Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking
6 Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking
Safari Overview
6 Day Gorilla & Game Viewing
This 6 Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari takes you on an amazing journey through some of Uganda’s most beautiful places.
You will begin at Lake Mburo National Park with a choice of walking safari, community tour, game drive, boat cruise, horseback safari, or mountain biking to see zebras, giraffes, hyenas, leopards, buffalos, antelopes, and many birds up close.
Next, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives, including a special drive in the Ishasha sector to spot the rare tree-climbing lions!
You’ll also enjoy chimpanzee trekking in the peaceful Kalinzu Forest and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. For thrill-seekers, there’s the option to go gorilla rafting on the Birira River, floating through jungle scenery with chances to spot monkeys and birds before transferring to Bwindi.
In Bwindi, get ready for the highlight—gorilla trekking through dense rainforest where you’ll come face-to-face with gentle mountain gorillas. After this magical encounter, unwind at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its many islands and clear water, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
On the last day, visit the Equator for fun photos, lunch and souvenir shopping before returning to Entebbe Airport to end your amazing Ugandan adventure.
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Special about this trip
- Meet the amazing mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest
- Trek through Kalinzu Forest to see wild chimpanzees
- Search for rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
- Take a boat safari on hippo-filled Kazinga Channel
- Enjoy a walk/mountain bike safari in Lake Mburo
- Early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Exciting gorilla rafting on the Birira River (optional)
- Relax at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi after your trek
What's included
- Park entrance fees
- One Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
- Chimpanzee trekking permit for Kalinzu
- All mentioned activities (unless marked optional)
- Accommodation (as listed in the itinerary)
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Drinking water provided
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo from airport or hotel
Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins straight away at 9 AM from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, or right at Entebbe Airport. You will be picked up and driven about 3 hours (230km) to Lake Mburo National Park.
This park is full of acacia trees and it is different from other parks in Uganda. That means you will see animals that are a bit unique too! Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to spot huge eland antelopes, zebras, and many other animals — there are around 68 types of mammals here, like impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and jackals.
There are five lakes in the park where hippos and crocodiles live. You will also see lots of water birds, and the papyrus swamps are home to shy antelopes called sitatungas and colorful birds called papyrus gonoleks. When you arrive, you will go on a game drive to explore the park and see the animals. After that, you’ll check into your lodge. If you like, just before dinner, you can join an exciting night game viewing safari. Look out for galagos (small bush babies), hyenas, and maybe even a leopard!
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Eagles Nest
Middle Class: Rwakobo Rock
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- Lunch & Diner
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Walking or mountain bike safari & transfer to Queen Elizabeth
In the morning, you can choose between a mountain bike safari or a walking safari through Lake Mburo National Park. Since there are no lions or elephants here, these activities are safe and offer a close, personal experience with the wildlife and nature. If you prefer, you can also take an optional horseback safari — but this is only available if you stay overnight at Mihingo Lodge, and must be booked on-site. After your morning activity and a late breakfast, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours covering roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles). We expect to arrive in time for lunch and a short rest before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Morning Activities at Lake Mburo
Walking Safari
Explore the park on foot with an experienced ranger as your guide. You’ll search for zebras, buffalo, elands, and giraffes up close. Bird lovers will especially enjoy this safari — Lake Mburo is home to over 350 bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for stunning photos!
Mountain Bike Safari (Optional)
Ride a mountain bike through the lush green park and its surroundings. Along the way, spot zebras, impalas, and the rare eland antelope. The varied terrain makes this a fun and challenging ride to kick-start your day!
Horseback Safari (Optional)
Explore Lake Mburo on horseback — an exciting adventure for both beginners and experienced riders. Please note, riders must weigh no more than 90 kg (200 lbs). This activity can only be booked on-site and is available only for guests staying at Mihingo Lodge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is huge — nearly 2,000 km² — and lies in Uganda’s Rift Valley. To the north, the majestic Rwenzori Mountains form a stunning backdrop, and to the west, you’ll find Lake Edward. At the heart of the park is the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, offering some of the best boat safaris in Africa. West of the Kazinga Channel, you’ll see incredible volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gorge is a deep chasm filled with rainforest and home to chimpanzees. The park is rich in wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, topi, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Bird watchers will be thrilled by over 600 bird species living here.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda
Middle class: Eganzi Game Lodge
Semi-luxury: Katara Lodge
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Exclusive: The River Station
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking, Boat Cruise & game drive
After breakfast, you will head to the nearby Kalinzu Forest for a chimpanzee trekking experience. Kalinzu is renowned as one of Uganda’s best locations to see wild chimpanzees, boasting over a 90% chance of sightings. Compared to the more popular Kibale Forest, Kalinzu offers a quieter, more intimate encounter and is part of a community-driven ecotourism initiative that supports both conservation and local livelihoods.
The chimpanzee trek covers approximately 3 to 6 kilometers through dense tropical forest and typically lasts 2 to 4 hours depending on chimpanzee movement. The trail can be moderately challenging, involving walking over uneven terrain and navigating thick vegetation. However, the effort is richly rewarded — listening to the chimps’ calls, watching them swing effortlessly through the canopy, and observing their playful behavior up close is a truly moving experience. Given that chimpanzees share 99% of our DNA, this encounter is both educational and deeply personal. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
In the afternoon, embark on one of Africa’s most spectacular boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel — a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George within Queen Elizabeth National Park. This wildlife-rich channel offers an incredible opportunity to see large numbers of hippos lounging in the water, massive crocodiles basking on the banks, buffalo bathing, and an impressive variety of birds. Spotting a herd of elephants spraying water and dust at one another completes what is sure to be an extraordinary day on the water.
Optional Activities:
Predator Tracking in Queen Elizabeth – Morning
Join a park biologist for a unique morning safari focused on studying the behavior and movements of lion prides and individual leopards. Thanks to radio collars fitted on the lions, you have a high chance of encountering these majestic predators. Leopard sightings, while not guaranteed, are possible. This special excursion allows you to venture off traditional roads and trails, gaining insights into the lives of these apex predators while supporting vital research funded by the safari fees.
Private Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon
Enhance your boat safari experience with a private boat, allowing you to get closer to wildlife and set your own pace. Unlike larger boats, a private vessel provides an exclusive, intimate connection with the spectacular scenery and wildlife along the Kazinga Channel — a perfect way to share this magical adventure with your own group.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda
Middle class: Eganzi Game Lodge
Semi-luxury: Katara Lodge
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Exclusive: The River Station
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi
You will start the day early with an exciting morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its abundant wildlife, so keep a lookout for large herds of Cape buffalo, elephants, lions, and the occasionally elusive leopard, which can be hard to spot.
The open plains offer excellent wildlife viewing and great photo opportunities during the cool morning hours. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast and check out before setting off toward the Ishasha sector. Ishasha is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, and there is about a 70% chance of spotting these extraordinary animals perched in acacia trees. Although sometimes they remain hidden in the grasslands while hunting, seeing them in the trees is an unforgettable sight.
From Ishasha, you will continue your journey to your accommodation near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The distance from the Kasenyi area in Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Bwindi Buhoma sector is approximately 230 kilometers. Depending on road conditions and stops along the way, the drive usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. The route offers beautiful scenery, passing through rolling hills and local villages as you transition from savannah landscapes to dense rainforest.
Optional Activity: Rafting on the Birira River
For those seeking adventure, you can choose to go rafting on the Birira River, which flows through the jungle between Ishasha and Bwindi Forest. This full-day Gorilla Rafting experience takes you down the Birira River near the Rwenzori Mountains, allowing you to enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery while floating past green hills, banana plantations, and lush forest teeming with monkeys and birds. The rafting trip runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is suitable for adventurers, families with children aged 8 and older, and nature lovers.
A typical Ugandan lunch is included. Your safety during rafting is a priority, with a professional trip leader accompanying you on the raft to ensure everything runs smoothly. Two additional guides in kayaks will act as safety escorts, ready to help if you want to swim or if you happen to fall in the water, making sure your experience is both safe and enjoyable.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Ride 4 A Woman
Middle class: Gorilla Mist Camp
Semi-luxury: The Haven lodge Buhoma
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Exclusive: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Forest and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, you will head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for what is often considered the highlight of any Ugandan adventure: gorilla trekking. This unforgettable experience involves tracking habituated groups of mountain gorillas through dense, misty forest terrain that can be wet, muddy, and humid.
The trek may reach altitudes close to 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) above sea level, and the path can be physically demanding. You should be prepared for steep climbs and uneven ground, making the trek moderately strenuous.
The duration of the gorilla trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla groups on the day, but it generally lasts 2 to 6 hours. The anticipation and excitement build as you follow the trackers through the forest until you finally come face to face with a family of gorillas led by a majestic silverback.
These gentle giants are surprisingly calm and allow you to observe them at close range for one hour, making for an intimate and deeply moving wildlife encounter. Once your visit concludes, you will return to the park office where you will receive your official gorilla trekking certificate — a proud memento of this rare and special experience.
Afterwards, you will proceed back to your accommodation for lunch and check out before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi. The journey from Bwindi Forest to Lake Bunyonyi covers approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour by road, depending on conditions. Lake Bunyonyi is a breathtakingly beautiful crater lake nestled among lush, green terraced hills rising between 2,200 and 2,478 meters (7,200 to 8,130 feet) above sea level.
What truly makes Lake Bunyonyi magical are its 29 islands, scattered across the calm, clear waters. Each island has its own unique shape and story, creating a stunning mosaic that visitors can admire endlessly. It is one of the deepest lakes in Africa, reaching depths of up to 900 meters (about 2,950 feet), and is famed for its remarkably clean water. The lake is home to several species of birds, but notably, it has no bilharzia (a parasitic disease common in many African lakes), making it safe for swimming. The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make Lake Bunyonyi a perfect place to relax after your exhilarating gorilla trek.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Luxury: BirdNest Resort
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6: Depart Bunyonyi and return to Entebbe Airport to catch flight
Today marks the end of your incredible Ugandan adventure with a full day of travel as you journey back to Kampala and Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll make a memorable stop at the Equator, where you can take photos and experience the fascinating geographical landmark firsthand. This is a great opportunity to capture some unique moments and learn about the science behind the Earth’s imaginary line.
You will also enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch en route, giving you time to reflect on your amazing experiences and soak in the scenic countryside. Your journey will conclude with your arrival at your hotel or the Entebbe Airport around 5:00 PM, in plenty of time to catch your onward flight. If you wish to extend your stay in Uganda with extra accommodation or additional activities, simply let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist with the arrangements.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water included
Trip Information
Difficulty
Going on safari is not very hard physically, but it can make you tired. You will spend a lot of time sitting in a safari vehicle, and the weather will be hot. To see the most animals, you will need to wake up very early in the morning. You don’t need to be very fit, but you should be ready for long, hot days of travel. On this trip, you will also walk through forests to look for chimpanzees and gorillas. These walks are not too hard, but we recommend having a basic level of fitness to help you enjoy the experience.
Food And Drink
All safari lodges include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. expect to sample local cuisine such as matoke, cassava, chicken and beef stews, fresh fish and millet bread. Most lodges also offer western-style meals. Drinks are not included, so you will need to pay for them when you check out of the lodge. If you are out driving during the day, your driver will bring a packed lunch for you. If you told us about any dietary needs when booking, we will share them with the safari team. Please also remind your safari guide if you have any special dietary requirements. In Entebbe and Kampala, your hotel includes breakfast only. You can buy other meals at the hotel or go out to a restaurant. You will find both Ugandan and western food options in the city.
Water
While on safari, you will be given bottled mineral water to drink.
Accommodation
Your day-by-day itinerary shows where you will stay and which meals are included. Before and after the safari, you will stay in a hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. If your hotel stay includes only breakfast, you can still buy snacks or meals at the hotel. You can pay in Ugandan Shillings or US Dollars. Please note that Uganda is still developing, so sometimes the water or electricity may stop for a short time. The hotel will try to help, but they cannot control these problems. During your safari, you will stay in comfortable lodges in beautiful locations. You will sleep in a room with a private bathroom, either with one double bed or two single beds. All meals are included during your stay at the lodges.
Your guide
A guide from Choose Uganda Safaris will meet you on the first day of your trip and give you a short briefing. Your guide will stay with you for the whole trip and take care of you until you are dropped off at the airport or your hotel on the last day.
Transport
For all travel during your trip, you will ride in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle. These vehicles are perfect for the rough roads and give you great views of the wildlife and scenery.
How do I get there?
Most safaris begin and end in Entebbe, which is just south of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. You will need to fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Several international airlines fly to Entebbe. KLM and Brussels Airlines offer flights from many countries. These flights usually stop in Amsterdam or Brussels, then Kigali (Rwanda), and arrive in Entebbe late in the evening. Emirates also has flights to Entebbe with a stop in Dubai. From the United States, Delta offers flights similar to KLM, but they usually arrive the next day. Qatar Airways also flies to Entebbe, stopping in Doha. Uganda Airlines operates direct flights from London to Entebbe.
We will arrange your transport from the airport to your hotel, even if you arrive late at night or early in the morning. The drive from the airport to your hotel takes about 30 minutes. Since most flights arrive around 10:00 PM, we recommend adding an extra day to rest before starting your safari. This will give you time to recover from the long journey and prepare for your trip. If you need to change airlines or re-check your luggage during your journey, make sure you have at least three hours between flights. This allows time for delays, walking between terminals, and checking in your bags again.
Budget and Change
The Ugandan Shilling is not available outside Uganda, so you cannot get this money before you arrive. It’s best to bring US Dollars with you. US Dollars are accepted in many places and can be easily exchanged for Ugandan Shillings. Make sure your US Dollar notes are clean, new (less than 10 years old), and not torn or damaged. If you need more Ugandan money while in Entebbe, we can take you to a bank or an ATM. If you plan to use a credit or debit card in Uganda, tell your bank before you travel. If you don’t, your card may not work when you need it. Also, some hotels do not accept card payments, so you might need to use an ATM to get cash.
Tips
Tipping can be different in each country, and it’s sometimes hard to know what to do. In Uganda, tipping is not mandatory, but it is always appreciated. It is your choice. Tips are a way to say thank you for good service. They are not a replacement for fair pay. All our guides are paid well and treated fairly. If you are happy with the service, we suggest giving about $5 per person per day to your Choose Uganda Safaris guide and driver, and $2 to $5 per person per day to the Chimpanzee and Gorilla tracking guides or rangers. It’s a good idea to plan for about $80 to $100 in total for tips during your trip.
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