5 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Two of Uganda’s Greatest Wildlife Experiences. One Extraordinary Journey.
Experience Africa Beyond the Ordinary
From the sweeping savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this 5-day Uganda safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with the extraordinary experience of trekking endangered mountain gorillas.
Enjoy game drives, spectacular landscapes, the Kazinga Channel and a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter on a carefully planned journey through southwestern Uganda.
Your African adventure begins here.
Safari Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Wildlife viewing including elephants, buffaloes, hippos and antelopes
- Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
- Optional Ishasha wildlife viewing
- Equator experience
- Local community and cultural encounters
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private, customizable safari experience
At a Glance
| Safari Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Destination | Uganda |
| Main Parks | Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi |
| Signature Experience | Mountain Gorilla Trekking |
| Wildlife Experience | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise |
| Travel Style | Private / Customizable |
| Ideal For | Couples, families, friends & small groups |
| Gorilla Permit | Included according to selected package |
| Starting Point | Kampala / Entebbe |
| Ending Point | Kampala / Entebbe |
Your Gorilla & Wildlife Adventure Starts Here
Five days. Two extraordinary ecosystems. One unforgettable African adventure.
Walk through the ancient rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. Watch elephants and buffaloes move across the savannah. Cruise the Kazinga Channel among hippos and crocodiles. Experience Uganda beyond the ordinary.
What's Included
- Private safari transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Accommodation as selected
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Park entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off where applicable
- Government taxes and applicable fees
- Safari activities mentioned in the itinerary
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Porter fees unless specified
- Optional activities
- Laundry
- Items of a personal nature
- Anything not specifically listed under inclusions
Who Is This Safari For?
It works particularly well for:
- First-time visitors to Uganda
- Couples
- Honeymoon travellers
- Small groups
- Wildlife photographers
- Adventure travellers
- Gorilla trekking enthusiasts
- Travellers combining Uganda with Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania
Day-by-Day Uganda Safari
Day 1 – Kampala / Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your 5-day Uganda wildlife and gorilla safari begins with a scenic journey from Kampala or Entebbe toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Travel through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing rural communities, plantations and changing landscapes as you head toward the country’s famous western safari circuit.
After arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy the surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, an optional activity or short nature experience can be arranged.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a rewarding morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife activity is often high.
Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, antelopes and numerous bird species. With luck, you may also encounter lions and other predators.
After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for one of Uganda’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
The boat cruise offers exceptional opportunities to see large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and waterbirds along the channel.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 3 – Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Southwestern Uganda
After breakfast, begin your journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelling through some of southwestern Uganda’s most scenic landscapes.
Depending on the selected route and current road conditions, the journey can include wildlife viewing through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Continue toward Bwindi, where the landscape transforms from open savannah into rolling hills and dense rainforest.
Arrive at your lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s extraordinary gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-Range: Four Gorillas Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 4 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari.
After an early breakfast, travel to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. Your ranger guides will lead you through the forest while explaining the ecosystem, gorilla behaviour and conservation efforts.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.
It is a powerful wildlife experience—quiet, intimate and unforgettable.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-Range: Four Gorillas Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 5 – Bwindi to Kampala / Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey toward Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, with opportunities for scenic stops along the way.
Depending on your departure schedule, an Equator experience at Kayabwe can be included before continuing to your final destination.
Your 5-day Uganda wildlife and gorilla trekking safari ends with memories of mountain gorillas, African wildlife, rainforest landscapes and the warm hospitality of Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions? Contact us.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a physically active rainforest hike. The duration and difficulty vary because gorilla families move through their natural habitat. Travellers should be prepared for uneven terrain, steep sections and changing weather.
How long does gorilla trekking take?
There is no fixed trekking duration. The time required depends largely on where the gorilla family is located and how far it moves during the day.
Can I customize this 5-day Uganda safari?
Yes. Sarit specializes in tailor-made safari experiences, so the itinerary can be adjusted around your accommodation preferences, travel dates, fitness level and interests.
Can I add chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. The itinerary can be extended to include Kibale National Park, Uganda’s major destination for chimpanzee trekking.
Can I combine Uganda with Rwanda?
Yes. A Uganda gorilla safari can be combined with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or with wider Kenya and Tanzania safari itineraries.
How do I book my safari?
Simply contact Sarit Gorilla Safaris with your travel dates, preferred destination, and number of travelers. Our team will create a personalized safari proposal for you.
Your African adventure starts here — travel with experts who know Uganda, Rwanda, and East Africa.
Best Time for This Safari
Uganda can be visited throughout the year, but travel conditions vary by season.
The drier periods are generally popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, while wetter months can bring greener scenery and fewer visitors. Gorilla trekking remains possible year-round, although rainforest conditions can change quickly.
For the best experience, we recommend planning around your priorities rather than simply choosing a season.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is the signature experience of this safari.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Sarit’s existing gorilla information also highlights Bwindi and Mgahinga as Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations.
Because gorilla permits are limited, travellers should plan and secure their permits well in advance, particularly for popular travel periods.