This ultimate 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour offers a balanced, action-packed adventure through southwestern Uganda, combining two of the country's most iconic, yet distinct, national parks. Starting with a scenic drive from Kampala/Entebbe, you will spend two days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the savanna grasslands, observing tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and taking a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The journey continues to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for protecting over half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas. Here, you will experience the thrilling, life-changing adventure of gorilla trekking, hiking through the dense forest to encounter these magnificent apes in their natural habitat. The 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour concludes with a return journey to Kampala, leaving you with lasting memories of Uganda's rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable primate encounters.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Endangered mountain gorilla trekking

Tree climbing lion sightings

Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Savannah wildlife game drives

Scenic equator photo opportunity

Ancient Bwindi rainforest exploration

Abundant hippos and crocodiles

Stunning crater lake views

Cultural Batwa community visit

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin your 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour with a pick-up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe by our professional driver-guide. You will start the long, scenic drive towards western Uganda, with a stop at the Equator for photography and a, breakfast/lunch break. Enjoy the changing landscapes from industrial urban settings to rolling hills and rural farmland. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening, check into your booked safari lodge for relaxation, and enjoy stunning sunset views over the savanna. Dinner and overnight stay will be provided at the lodge, allowing you to prepare for an early morning adventure in the park.

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

Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, which offer the best opportunities to see predators in action, including lions and leopards, as well as large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and Uganda kobs. After lunch, head for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a highlight of this 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour. This two-hour trip allows you to get close to the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles and a diverse array of bird species, including flamingos and eagles. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, having experienced the immense biodiversity of the park.

Day 3: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Park

After breakfast, you will check out and travel through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha. This sector is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions, which offer a unique spectacle of resting on the branches of fig trees. After a brief game drive in search of these elusive lions and other wildlife like topis, you will continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey provides picturesque views of the surrounding, cultivated rolling hills, a stark contrast to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the highlight of your 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters with a packed lunch for a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking. Led by experienced ranger guides, you will enter the dense, ancient forest to locate one of the habituated gorilla families, an activity that can take 2 to 8 hours depending on their movements. Once located, you will spend one hour observing the gorillas, watching them feed, play, and interact. Afterward, return to the starting point, receive a certificate, and go back to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, celebrating this rare, life-changing encounter.

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe Airport

On the final day of your 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour, enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out of your lodge. You will begin the journey back to Kampala or directly to Entebbe International Airport, passing through the scenic, rolling landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa". Stop in Mbarara for lunch and perhaps a visit to the Igongo Cultural Center to learn about local history. You will continue to Kampala or the airport, arriving in the late afternoon for your flight home, bringing an end to this unforgettable 5-day Uganda wildlife and primate safari.

Things to do on 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour

This diverse safari offers a blend of primate encounters and classic savannah wildlife viewing. The crown jewel is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you'll hike through ancient rainforests to spend an hour with endangered mountain gorillas. Complementing this is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, providing front-row seats to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse water birds.

For big game enthusiasts, morning and evening game drives across the Kasenyi plains offer chances to spot lions, leopards, and elephants. A visit to the Ishasha Sector is essential for witnessing the rare tree-climbing lions. You can also explore the depths of Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking, an "underground forest" adventure. Cultural experiences like a Batwa community visit provide insight into the lives of the forest's original inhabitants. Photographic opportunities abound, from the Equator crossing to the stunning crater lakes and the misty volcanic backdrops of the Kigezi highlands.

Where to stay on 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly camps to ultra-luxury lodges, categorized by park:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
• Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo) and Bwindi Lodge (Buhoma) offer high-end comfort and forest views.
• Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Mist Camp provide excellent hospitality near trekking start points.
• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Rushaga Haven Lodge are reliable, affordable choices.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park:
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge sits on a peninsula with panoramic channel views, while Elephant Plains Lodge offers modern elegance.
• Mid-range: Park View Safari Lodge and Enganzi Lodge provide great value and comfort.
• Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages and The Elephant Home offer cozy stays near key game tracks.

When is the best time for 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour

The optimal time for this safari is during Uganda’s dry seasons: June to August and December to February. During these months, the trails in Bwindi are less slippery, making the strenuous gorilla trek more manageable. In Queen Elizabeth Park, animals congregate around water sources like the Kazinga Channel, making them easier to spot during game drives.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) offer a different experience. While rain is frequent and trails can be muddy, the landscape is lush and vibrant, perfect for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Additionally, many lodges offer discounted rates during these low-peak months, and gorilla permits may be easier to secure on short notice. Regardless of the season, Bwindi’s tropical rainforest climate means rain can occur at any time, so being prepared for all weather is key.

What to pack on 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour

Packing the right gear is crucial for both the humid jungle and the open savannah: [1]

• Trekking Gear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for Bwindi's steep terrain. Gardening gloves help you grip branches and protect against stinging nettles, while gaiters keep mud and ants out of your boots.
• Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (tucked into socks) to protect against insects and scratches. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is a must-have even in the dry season.
• Essentials: A waterproof backpack will protect your camera and lunch from rain. Carry high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET-based), and a wide-brimmed hat for sunny game drives.
• Miscellaneous: Bring extra camera batteries and memory cards, as there are no charging points in the forest. Energy-giving snacks and at least 2 liters of drinking

Booking 5 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour and Queen Elizabeth park tour with us Roads of Adventure safaris

Book a 5-day Uganda safari with Roads of Adventure Safaris to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary features tailored, seamless logistics including gorilla permits, transportation, and accommodation, focusing on safety and personalized experiences.