5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari – Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Game Viewing

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari: Join this fully guided 5 days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari, carefully curated by Silverback Gorilla Tour.

This focused adventure combines two of Uganda’s most popular experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and classic game viewing with a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Perfect for travelers seeking a short yet rewarding Uganda safari, this itinerary delivers unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas alongside elephants, lions, buffalo, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The tour starts and ends in Kampala.

Why Choose This 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari?

Uganda offers one of the world’s most accessible combinations of great-ape trekking and savannah wildlife. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 331 sq km, protects a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas across four main sectors – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest and most visited savannah park (1,978 sq km), is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and over 620 bird species. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel adds one of the country’s most reliable wildlife-viewing experiences.

This efficient 5-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari balances meaningful time in both destinations while keeping travel days manageable.

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon game drive
Day 2: Morning game drive & Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Tree-climbing lions
Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi & Batwa cultural experience
Day 5: Return to Kampala via the Equator

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Guided Game Viewing

Begin your Uganda wildlife adventure with an early morning pickup from your Kampala hotel. Drive approximately 5–6 hours west to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and the scenic countryside.

Arrive in time for lunch, then set out on an afternoon game drive across the productive Kasenyi plains. Look for elephants, buffalo, lions, Uganda kob, and a variety of birdlife before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge Mid-range: Marafiki Safari Lodge Budget: Enganzi Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After early breakfast, head out for a guided morning game drive along the Kasenyi track. This is an excellent time to spot predators and grazing herds. Return to the lodge for lunch, then enjoy a classic 2–3 hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

Expect close views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and abundant water birds along the shores – one of the highlights of any Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi National Park via Ishasha

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The route passes through the remote Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Enjoy a lunch stop en route before arriving in Bwindi in the afternoon. Settle into your lodge and rest in preparation for the main event of the safari.

Accommodation options Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Gorilla Forest Camp Mid-range: Silverback Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas / Wagtail Eco-Safari Camp

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Visit

This is the highlight of your 5 days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari. After an early breakfast and thorough briefing, set out into the ancient rainforest of Bwindi for mountain gorilla trekking.

Led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, the trek can last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of your assigned family. Once located, you spend a full hour observing these magnificent apes at close range.

In the afternoon, join a cultural walk with the Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle and the importance of conservation.

Day 5: Departure to Kampala

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kampala (approximately 8–9 hours). Stop for lunch in Mbarara and enjoy a photo opportunity at the Equator crossing before being dropped off at your hotel or the airport – end of your memorable 5-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari.

End of the 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari.

Best Time for This 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the most comfortable conditions for both gorilla trekking and game drives. Trails are less muddy and wildlife concentrates around water sources.

However, gorilla trekking and game viewing remain excellent year-round, with high success rates even in the wetter months.

What to Expect on Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires moderate fitness, as the terrain can be steep, muddy, and uneven. You will be accompanied by professional rangers at all times.

Only eight visitors are allowed per habituated gorilla family per day, and the encounter is limited to one hour to minimise disturbance. Hiring a porter is strongly recommended and provides valuable income to the local community.

5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari Includes & Excludes;

Safari Inclusions:

Gorilla trekking permit (US$800 per person)
All park entrance fees
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
4 nights accommodation and meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water
All activities listed in the itinerary
Relevant government taxes

Safari Exclusions:

Uganda visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic beverages, laundry, and personal expenses
Optional activities not listed
International flights

Related Uganda Safari Packages

Explore more options from Silverback Gorilla Tour:

For official information on park regulations and current gorilla permits, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Book Your 5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari Today

This compact 5 days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari delivers the perfect combination of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and classic game viewing with a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Gorilla permits are limited and popular dates fill quickly.

Secure your place now with Silverback Gorilla Tour. Contact us today for available dates, a free personalised quotation, and expert advice tailored to your travel plans.

Request Your Free Quote or browse all our Uganda Tours and start planning your unforgettable Uganda gorilla and wildlife adventure.