rare Golden Monkeys. Mgahinga National Park has several habituated groups. The trek takes place at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Once in the forest, you can spend an hour observing the monkeys, who jump, swing, and play. Photographing them can be a fun challenge.

Sabinyo Volcano Climb, Mgahinga (optional):

For adventure seekers, you can climb the Sabinyo Volcano, which is 3,669 meters high. At the top, you are standing in three countries at once! The climb can get muddy, but wooden ladders help with the steep parts. The hike usually takes around eight hours. From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of lakes and gorges in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Accommodation:

Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Day 5: Travel back to Entebbe/Kigali

After an early breakfast, your driver will be ready to whisk you back to Kisoro Airport, or Entebbe International Airport, or across the border to Kigali International Airport. If you want to spend a night at the end of the trip in Entebbe or Kigali, we will be more than happy to help you find a place to stay at your own cost.