Gorilla Trekking and Safari
5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Safari with Shoebill
$2900-3500 USD
pp
Safari summary
This 5-day Uganda safari offers a perfectly balanced journey through the country’s most iconic wildlife, landscapes, and rare species, following a carefully planned south-western circuit that minimizes backtracking and maximizes experience.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse conservation areas. Here, travelers enjoy classic savannah game drives across open plains where elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and lions are commonly seen. A highlight of the park is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a relaxed water safari that brings you close to hippos, Nile crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife along the shores.
From Queen Elizabeth, the journey continues south to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the emotional and unforgettable centerpiece of the tour. Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, guests hike through dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family and spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters.
After the gorilla experience, the safari transitions to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact yet wildlife-rich park known for its peaceful scenery and unique species not found in other parks. Game drives and guided nature walks here offer excellent chances to see zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. The park’s relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect contrast to the intensity of the gorilla trek.
On the final day, the journey returns to Entebbe with a special stop at Mabamba Wetland, located along the shores of Lake Victoria. A guided canoe excursion through papyrus channels offers one of the best opportunities in Africa to spot the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork, a true bucket-list species for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
This safari combines savannah wildlife, primate encounters, walking safaris, boat cruises, and birding into one seamless itinerary. It is ideal for first-time visitors to Uganda, couples, small groups, and travelers seeking an authentic yet comfortable African safari experience, all guided by professional local experts and supported by carefully selected lodges.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks | ||
| Accesibility |
This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.
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Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Hiking | trekking
- Primate trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
From Entebbe too Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth
Early morning pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala and drive southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy lunch en route. In the afternoon, go for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, with opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and lions. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid- Range)
Scenic Boat Cruise on Kazinga
Queen Elizabeth
After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. After lunch, drive south through the Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening, check in at the lodge, dinner and overnight.
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge ( Mid-range)
Gorilla trekking and Safari
Bwindi Impenetrable
Early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Trek through the forest with experienced rangers to find a gorilla family and spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek and lunch, drive east to Lake Mburo National Park. Evening arrival, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Walking Safari at Lake Mburo NP
Lake Mburo
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive or guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, known for zebras, giraffes, elands, impalas, and rich birdlife. Afternoon at leisure or optional activities such as a boat ride on Lake Mburo or horseback riding. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range)
Mabamba Shoebill & Departure
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and drive back to Entebbe. Visit Mabamba Wetland on Lake Victoria for a guided canoe excursion in search of the rare Shoebill Stork and other wetland birds. After lunch, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure.
Sundiata Beach Resort
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