Ultimate 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

This 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari masterfully combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi with a classic Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, delivering an unforgettable blend of primate intimacy and diverse African wildlife.

Spanning just five days, this 5-day Uganda safari itinerary is perfect for primate lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize their time without compromising on depth.

From tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and cruising alongside hippos on the Kazinga Channel, this Uganda gorilla trekking safari packs epic experiences into a compact adventure.

Whether you’re eyeing Uganda safari packages on a budget or a luxury Uganda gorilla safari, Gorilla Nests Safaris crafts personalized journeys that guarantee high success rates and expert guidance.

As a premier tour operator with over 10 years of experience in budget gorilla trekking safari options and high-end escapes, Gorilla Nests Safaris ensures every detail—from securing Bwindi gorilla permit cost inclusions to providing reliable 4×4 vehicles—is handled seamlessly.

Dive into this detailed 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari Uganda guide to see why this itinerary ranks among the best for travelers searching for an immersive yet efficient escape.

Tour Highlights of the 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

Intimate Mountain Gorilla Encounter: Spend 1 full hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a rare, emotional wildlife experience.
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions: Witness the famous lions of Ishasha lounging in fig trees – one of only two places in Africa where this behavior is common.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants on this world-renowned waterway.
Big Game in Queen Elizabeth NP: Spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and hundreds of bird species on open savanna game drives.
Scenic Equatorial Drive: Cross the Uganda Equator with photo stops and water experiments.
Expert-Led & High Success Rate: 98%+ gorilla tracking success with Gorilla Nests Safaris’ seasoned guides.
Comfortable 4×4 Transport: Travel in a pop-up roof Land Cruiser with Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Sustainable & Community-Focused: Support local Batwa communities and conservation efforts.

Brief Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Destination	Key Activities
1	Kampala/Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth NP	Scenic drive (7–8 hrs), Equator stop, optional evening game drive
2	Queen Elizabeth NP	Morning game drive (lions, elephants), Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
3	Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi via Ishasha	Game drive for tree-climbing lions, transfer to Bwindi
4	Bwindi Impenetrable Forest	Gorilla trekking (2–8 hrs), 1 hr with gorillas, certificate ceremony
5	Bwindi → Entebbe/Kampala	Return drive (8–9 hrs), optional Lake Bunyonyi stop, airport drop-off

Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari kicks off with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, or directly from Entebbe International Airport if you’re arriving on a red-eye flight.

The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park covers approximately 420 kilometers, taking 7-8 hours through Uganda’s picturesque western landscapes.

En route, pause at the Uganda Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photo opportunities and a quick coffee break—watch water swirl in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres!

As you wind through rolling tea plantations, banana groves, and Ankole cattle-dotted hills, the scenery builds anticipation for the savannas ahead. Arrive at your chosen accommodation among the top safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park by late afternoon.

Unwind with sundowners overlooking the park’s craters or opt for an evening game drive to spot early nocturnal creatures like hyenas or leopards. Dinner and overnight at your lodge set the tone for relaxation amid nature.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive + Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Rise with the African sun for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest protected area and a biodiversity hotspot.

Your expert guide navigates the Kasenyi Plains, where elephants trumpet in family herds, lions lounge in acacia shades, and Uganda kobs leap gracefully. With luck, catch a leopard draped over a branch or buffalo wallowing in mud pits.

Queen Elizabeth’s medley of habitats—savanna, wetlands, and forests—makes every turn a potential Big Five sighting (minus rhinos, though reintroduction efforts are underway).

After a bush breakfast or return to the lodge for a full meal, recharge for the afternoon highlight: the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This 2-hour launch trip on the 32-kilometer waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George is a photographer’s dream.

Hippos yawn in pods of 20+, Nile crocodiles bask on sandy banks, and over 60 bird species—like African fish eagles and pied kingfishers—flit overhead.

Elephants often wade in for drinks, creating iconic scenes. This cruise exemplifies why a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must in any Uganda safari packages. Return to your lodge for dinner, sharing stories under starlit skies.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha for Tree-Climbing Lions

Bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth after breakfast and head south toward Bwindi, a 5-6 hour journey covering 200-250 kilometers depending on your sector. The star attraction en route? A dedicated game drive in the Ishasha sector, famed for its Ishasha tree-climbing lions.

These rare felines—found in only a handful of African locations—laze in fig tree branches to escape heat and insects. Your guide positions the 4×4 for prime views, often spotting prides of 10+ members. Elephants traverse open plains, topi antelopes graze, and buffalo herds rumble by, adding layers to this Queen Elizabeth National Park safari extension.

The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park continues through terraced hills and virunga volcano vistas, arriving by early evening. Check into your Bwindi lodge, perhaps enjoying a cultural dance performance by local Batwa communities. This transitional day bridges wildlife thrills with primate magic, optimizing your 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari Uganda.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The pinnacle of your Uganda gorilla trekking safari awaits: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Bwindi hosts nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, habituated into families like Mubare (the first tracked in 1993), Rushegura, Bitukura, and others across sectors like Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Assigned to a family based on fitness levels, your group of up to 8 trekkers (plus porters and armed guides) embarks on the hike. Trek duration varies from 2-8 hours, navigating steep, muddy trails through ancient rainforest teeming with colobus monkeys, chimpanzees (distant calls), and rare birds.

The payoff? One magical hour with the gorillas—watch silverbacks patrol, juveniles play, mothers nurse infants. It’s an emotional, mountain gorilla experience that leaves travelers speechless.

Gorilla Nests Safaris boasts a 98%+ success rate in sightings, thanks to insider knowledge and pre-booked permits. Post-trek, receive a certificate and return to the lodge for relaxation, optional community walks, or spa treatments in luxury options. The Bwindi gorilla permit cost (detailed below) is included, ensuring hassle-free planning.

Tips for success: Hire a porter (supports locals and lightens your load), stay hydrated, and follow the 7-meter distance rule. This day cements why gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a bucket-list essential.

Day 5: Transfer Back to Entebbe/Kampala

Savor a leisurely breakfast amid Bwindi’s mists before the return journey to Entebbe or Kampala (8-9 hours, ~520 kilometers). The scenic drive recaps western Uganda’s beauty—stop for souvenirs like woven baskets or coffee in roadside markets.

If time allows, detour to Lake Bunyonyi for panoramic views. Arrive by evening for airport drop-off or hotel check-in, concluding your 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari with memories to last a lifetime.

End of the 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari Safari Includes & Excludes

Includes:

Gorilla permit.
Accommodation (4 nights).
All meals.
Transport in 4×4 Land Cruiser.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise fees.
Park entrance fees.
Professional ranger and guide fees.
Bottled water en route.

Excludes:

International flights.
Tips and gratuities.
Alcoholic drinks.
Laundry services.
Visa fees.
Personal insurance.

Accommodation Options

Gorilla Nests Safaris partners with top properties for comfort post-adventure.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury, crater views).
Enganzi Game Lodge (midrange, eco-friendly).
Buffalo Safari Lodge (budget, rustic charm).

In Bwindi:

Buhoma Lodge (luxury, gorilla views).
Mahogany Springs (upscale, private terraces).
Rushaga Gorilla Camp (midrange, family-run).
Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge (luxury, volcano panoramas).

Best Time to Take the 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

The best time for gorilla trekking and this itinerary aligns with dry seasons: June–August and December–February. Trails are less slippery, visibility is high, and animals congregate at waterholes in Queen Elizabeth. Low season (March–May, September–November) offers discounts but rainier conditions—pack accordingly for a rewarding best time for Uganda gorilla trekking.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof).
Long trousers and sleeves (against nettles).
Rain jacket/poncho.
Insect repellent.
Gardening gloves (for grip on vines).
Camera (no flash; telephoto lens ideal).
Reusable water bottle and energy snacks.
Daypack, sunscreen, hat.

Why Choose Gorilla Nests Safaris for This Safari

With over a decade specializing in Uganda gorilla trekking safari adventures, Gorilla Nests Safaris stands out:

Expert local guides with intimate park knowledge.
Reliable, well-maintained 4×4 vehicles.
Near-perfect gorilla trekking success rate.
Customized Uganda safari packages for solos, families, or groups.
Sustainable practices supporting communities.

FAQ Section about this 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari

How much is a 5-day gorilla safari in Uganda?

Starts at $2,500; varies by accommodation and season.

Where do gorilla treks take place in Uganda?

Primarily Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; some in Mgahinga.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Moderate to strenuous; involves hiking 2-8 hours on uneven terrain. Fitness prep recommended.

What wildlife can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Elephants, lions (including tree-climbing in Ishasha), hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kob, birds.

Is the 5-day safari suitable for families?

Yes, with child-friendly lodges and adjusted activities; kids over 15 for trekking.

Contact Gorilla Nests Safaris to book your 5 Days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari today. Limited gorilla permits available—reserve your spot now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!