5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

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5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

5 Days 4 Nights
$2,900.00
12 +
220/250
English

Overview

This 5-day adventure packs in Uganda’s wildest highlights: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forestsafaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. You’ll hike through misty jungles to meet mountain gorillas, cruise the Kazinga Channel for hippos and elephants, and search for lions lounging in fig trees—all while staying in cozy lodges surrounded by nature.

Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Gorilla Trekking: Spend an hour face-to-face with gentle mountain gorillas.
✔ Big Cats & Wildlife: Spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and maybe even leopards.
✔ Boat Safaris & Scenic Drives: Explore lakes, savannas, and volcanic landscapes.
✔ Small Group Magic: Expert guides + intimate lodges = a stress-free adventure.

Perfect For: Travelers short on time who want Uganda’s best wildlife experiences without rushing.


“Five days, a lifetime of memories.”

(Want more details? Check out the full day-by-day itinerary below!)

Schedule Details

DAY 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On arrival at Entebbe Airport, your expert guide will meet you and we'll hit the road toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, we'll make two special stops:

  1. Equator Crossing: Snap that classic one-foot-in-each-hemisphere photo at this famous geographical landmark
  2. Mbarara Town: Enjoy a delicious lunch break in this bustling regional hub

Covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most diverse protected area - so big it actually straddles both hemispheres! As we approach, you'll see the landscape transform through:
✓ Vast savannah plains
✓ Dense rainforest pockets
✓ Sparkling crater lakes
✓ The massive Lake George ecosystem

This variety of habitats makes the park a wildlife wonderland - get your cameras ready for tomorrow's adventures!

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for grazing Ankole cattle with their enormous horns as we pass through ranch lands near Mbarara.

Accomodation

🏨 Kyambura Gorge Lodge

📞 041 4346464

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trek & Kazinga Channel Adventure

Morning:
Fuel up with an early breakfast before heading to Kyambura Gorge for an unforgettable chimpanzee trek! With an expert tracker leading the way, you'll:
✔ Explore a lush forest home to 30+ wild chimps
✔ Spend up to 4 thrilling hours observing them swing through trees and interact
✔ Learn about their behavior from your knowledgeable guide

Afternoon:
Embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where wildlife gathers at the water's edge:
✔ Hippos splashing and "yawn-spraying" just meters away
✔ Buffalo wallowing in the shallows
✔ Elephants bathing and drinking (keep cameras ready!)
✔ Colorful birds like kingfishers and African fish eagles

Evening:
Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner, then unwind by the infinity pool overlooking the channel. Watch as animals come to drink at dusk—the perfect blend of relaxation and safari magic!

"The best classroom is the heart of the wild."


Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for close-up chimp viewing and a waterproof camera for the boat cruise!



Day 3: Tree-Climbing Lions & Journey to Gorilla Country

Morning Adventure in Ishasha:

  • Sunrise game drive through Ishasha’s iconic savanna, where fig trees hide a rare spectacle: lions lounging on branches!

  • Spot other wildlife like Uganda kob, topi antelope, and elephants roaming the plains.

Lunch with a View:

  • Picnic by the Ishasha River, watching hippos sunbathe and splash—a perfect safari moment.

Afternoon Transfer to Bwindi:

  • Depart at 3:00 pm for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO-listed jungle where half the world’s mountain gorillas live.

  • Drive through rolling hills and terraced farmland, arriving at your forest-edge lodge by evening.

Bwindi’s Wild Magic:

  • This 331 sq km rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot:
    ✔ 400+ mountain gorillas (including 12 habituated families)
    ✔ 120 mammal species (golden monkeys, forest elephants)
    ✔ 350+ bird species (like the African green broadbill)

Evening Prep:

  • Attend a gorilla trekking briefing at the lodge.

  • Pack for tomorrow’s trek: sturdy boots, rain jacket, and camera (no flash!).


"In Bwindi, every step reveals why this is called ‘The Place of Darkness’—and light."

Pro Tip: Charge all devices tonight—tomorrow’s gorilla encounter will fill your memory cards!

Accomodation


🏨 Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga

📞 +256 39 3255214 /‎+256 (0)770420656

💬 +39 3270461699 (WhatsApp)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi Bliss

Morning: The Gorilla Encounter
☕ Early breakfast before reporting to the park headquarters by 7:45am
📜 Briefing session: Learn gorilla etiquette and group assignments from rangers
🌿 Trek begins! Hike through mystical, steep rainforest (1-4 hours) with expert trackers
🦍 Magical hour: Observe a gorilla family feeding, playing, and nesting up close
📸 Capture memories (no flash!) and receive your trekking certificate

Afternoon: Scenic Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
🚙 Drive through Uganda's "Little Switzerland"—rolling hills with cool equatorial air
🏞️ Arrive at Africa's 2nd deepest lake (44 sq km, 29 islands!)
🛶 Optional sunset canoe ride to explore islands (extra cost)
🍽️ Lakeside dinner with volcanic island views

Evening: Ultimate Relaxation
💆‍♂️ Unwind at your lodge: Hot shower, fireside drinks, or stargazing
🌌 Listen to the lake's peaceful whispers—no hippos or crocs here!


Key Notes:
✔ Trek difficulty: Moderate-strenuous (porters available for hire)
✔ Packing essentials: Waterproof boots, gloves, rain jacket, packed lunch
✔ Altitude: Bwindi ranges 1,160-2,607m—layer clothing!

🏨 Bird Nest Resort

📞+256754252560

📩 reservations@birdnestresort.com

Day 5: Scenic Return to Kampala

Morning: Lakeside Serenity
☕ Leisurely breakfast with panoramic views of Lake Bunyonyi’s 29 islands
📸 Final photo ops of the misty "Switzerland of Africa" landscape

Midday Journey:
🚙 Depart for Kampala (6-7 hours with stops)
🛑 Mbarara Break: Lunch + taste Uganda’s best organic coffee at a local farm
🌍 Equator Stop: Snap souvenir photos with one foot in each hemisphere!

Evening Arrival:
🏙️ Drop-off at your Kampala hotel/residence OR
✈️ Direct transfer to Entebbe Airport for evening flights


Trip Highlights Recap:
✔ Gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s ancient forest
✔ Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
✔ Chimpanzee encounters in Kyambura Gorge
✔ Sunset cruises on Kazinga Channel & Lake Bunyonyi

Pro Tip: Schedule flights after 7pm for stress-free connections.


"Every journey changes you—but Africa leaves footprints on your soul."

Extend Your Adventure? Ask us about:

  • Rwanda gorilla extensions (3-day add-on)

  • Murchison Falls safari combos

  • Ssese Islands beach relaxation

Thank you for exploring Uganda with us! 🌍✨

Get Enquiry

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome Drinks
  • Lunch
  • Transport
What's Excluded
  • Airport Transfer
  • BBQ Night
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Outing Ticket
Why Book With Us?
  • Our experienced guides provide in-depth knowledge and insights into Ugandas wildlife and landscapes.
  • Our small group sizes ensure a personalized and immersive experienc
  • We prioritize your safety and security, with careful planning and execution.
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