5-Day Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Gorilla Safari Adventure
This 5-day itinerary combines the thrill of game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi, crafted by Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Safari.
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
Your safari adventure begins with a morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe, heading west through Uganda’s rolling hills and lush landscapes towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. This scenic journey takes you past the Equator, where you can pause for photos and a brief orientation about the unique geographical significance of this point. Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in time for lunch at your lodge, surrounded by the park’s breathtaking savannah and crater lakes. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, a renowned spot for sightings of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. The open plains offer stunning views and the best chances to see big cats in action. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, immersed in the sounds of the wild.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your second day with an early morning game drive in the Mweya Peninsula or the Kasenyi Plains. The early hours are ideal for spotting predators on the hunt, as well as large herds of elephants and buffaloes grazing in the golden light of dawn. Your guide will expertly navigate the park’s tracks, helping you spot a wide variety of wildlife and pointing out unique bird species, as Queen Elizabeth is a birdwatcher’s paradise. After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is one of the highlights of the park, famous for its large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and diverse water birds. The cruise provides fantastic photo opportunities and a relaxing way to experience the park’s aquatic life. Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the scenic Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth, where you’ll have a chance to spot the region’s famous tree-climbing lions lounging in the fig trees. Continue your journey through picturesque landscapes, including terraced hills and dense forests, arriving at Bwindi in the afternoon. Check in to your lodge and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience that awaits you. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Bwindi.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari: gorilla trekking in the misty mountains of Bwindi. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. You’ll be assigned to a small group and a specific gorilla family, and then set off into the forest with your guide and trackers. The trek can vary in duration from a few hours to most of the day, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the effort is richly rewarded when you encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Spend up to one hour observing the gorillas as they go about their daily activities—feeding, playing, and resting—just a few meters away. It’s an awe-inspiring and humbling experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. After the trek, return to your lodge to rest and reflect on this incredible adventure. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your lodge. Begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, taking in the last glimpses of Uganda’s beautiful landscapes. You’ll drive through the rolling hills of Kigezi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” for its stunning scenery. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy the opportunity to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your 5-day Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Gorilla Safari Adventure with cherished memories of Uganda’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty.