The 4-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari presents an exceptional opportunity for an adventure you should not miss. This tour features a remarkable visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the highest population of mountain gorillas globally. Additionally, the itinerary includes a wildlife viewing experience and a boat ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest conservation area. Braich Safaris offers expert guidance for this journey, covering two of Uganda’s most renowned tourism destinations.
Nestled in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans 331 square kilometers and was designated a national park in 1991. It boasts a rich ecosystem supporting over 120 mammal species, including nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, and 360 bird species. During the 4-day safari, visitors will engage in gorilla trekking and experience a cultural walk within the Batwa Community.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is among Uganda’s top wildlife destinations, offering excellent game viewing and boat excursions. Covering 1,978 square kilometers, the park features savanna, rainforests, and acacia woodlands, providing habitat for a variety of animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. The Ishasha sector in the park’s southern area is known for its unique tree-climbing lions, a rare sight in Uganda. Guided drives in Queen Elizabeth offer impressive views of animals in their natural habitat, while a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel allows for close encounters with diverse wildlife and bird species.
Highlights of the 4-Day Uganda Safari
Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Boat Ride
Day 4: Game Viewing and Return to Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
An early morning pick-up by a Uganda tour guide marks the beginning of the 8-9 hour journey to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi. The journey includes several stopovers for refreshments and photography, including a must-stop at the Uganda Equator. Along the way, travelers will pass through local communities, trading centers, and farms featuring banana plantations and cattle grazing. Arrival at Bwindi will be in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Trekkers Tavern Lodge
Budget: Bakiga Lodge / Gift of Nature Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Visit
The day starts with a briefing at the Ruhija sector, where park officials provide essential trekking guidelines. The trek, lasting 2 to 6 hours, leads to mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. Once found, visitors will have one hour to observe and capture photographs of the gorillas up close. Later in the evening, a visit to the Batwa community offers insights into the customs, traditions, and way of life of these indigenous forest dwellers.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Trekkers Tavern Lodge
Budget: Bakiga Lodge / Gift of Nature Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following an early breakfast and check-out, the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park begins, taking approximately 3-4 hours. The drive through the Ishasha sector offers the chance to see tree-climbing lions resting in the fig trees. Upon arrival, lunch will be served at the selected accommodation, followed by an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This 2-3 hour boat ride provides a great opportunity to observe crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. The day concludes with an evening game drive to spot more wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Kyambura Game Lodge
Budget: Enganzi Lodge / Bush Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive and Return to Entebbe
The final day begins with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, a prime location for spotting wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and Uganda Kobs. After breakfast and refreshments, visitors check out and embark on the return journey to Entebbe, arriving in time for a flight or hotel transfer.
Safari Inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit
Services of an English-speaking guide
Accommodation and meals
Ground transportation
Park entry fees
Boat cruise
All itinerary activities
Safari Exclusions
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks
Porter fees
Additional activities not included in the itinerary
Best Time for a 4-Day Uganda Safari
The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is the best time for this safari. The minimal rainfall during this period makes trekking through Bwindi’s dense forest easier. Wildlife viewing and photography are also optimal during the dry months, though securing gorilla permits in advance is necessary due to high demand.
What to Pack for the Safari
Essential items to pack include:
Sturdy hiking boots
Gardening gloves
Hat and scarf
Long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks
Rain jacket for unpredictable weather
Insect repellent
Toiletries and a first aid kit
Comfortable clothing for game drives and boat cruises
Extra camera batteries for capturing moments
Important Guidelines
While trekking and touring, visitors are expected to follow park regulations, such as:
Avoid trekking when unwell
Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas
Speak in a low tone
Do not litter or touch the gorillas
Do not use flash photography
During game drives, rules include:
No driving past 7 pm or before 7 am
Avoid exceeding the speed limit of 40 km/h
No hooting
No unauthorized campfires
For boat cruises, wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
End of Safari