6-Day Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari: Track Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, Big Game in Queen Elizabeth & Lake Bunyonyi Private 4×4 Safari with Permits

6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

SAFARI OVERVIEW

Embark on a quintessential Ugandan adventure, where the journey by road is as captivating as the destinations themselves. This safari is designed to deliver the ultimate wildlife encounter: a face-to-face meeting with the majestic mountain gorillas. Your one-hour trek in the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a profound and life-changing moment, offering a rare glimpse into the world of these gentle giants. Combined with the thrill of a boat cruise, classic big game viewing, and a serene retreat to the scenic wonder of Lake Bunyonyi, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of primate wonder, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, all experienced from the comfort of a private 4×4 safari vehicle.

QUICK 6-DAY UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI SPECIFICS

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Lake Bunyonyi
Activities:1 x Gorilla Trekking Permit, Boat Cruise, Game Drives, Lake Bunyonyi Visit
Accommodation: Luxury Lodging
Transport: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser

Safari Highlights

Gorilla Trekking: Spend one magical hour with a mountain gorilla family in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi.
Serene Lake Bunyonyi: Experience a relaxing retreat to one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes, with a tranquil boat cruise.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Glide past hundreds of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant wildlife on this spectacular water-based safari.
Big Game Drives: Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo, and more in the diverse landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Scenic Road Journey: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s countryside, from the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the rolling hills of the Kigezi highlands.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Pick-up & Afternoon Chimpanzee Encounter on Ngamba Island– Entebbe

Your adventure begins as you picked-up from Entebbe International Airport or your Hotel in Entebbe, your private guide from Africa Reveal Safaris warmly welcomes you and you’ll be transferred directly to the picturesque waterfront, specifically the UWEC pier (Uganda Wildlife Education Centre) at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Here, you will board a speedboat for a scenic 45-minute ride across the open waters of Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The boat journey itself offers fantastic views of the lake’s many small islands and a chance to spot local birdlife.

Upon arrival at Ngamba Island, you’ll be greeted by the sanctuary staff and receive a short briefing about the sanctuary’s mission to provide care for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. You’ll then enjoy a delicious boxed lunch at the island’s eco-lodge, overlooking the chimpanzee’s forested enclosure.

6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

In the early afternoon, you’ll embark on the main event: a guided visit to the sanctuary’s viewing platform during the scheduled afternoon feeding time. Here, you’ll have an unforgettable, up-close experience watching the chimpanzee community come down from the 95-acre forest to feed. You’ll learn about their individual personalities, complex social structures, and the stories of how they came to find a home on the island. This is a prime opportunity for incredible photographs and observing primate behavior in a semi-wild environment.

In the late afternoon, you’ll re-board your boat for the return journey to Entebbe, arriving as the sun begins to set over the lake. Your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your comfortable lodge to relax and recover from your journey.

Accommodation: Jet Villa Eco Lodge | Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive (B/L/D)

6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our scenic journey west by road, traversing lush landscapes and rural villages. We’ll stop for lunch en route, with the journey offering a fascinating glimpse into local life. As we approach Queen Elizabeth National Park, the vast plains of the Albertine Rift unfold before you. After settling into your luxurious lodge overlooking the savannah, we head out for an evening game drive. This is a wonderful opportunity to spot wildlife as they become more active in the cooler hours. Watch for elephants, buffalo, antelope, and perhaps predators beginning their nightly routines. Return to the lodge for dinner, with the sounds of the African wilderness providing your evening’s symphony.
Accommodation: Bulbul Safari Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Predators, Giants, and a River of Life (B/L/D)

6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

Wake before dawn to the gentle mist rising from the plains. This morning, we venture out on a game drive through the Kasenyi plains, where the golden light is perfect for photography. Watch for lions on the hunt, majestic African elephants, and herds of Uganda kob. After a leisurely lunch, the pace changes for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is a wildlife spectacle like no other; glide past hundreds of hippos yawning in the water, giant Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and a stunning array of birds, from majestic fish eagles to colourful kingfishers. It is a truly immersive experience in one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife arenas.
Accommodation: Bulbul Safari Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Journey to the Misty Realm of the Gorillas (B/L/D)

After a final morning game drive, we begin our journey south. The landscape transforms dramatically, rising into the steep, emerald-green hills that surround Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient, dense rainforest, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The air grows cooler and filled with the anticipation of the days to come. You check into your intimate lodge nestled on the forest edge, where the mist clings to the canopy. This evening, you will receive a comprehensive briefing from our expert guides to prepare you for your first trek tomorrow.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Gorilla Trekking & Retreat to Lake Bunyonyi (B/L/D)

6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters where you are assigned a gorilla family and meet your expert trackers. The trek itself is an adventure, hiking through the dense, vibrant jungle, following the trails of these gentle giants. When you finally find them, the world stands still. For one magical hour, you will observe a gorilla family in their natural habitat – a profoundly moving and humbling experience. After the trek, we take a short, scenic drive to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi. Check into your lakeside resort and unwind, soaking in the magnificent views of this vast, tranquil lake dotted with islands. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Resort | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Scenic Return to Kampala (B/L)

Enjoy one last serene breakfast overlooking the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. We then begin our scenic journey back to Kampala, retracing our route through the beautiful highlands and plains of southwestern Uganda. We will stop for lunch along the way, arriving in Kampala in the late afternoon. Your guide will assist with your drop-off at your preferred location in the city, marking the end of an unforgettable safari filled with memories of gorillas, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Services included: 6-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari

One (1) Gorilla Trekking Permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
All airport transfers and ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle.
Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the safari.
All park entrance fees and activity fees as per the itinerary (game drives, boat cruises on Kazinga Channel and Lake Bunyonyi).
Services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
Complimentary bottled drinking water in the vehicle.

Not included: