5 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking, Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safaris and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
This memorable Uganda safari combines three of the country’s most iconic wildlife experiences. You will trek mountain gorillas in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, explore the diverse savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track chimpanzees in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge. The journey offers a perfect balance of primate encounters, classic game viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences before returning to Kampala.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forest
Your safari guide will pick you up early in the morning after breakfast from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. You will begin a scenic drive southwest through the Ugandan countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, you will make a stop at the Uganda Equator, an imaginary line that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. Here you can take photographs at the equator monument and browse local crafts and souvenirs at the nearby shops. This stop usually takes about forty minutes.
You will continue the journey to Mbarara Town, where you will stop for a relaxed and warm lunch. After lunch, the drive continues through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages as you approach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, you will settle into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the tropical rainforest surrounded by rich bird life and forest sounds.
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Mist Camp, or Buhoma Community Bandas on a full board basis.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early and hearty breakfast, you will prepare for one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa. At eight oclock in the morning, you will report to the park headquarters for registration and a detailed briefing by professional ranger guides. The briefing covers gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and conservation rules.
You will then begin your trek through the dense forest vegetation, climbing hills and navigating forest trails as you search for a habituated mountain gorilla family. Gorilla trekking can take anywhere from one to nine hours depending on the location of the gorillas. The walk can be challenging but is extremely rewarding.
Once you encounter the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching them feed, groom, play, and interact is an emotional and awe inspiring experience that leaves a lasting impression. Mountain gorillas share many human like behaviors, making the encounter deeply moving.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose to take an optional guided community walk or nature walk around the park. These activities allow you to learn about local cultures, traditional livelihoods, medicinal plants, and the rich biodiversity of the forest including orchids, butterflies, and unique bird species.
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Mist Camp, or Buhoma Community Bandas on a full board basis.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha Sector
Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, traveling through the scenic Ishasha Sector in the southern part of the park. This remote and picturesque area is famous for its rare tree climbing lions, which are often seen resting in large fig trees. During your game drive through Ishasha, you may also spot buffaloes, topis, elephants, and other wildlife roaming the open plains.
After the game drive, you will continue to the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon or early evening. You will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, or Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Wake up early for breakfast and then head out for a morning game drive. This is one of the best times of day to view wildlife as animals are most active. You may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, and many other species across the savannah plains.
After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward and stretches for about forty kilometers.
The Kazinga Channel is renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. During the cruise, you will also see large herds of elephants and buffaloes along the water shores, as well as crocodiles and a remarkable variety of bird species. These include fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and many migratory birds.
The boat cruise lasts about two hours and is considered a highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It offers excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and close up wildlife viewing.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, or Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Return to Kampala
After an early breakfast, you will drive to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. The gorge is a lush forested valley dramatically set within the savannah landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a habituated community of chimpanzees, meaning the chimpanzees are accustomed to human presence and can be observed as they go about their daily activities.
During the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and vervet monkeys. The gorge is also rich in birdlife, including falcons, the blue headed bee eater, and the African finfoot.
After completing the chimpanzee tracking experience, you will begin the return journey to Kampala. You will stop for lunch in Mbarara Town and continue the drive with a brief stop at the Equator if it was missed on the first day, as well as a visit to the Mpambire traditional drum and handicraft makers.
You will arrive in Kampala in the evening, where your driver will transfer you to your hotel or to Entebbe for your onward flight if scheduled.
End of the Gorillas in Uganda Tour
