Uganda’s Ultimate 5-Day Tour: Big 5 Wildlife & Gorilla Trek

5-Day Adventure Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Exploring the Thriving Wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Featuring the BIG 5!

This 5-day tour in Uganda combines gorilla tracking with a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing the finest experiences the country has to offer, including gorillas, primates, and the famed ‘big 5,’ alongside more than 600 species of birds and stunning landscapes.

This gorilla trekking and safari adventure is among the most sought-after travel packages in East Africa. Participants will have the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while also encountering 12 other primate species. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, there’s a chance to spot tree-climbing lions in addition to the other members of the ‘BIG 5’ – including leopards, elephants, hippos, and buffalo, as well as numerous antelopes, forest hogs, hyenas, and an abundance of birds. The journey is enriched by breathtaking views, such as the striking calderas and crater lakes, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

Tour Highlights.

5-Day Itinerary for Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Trek Safari

• Day 1: Travel from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (flights can be arranged).
• Day 2: Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 3: Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector to see the renowned tree-climbing lions.
• Day 4: Enjoy a game drive alongside a boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Day 5: Conclude the safari with a return journey to Kampala or Entebbe (flights can be arranged).

Detailed Tour itinerary.

Day 1: Journey from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin the day with a meet and greet alongside our local guide during breakfast, followed by a journey towards the southwestern region of Uganda.

During the trip, take the opportunity to visit a local community renowned for its craftsmanship in traditional drums and various crafts, as well as a vibrant fruit market. Here, one may pause to appreciate the local culture and purchase souvenirs. The journey will also include a stop at the Equator line, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, often referred to as the pathway of the sun, where photographs can be taken.

As you travel over the course of approximately eight hours, you will pass through stunning mountainous landscapes, lush tropical rainforests, and bamboo forests.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi (all on a full board basis)

Standard Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, engage in an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi.

Following breakfast, you will partake in a morning briefing prior to embarking on the main event of the trip—gorilla trekking, which could extend throughout the day. The trek will lead you through the dense rainforest and the bamboo-clad slopes, guided by experts and trackers, as you search for a family of mountain gorillas. While the hike may prove to be arduous and lengthy at times, the sight of the awe-inspiring silverback will swiftly diminish any feelings of discomfort. Upon spotting the gorillas, guests will be led to a distance of no more than 6 meters, allowing for one full hour of observation as you admire their expressive large eyes.

Gorilla trekking is inherently unpredictable, and it is challenging to estimate the duration of the hike. The excursion can vary significantly, lasting between 2 to 8 hours. Be prepared to traverse great distances across steep and muddy terrain, often in rainy conditions, before encountering the gorillas. A level of physical fitness is advisable. For conservation purposes, interactions with the gorillas are restricted to one hour. A ranger will provide guidance on appropriate behaviors to adopt during this encounter.

Although much of the current forest cover is younger than 12,000 years, Bwindi’s ecosystem has been developing for over 25,000 years, resulting in a diverse array of species. This includes 310 butterfly species, 51 reptiles, 200 types of trees, and an impressive variety of 120 mammals, among which are 10 primate species. These encompass chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and the renowned mountain gorilla, to which Bwindi is famously home.

Moreover, Bwindi stands out as a prime location for birdwatching, hosting 350 bird species, including seven listed by the IUCN, alongside 90% of all Albertine rift endemics—species that are challenging to observe elsewhere in East Africa.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi (all on a full board basis)

Standard Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector & Tree-climbing Lions

Following breakfast, we journey through breathtaking savannah grasslands towards the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha, a less frequented and more secluded area of the park, offers a unique feeling of exclusivity. This region boasts high game densities and has been noted for hosting some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds, serving as their main migratory route between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Upon entering the park, we embark on a game drive in search of wildlife. We proceed to the northern circuit, close to the main road, famous for its tree-climbing lions. We pay particular attention to the numerous fig trees favored by these lions. Additionally, we explore the Uganda kob mating grounds, which serve as a prime hunting location for them.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Full Board)

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge

Mid-range:  Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4: Safari Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

We will embark on an early morning game drive in the northern region of the park along the Kasenyi Track, where we will seek out lions, elephants, and solitary buffaloes. This period is particularly advantageous for observing felines in action, thanks to the abundant population of Uganda kobs. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of wildlife at remarkably close distances.

In the afternoon, we will partake in a boat excursion along the Kazinga Channel, providing a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in intimate proximity; hippos will huff and spray just feet away from the vessel, while buffalo can be seen lingering in the shallow waters. Additionally, the banks of the channel host a diverse range of avian species, including pink-backed pelicans, pied kingfishers, malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, and numerous others.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Full Board)

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge

Mid-range:  Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Departure
Enjoy breakfast before our scenic transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe via the Mubende route (approx. 5 hours). This drive offers stunning views of Uganda’s rolling hills and rich agricultural heartland. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for optional souvenir shopping at a local Kampala market. The day concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or a timely transfer to the airport for your onward journey.