5-Day Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Published by Andrew on November 12, 2026

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe by your professional driver-guide. Travel southwest towards Queen Elizabeth National Park in a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle, enjoying Uganda’s beautiful countryside along the way.

Stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for photographs and a short experience at this famous landmark. Continue through Mbarara, where you will have lunch before proceeding to the park.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional evening game drive to spot some of the park’s wildlife.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Game Drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s best wildlife-viewing areas. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and other wildlife.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lakes George and Edward and offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds along the shoreline.

After the cruise, return to your lodge. An optional evening game drive can be arranged for those wishing to explore more of the park.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi or Mgahinga via Ishasha

After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a game drive through this famous area, known for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kob, and other wildlife.

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, depending on your gorilla trekking permit and accommodation arrangements.

Enjoy the scenic drive through southwestern Uganda, passing rolling hills, terraced farmland, and traditional villages. Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax as you prepare for the following day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge or similar, depending on the trekking sector.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

Today is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Learn about gorilla trekking guidelines before joining a guided group and entering the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and forest conditions. Once you find them, spend one unforgettable hour observing their natural behaviour, taking photographs, and appreciating these endangered primates in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to the starting point and receive your trekking certificate. Later, begin your cross-border journey to Kigali, Rwanda, through the Cyanika or Katuna border, depending on your trekking location and route arrangements.

Arrive in Kigali, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines or similar.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and beautifully maintained capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s history and pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Continue to Caplaki Crafts Market, where you can browse locally made handicrafts, traditional artwork, souvenirs, and other cultural products.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy additional sightseeing before your driver-guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your memorable Uganda and Rwanda safari with Experiya Tour Company.

Main Destination: Kigali International Airport.
Accommodation: Not applicable.
Meals: Breakfast.

What’s Included

Park entrance fees for non-residents.
All gorilla trekking permits for non-residents.
All activities mentioned in the itinerary, except optional activities.
Accommodation throughout the safari, unless stated otherwise.
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Private 4WD safari transportation.
All applicable taxes and VAT.
Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary.

What’s Excluded

International flights to and from your home country.
Airport transfers before and after the safari, unless arranged separately.
Accommodation before and after the tour.
Tips and gratuities (recommended guideline: US$10 per person per day).
Personal expenses, including souvenirs, travel insurance, and visa fees.
Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Optional activities not included in the itinerary.

Important Information Before Travelling

Gorilla permits: Book your permits in advance because availability is limited.
Trekking location: Bwindi or Mgahinga will depend on permit availability and the agreed itinerary.
Border crossing: Carry a valid passport and meet the entry requirements for both Uganda and Rwanda.
Fitness: Gorilla trekking involves hiking through steep, muddy, and sometimes challenging forest terrain.
Travel documents: Check visa and East African Tourist Visa requirements before travelling.
Accommodation: Final lodge selection depends on the confirmed gorilla trekking sector and availability.