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5 daysCombined SafariModerate
5-Day Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth
Combine a Bwindi gorilla trek with classic East African game drives in Queen Elizabeth's open savannah and crater lakes.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable NP · Queen Elizabeth NP
Overview
If you've come this far, you should see more than gorillas. This itinerary pairs a full Bwindi trek with two days in Queen Elizabeth — the country's most varied park, where Ishasha's tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel hippo pods, and the Rwenzori foothills give you a complete East African safari rhythm. Lake Mburo on the way out adds zebra and impala without backtracking.
Where you’ll go
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kampala → Lake Mburo
Drive west via the Equator. Afternoon game drive in Lake Mburo — Uganda's smallest savannah park, home to zebras, impala, and topi.
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Lake Mburo lodge or tented camp
- 2
Lake Mburo → Bwindi
Drive through the terraced Kigezi highlands — one of Africa's prettiest stretches of road. Arrive at Bwindi in time for the trek briefing.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Lodge near Bwindi
- 3
Gorilla trek + community visit
Full-day gorilla trek with one hour at the family. Afternoon Batwa community walk to learn about the forest's first inhabitants.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same lodge as Day 2
- 4
Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha
Morning departure north into QENP via the Ishasha sector — Uganda's best chance to see tree-climbing lions. Evening game drive en route to the central lodges.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Mweya Peninsula or Kasenyi area
- 5
Kazinga Channel + Kampala
Morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains (lions, elephants, buffalo). Late-morning boat cruise on Kazinga Channel — the highest concentration of hippos in Africa. Long drive back to Kampala for a late arrival.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Like the shape of this trip?
We can run it as-is or tailor it. Tell us your dates and we'll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
What’s included
- 1 gorilla trekking permit ($800 value)
- All park entry fees (Bwindi, QENP, Lake Mburo)
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Private 4x4 with fuel and driver-guide
- All accommodation (twin/double sharing)
- All meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance (required)
- Porter for the trek
- Tips
- Drinks at bars
Best time to visit
- Jun–Sep
- Dec–Feb
- Mar–May (green season, fewer travellers)
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate. The trek itself is the only physically demanding part — the rest is vehicle-based. Comfortable for travellers in reasonable shape, including those in their 60s and 70s with regular walking habits.
Want to swap a lodge or extend a day?
Almost every trip we run is adjusted in some way. Tell us what you’re thinking — no commitment yet.
How booking works
- 1
Free quote, no deposit
Send us your dates and group size. We come back within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a quote.
- 2
We hold your permit
Once you’re ready, we secure your UWA gorilla permit in your name before collecting a deposit. No optimistic dates.
- 3
30% deposit, 70% on arrival
A 30% deposit confirms the trip. The balance is due 30 days before departure (or on arrival for last-minute bookings).
- 4
Free changes up to 30 days out
Cancel or reschedule for free up to 30 days before departure. Inside that window, permit fees are non-refundable but we’ll work with you on the rest.
What guests say
“We’d been planning this trip for two years and Charles’s team made it feel like a long weekend with old friends. The gorilla hour was unreal — and the lodge porch on day three was worth its own ticket.”
Marcus & Lena
Berlin, Germany
5-Day Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth
Frequently asked
See all FAQs →How fit do I need to be to trek gorillas?
Reasonably fit. The trek is 2–8 hours through hilly, often muddy forest at 1,500–2,500m altitude. We pair you with a gorilla family that suits your fitness — easier families live closer to the trailhead, harder ones deeper in. Hiring a porter ($20) is highly recommended.
How long does a trek take?
Anywhere from 1 to 7 hours of walking, plus exactly one hour with the gorilla family once they’re found. Most travellers are back at the lodge by mid-afternoon. The trackers radio your guide as soon as they’ve located the family.
What if it rains?
You trek anyway — it’s a rainforest, the rain is the point. Light showers are normal. We supply gardening gloves, and a good rain jacket and hiking boots are on the pack list. Gorillas don’t care about the weather.
What is the best time to go?
Drier months are June–September and December–February. Trails are firmer, but permits sell out 4–6 months ahead. The green season (March–May, October–November) is lush, quieter, and lodges are softer on price — sightings are equally common.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be 15 or older. There’s no upper limit — we regularly trek with travellers in their 70s.
What should I pack?
Sturdy waterproof boots (broken in), long trousers, a rain jacket, a daypack, gardening gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, and 2L of water. We send a complete pack list when you book — and you can rent gloves and gaiters at the trailhead if you forget.
Are there health requirements?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must show the certificate at the park gate. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. You cannot trek if you’re visibly unwell — bring a backup day if you’re flying in tight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Permits are non-refundable once issued by UWA — that’s our cost, not a markup. Lodges and transport components are refundable up to 60 days out, partially refundable up to 30 days. Trip insurance with cancellation cover is required.
UWA-licensed
Tour operator
AUTO member
Assoc. of Uganda Tour Operators
Permits in your name
Held before any deposit
Local Ugandan team
Guides, drivers, cooks
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The fine print
- Rates are per person in USD, based on twin/double sharing. Single supplements are quoted on request.
- Gorilla permits are subject to UWA availability — peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) books out 4–6 months ahead. We confirm availability before any deposit.
- Itineraries may be adjusted by the operator due to weather, road conditions, or wildlife movement. Any change is discussed with you first.
- Travel insurance is mandatory. We can recommend providers but do not sell policies.