Exciting 6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari: Are you dreaming of standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and then witnessing tree-climbing lions and massive elephant herds in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Our 6 Days Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari is the perfect Uganda safari package that combines the world’s best gorilla trekking experience with classic East African wildlife viewing — all in just under a week.

Designed for adventure travelers, couples, honeymooners, families with older children (15+ for gorilla trekking), and photographers, this fast-paced yet rewarding itinerary is one of the most popular Uganda safari packages in 2025–2026. Operated by Gorilla Nests Safaris, a local Ugandan tour operator with over 12 years of experience, this trip guarantees personal service, expert guides, and unforgettable memories.

6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (Rushaga / Nkuringo / Buhoma sector)
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Ishasha – Search for tree-climbing lions
Day 4: Morning game drive + Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
Day 6: Morning relaxation / optional activity – Return to Kampala/Entebbe & departure

Tour Highlights

One-hour encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
Big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park (elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, lions, leopards)
Spectacular 2-hour boat cruise on Kazinga Channel – highest concentration of hippos in the world
Chimpanzee tracking in the underground forest of Kyambura Gorge
Scenic equator crossing photo stop
Beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda – rolling hills, tea plantations, and crater lakes

Now, let’s dive into the full day-by-day itinerary.

6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala – Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your adventure begins the moment you land at Entebbe International Airport. Your driver guide will welcome you and brief you about the exciting days ahead. After collecting luggage, you’ll depart Kampala or Entebbe and head southwest.

The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes approximately 8–9 hours (460–510 km depending on the sector: Buhoma, Rushaga, or Nkuringo).

You’ll stop for photos at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe and enjoy lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara, where you can taste local Ugandan food and visit the museum.

You’ll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax while listening to the sounds of the forest.

Accommodation options:

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp | Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge or Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is the day you’ve been waiting for — gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point in your chosen sector (we pre-book the best sector based on availability and fitness level).

Trekking starts at 8:30 am. Depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night, the trek can last from 2 to 7 hours. The terrain is steep and muddy, but the reward is priceless: one full hour with a mountain gorilla family (Rushegura, Mubare, Habinyanja, or one of the many Rushaga families).

After the trek, return to the lodge for a hot lunch, relax, and optionally visit the Batwa pygmy community in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (3–4 hours). Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions — a behavior seen almost nowhere else in Africa.

You’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for these unique lions resting in fig trees, plus herds of Uganda kob, topi, and buffalo. Later, continue to the northern sector of the park (Mweya or Kasenyi) for check-in.

Distance: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth NP via Ishasha ≈ 160–220 km

Accommodation: Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Mid-range: Kasenyi Safari Camp | Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains + Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains — the best area for spotting lions, hyenas, elephants, and the endemic Uganda kob. Queen Elizabeth NP boasts over 95 mammal species and 600+ bird species.

In the afternoon, enjoy the famous 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences: huge pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffalo cooling off, and elephants drinking along the banks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge (or Kalinzu Forest)

After breakfast, transfer to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge — often called “Little Eden.” Descend into the 100-meter deep underground rainforest for chimpanzee tracking (1–3 hours). You may also see black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.

Alternative option: Kalinzu Forest Reserve (slightly easier terrain and higher sighting success). Return to the lodge for relaxation and sunset views over the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning at Leisure – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and optional short crater drive or visit to a local salt lake. Afterward, begin the journey back to Kampala (7–8 hours). Stop again at the Equator for souvenirs and photos, and enjoy lunch en route.

You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Kampala or directly at Entebbe Airport for your departure flight (we recommend flights departing after 8:00 pm).

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

Accommodation Options – Where to Stay in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth

We tailor accommodation to your budget and style:

Budget (from $2,200 pp): Buhoma Community Camp, Pumba Safari Cottages

Mid-range (from $2,850 pp): Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Twin Lakes Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp

Luxury (from $3,900 pp): Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Uganda Gorilla Permit Information 2025–2026

A gorilla permit currently costs USD 800 per person (as of 2025). Permits are limited and sell out 6–12 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (June–September & December–February). Gorilla Nests Safaris secures permits on your behalf as soon as you pay the deposit.

6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

1 Gorilla trekking permit per person (USD 800 value)
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Private 4×4 safari vehicle + fuel
English-speaking professional driver/guide
All accommodation & meals as per itinerary
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Bottled drinking water daily
All park entrance fees

Excluded

International flights
Uganda visa ($50 online)
Tips & gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry & personal expenses
Travel insurance (mandatory)

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Long lightweight trousers & long-sleeved shirts (protection from nettles)
Gardening gloves (for grip on vegetation)
Rain jacket / poncho
Insect repellent (high DEET)
Sunscreen & hat
Binoculars & camera (no flash for gorillas)
Daypack & energy snacks

Best Time to Go

Dry seasons (June–September & December–February): Best for gorilla trekking — less mud, easier trails.

Wet seasons (March–May & October–November): Lower prices, fewer tourists, lush scenery, excellent birding. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round.

Distances & Driving Times

Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi: 460–510 km | 8–9 hours
Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth NP (via Ishasha): 160–220 km | 4–6 hours
Queen Elizabeth to Kampala/Entebbe: 420 km | 7–8 hours
How far is Bwindi from Queen Elizabeth National Park? Approximately 4–6 hours depending on the route.

6-Day Uganda Safari Price Range (2025–2026)

Budget: from USD 2,200 per person sharing
Mid-range: from USD 2,850 per person sharing
Luxury: from USD 3,900 per person sharing
Prices based on 2–6 people. Solo travelers pay a single supplement.

FAQs about 6 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

Is 6 days enough for gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth?

Yes! This is the most popular combination and gives you the perfect balance of primates and big game.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Moderate to challenging. You need reasonable fitness. Porters are available for $20–30 to carry your bag.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

15 years old (strict UWA rule).

Is Queen Elizabeth National Park good for game viewing?

Absolutely — it’s Uganda’s most popular park after Bwindi, with excellent lion sightings and the famous Kazinga Channel.

Do I need a visa or vaccinations?

Most nationalities get a visa on arrival or online ($50). Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis recommended.

Book Your Dream Uganda Safari Today!

Gorilla Nests Safaris is a 100% locally owned Ugandan company specializing in gorilla trekking and wildlife tours since 2012. We offer personalized service, 24/7 support, and the best prices because we work directly — no middlemen.

Ready to meet the gorillas and see tree-climbing lions?

Request a detailed quote today — permits are limited and 2026 is already filling up fast!