5-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Published by Andrew on October 26, 2026

5-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Entebbe, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Tour Type: Wildlife Safari, Chimpanzee Tracking, Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experiences
Getting There: Entebbe, Uganda
Ends In: Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda, depending on your departure arrangements

Overview

Discover Uganda on a 5-day safari featuring wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking, and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy scenic countryside drives, an Equator stop in Kayabwe, and an optional Batwa cultural experience while exploring Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife, rainforests, and cultural heritage.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Your Hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari driver-guide, who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy time to relax and recover from your journey.

Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may arrange an optional excursion around Entebbe or Kampala. Possible activities include visiting the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, exploring local markets, touring the Uganda Museum, or visiting the Uganda National Mosque, subject to opening hours and available time.

Return to your hotel to unwind and prepare for the exciting safari adventure ahead.

Main Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Entebbe, according to your selected package
Meals and Drinks: No meals included unless otherwise arranged. Drinking water provided during included transfers.

Day 2: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Equator Stop and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and begin your scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. En route, stop at the Equator monument in Kayabwe for photographs, a brief geographical experience, and an opportunity to browse local craft shops.

Continue through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing rural communities, rolling hills, plantations, and the bustling town of Mbarara. Enjoy lunch along the way or upon arrival, depending on the day’s schedule.

In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for a memorable boat cruise. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is famous for its remarkable concentrations of wildlife. Watch hippos crowding the water, Nile crocodiles resting along the banks, elephants coming to drink, buffaloes grazing near the shoreline, and numerous waterbirds.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation amid the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp in or near Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to your selected package
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinking water provided.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting out for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, depending on permit availability and your confirmed itinerary.

Accompanied by experienced local guides and trackers, venture into the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Listen for their distinctive calls and observe their fascinating social behavior, including feeding, grooming, playing, resting, and communicating with one another. You may also encounter other primates, colorful forest birds, butterflies, and distinctive tropical vegetation.

Chimpanzee tracking typically takes a few hours, although the duration depends on the location and movements of the chimpanzees and the conditions on the day.

After the experience, enjoy lunch before continuing toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rainforest and endangered mountain gorillas.

Travel through the picturesque landscapes of southwestern Uganda, with views of rolling hills, terraced farmland, rural villages, and the scenic Kigezi Highlands. Upon arrival at your lodge in the designated gorilla trekking sector, check in and relax.

Your guide will brief you on the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure and help you prepare for the experience.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Safari lodge or forest lodge in your selected Bwindi gorilla trekking sector
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinking water provided.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience

Today brings the highlight of your Uganda safari: an extraordinary encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated park headquarters for a ranger briefing, usually beginning around 8:00 a.m. Learn about gorilla trekking rules, safety guidelines, and responsible wildlife viewing before setting off with an experienced ranger guide and trackers.

5-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi

Hike through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, the terrain, and the location of the family. Along the way, discover Bwindi’s remarkable biodiversity, including towering trees, thick undergrowth, colorful birds, and other forest wildlife.

Once the gorillas are located, spend one strictly regulated hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, groom one another, rest, and interact within their family group. This intimate encounter offers an unforgettable opportunity to appreciate these remarkable animals and the importance of conserving their forest home.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, enjoy an optional or pre-arranged Batwa cultural experience, depending on your package and available time. Learn about the Batwa people’s traditional forest knowledge, cultural heritage, music, dance, and customs through a community-led encounter.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the memorable experiences of your safari.

Day 5: Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, depending on your onward travel arrangements.

Enjoy the scenic drive through southwestern Uganda, taking in views of the Kigezi Highlands, terraced hillsides, rural settlements, and lush countryside. Depending on your route and schedule, you may stop for lunch and refreshments along the way.

Your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, as arranged. If you are departing internationally on the same day, allow sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in. Since the journey from Bwindi is long, an additional overnight stay or a domestic flight may be advisable, depending on your departure time and arrangements.

Your 5-day Uganda safari concludes with lasting memories of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African wildlife, scenic landscapes, and the warm hospitality of local communities.

Main Destination: Entebbe or Kampala
Accommodation: None included unless an additional night is requested
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast and drinking water. Lunch may be included or arranged according to your package and departure schedule.

Safari Package Inclusions

Mountain gorilla trekking permit for one person at the applicable non-resident rate.
Chimpanzee tracking permit at the applicable non-resident rate.
Park entrance fees for the included national parks.
All activities specifically listed in the itinerary, except those marked optional.
Four nights of accommodation as specified in the confirmed booking.
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Private ground transportation in a suitable safari vehicle.
Airport pick-up and drop-off, as arranged.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Meals specified in the day-by-day itinerary.
Drinking water during included safari transfers and activities.
Applicable taxes and VAT included in the quoted package price.

Safari Package Exclusions

International flights to and from Uganda.
Uganda visa fees and other immigration charges.
Travel and medical insurance.
Personal expenses, laundry, souvenirs, and incidental purchases.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and porters.
Optional excursions and activities not specified as included.
Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
Alcoholic and premium beverages unless included by the lodge.
Porter fees for gorilla trekking, where applicable.
Government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees, or permit costs after quotation, where contractually applicable.
Any other service not expressly listed under inclusions.