5-Day Gorilla Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
Overview
This 5-day tour offers an opportunity to visit two of Uganda’s most remarkable national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The itinerary includes a scenic afternoon boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, an awe-inspiring sunset over Lake Edward, gorilla trekking adventures, and thrilling game drives.
Highlights
- 5-Day Gorilla Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park Exploration
- Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Bwindi National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure
- Day 3: Journey from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 4: Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 5: Return to Kampala
Featured Activities
- Tracking the Mountain Gorillas
- Visiting the Batwa Community
- Exploring the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions
- Wildlife viewing and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A company representative will meet you at your hotel early in the morning for departure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, there will be a brief stop at the Equator for refreshments and an opportunity to observe local artisans crafting traditional drums and other handmade items. The journey continues through scenic landscapes before arriving at Bwindi, a sanctuary for the rare Mountain Gorillas. The park is known for its incredible biodiversity, including a variety of primates and over 348 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. A stop for lunch will be made en route before proceeding to the final destination for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Broadbill Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Rushaga Haven Lodges
- Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge
- Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following an early breakfast, guests will be provided with packed lunch and drinking water, ensuring preparedness for the long trek ahead. The day begins with a briefing at the gorilla trekking information center at 8:00 AM. Experienced guides will then lead the trek through the dense forest in search of the Mountain Gorillas. Upon locating them, visitors will have a full hour to observe their social interactions and behaviors. Should time allow, an optional community walk can be arranged to gain insights into the local culture. Dinner and overnight at the designated accommodation.
Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
An early morning breakfast is followed by a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse landscapes, including lakes, forests, savannah grasslands, and wetlands. The route takes visitors through the Ishasha sector, home to the unique tree-climbing lions. With some luck, sightings of these rare cats can be expected. The journey continues to the northern part of the park for an overnight stay and dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: The Bush Lodge
- Mid-range: Marafiki Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day with a morning game drive along the Kasenyi tracks, offering chances to spot wildlife such as lions, Cape buffalos, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, mongooses, and Uganda kobs. If fortunate, a leopard might be seen. The park is also renowned for its birdlife, with over 600 species recorded, many of which can be found along the Kazinga Channel.
After a midday break for lunch and relaxation, the afternoon features a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, providing close-up views of animals and birds congregating at the water’s edge. Dinner and overnight will be at the same accommodation.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kampala
Wake up to the sights and sounds of the wild, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and check out for the return journey to Kampala. A stop for lunch will be made en route before arriving back in the city, marking the conclusion of this memorable safari.
End of the Tour