5-Day Gorilla & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive

This 5-day gorilla & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife safari begins with a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Lunch will be taken at a suitable stop along the way or at your lodge, depending on your arrival time.

After checking in, head out for an evening game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with some luck, lions. Enjoy the park’s open savannah landscapes, crater scenery and diverse birdlife.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, ready for another exciting day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Note: The evening game drive depends on your arrival time and the park’s operating hours.

Day 2 – Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

This 5-day gorilla & Queen Elizabeth wildlife  safari continues with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast. Explore the savannah in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with some luck, lions and other wildlife. The early hours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and animals gathering along the banks to drink. This relaxing boat trip offers a different perspective of the park’s wildlife.

If time and park operating hours allow, you may enjoy an additional evening game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This part of the journey offers a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, along with other wildlife in the savannah, although sightings are not guaranteed.

Continue toward Bwindi through Uganda’s scenic countryside, with views of rolling hills, local farms and forested highlands. Arrive at your lodge, check in and relax as you prepare for the following day’s mountain gorilla trekking adventure.

Overnight around Bwindi area 

Day 4 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Accompanied by experienced trackers and guides, enter the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the forest conditions. Once the gorillas are found, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, interact and move through their natural habitat. Follow the rangers’ instructions throughout the experience to help protect both visitors and gorillas.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this remarkable wildlife encounter. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure, depending on your trekking schedule.

Accommodation: Selected lodge around Bwindi 

Day 5 – Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your return journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe, enjoying the scenic landscapes and countryside along the way. Stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant en route, with opportunities for refreshments and brief stops as time allows.

Arrive in Entebbe later in the day for drop-off at Entebbe International Airport or your preferred accommodation, marking the end of your 5-day gorilla and Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari.

Travel note: The drive from Bwindi to Entebbe is long, so we recommend allowing sufficient time for the journey. If you have an international flight on the same day, please share your departure time with us in advance so we can advise whether the schedule is suitable. 

Customize This Safari 

Every traveller has different interests, budgets and travel plans. At Bush Shrike Adventures, we can tailor this 5-day Uganda safari to suit your needs, whether you prefer budget-friendly accommodation or a more comfortable midrange stay.

You can discuss your preferred travel dates, accommodation category and any special requests with our team. We’ll help you plan your mountain gorilla trekking experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife activities and return journey to Entebbe.

Ready to plan your adventure? Contact us for a personalized quotation and let us help you create a memorable Uganda safari.

Looking for a longer primate adventure? Explore our 6-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari⁠.”