5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari Holiday
Reserve our 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari holiday for gorilla trekking, nature walks, boat safari on Kazinga Channel and lake Bunyonyi, and thrilling game drive experiences.
These 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari is one of the best Uganda wildlife safari taking you to two most exciting destinations in Uganda that’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It offers an extraordinary opportunity to encounter the magnificent endangered mountain gorillas in one of their great natural habitat, Bwindi Forest, home to half of their remaining population. Takes you to one of the best national parks in Uganda for game drives that are featured with sightings of a diverse of wildlife species inclusive of the Big Five animals such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, and African elephants.
Bwindi Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda offer you the best African wildlife experience through a variety of outdoor adventurous activities that they have to offer.
In addition to the best game drives and gorilla trekking experience, this safari takes you to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda offering stunning views and the best birding experiences in Uganda.
These three destinations in your Uganda tour package ensure the best wildlife experiences while on your African safari holiday making Uganda a must-visit safari destination.
What to Expect on This Safari
- A close encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, one of the most captivating wildlife experiences on earth.
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, and buffalo.
- A relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its birdlife and hippo sightings.
- Visit to Lake Bunyonyi
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Tour Highlights of the 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector.
- A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
- Exploring the picturesque landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi.
- Opportunities to spot rare tree-climbing lions.
Brief Itinerary of the 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari
- Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
- Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with an en-route Ishasha game drive.
- Day 4: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe with optional stops at Igongo Cultural Center and the Equator.
Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your 5 Days Uganda tour package starts with an early morning transfer from accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is approximately, an 8 to 10-hour journey from Kampala to Bwindi covering a distance of about 480 kilometers.
It is quite a long journey which involves frequent stops to stretch and refresh. it takes you through the beautiful countryside featuring vibrant local villages, scenic landscapes, swamps, and rivers, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable transfer.
During the drive, you will en route to Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara for lunch. You will arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon or evening, where you will check into your pre-booked accommodation. Here you will relax, getting ready for the big day ahead.
- Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Right after your breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the park headquarters where you will attend a simple briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and protocols, and about what to expect in the gorilla natural habitats.
After the briefing, you will be divided into manageable groups each consisting of 8 individual gorilla trackers. Every group is escorted by an armed ranger for safety and an experienced park guide to provide an informative and enjoyable experience.
You will venture into the dense rainforests, navigating through a diverse of terrains insearch of your assigned habituated gorilla family. A gorilla trek in Bwindi forest typically lasts between 3 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas on that day.
Mountain gorillas especially during the dry dry seasons tend to move very deep into their habitats in search of food and water making tracking them challenging as you will move quite a long distance featuring a diverse of terrains.
Once you have located your gorilla family, you have a standard time of one hour of observing them going about their daily activities. you will watch them interact, groom, and forage among others offering a long-lasting memory.
After the gorilla trek, you will return to the park headquarters where you will be back to your accommodations to refresh and prepare for a late afternoon transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque lake known for its serene water and terraced hills ensuring an amazing evening.
- Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Byoona Amagara
- Mid-range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Luxury: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha
Immediately after an early morning breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you from Lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will embark on the best game drives.
It is approximately 120 kilometers from Lake Bunyonyi to Bwindi, a distance covered in about 3 to 4 hours. Once you reach the park, you will check into your accommodations where you will relax and have lunch as you prepare for an evening game drive.
The evening game drive will take you through different incredible regions of the park like the Isasha sector where you will spot tree-climbing lions and different wild animals roaming about their habitats.
After the game drive experience, you will be returned to your lodges where you will relax and prepare for more adventures awaiting.
- Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
- Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Your day 4 in Queen Elizabeth National Park starts with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, a habitat to a diverse wildlife of the park including elephants, buffaloes, different antelope species, giraffes, bushbucks, different species and small mammals, and among others.
A morning game drive is the best time to spot a variety of wildlife in the park and an excellent time as well for wildlife photography. During these hours, animals are very active and are easily spotted roaming about their habitats, grazing in the open savannahs offering the best African wildlife experiences.
After lunch, you will embark on an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, another great habitat for semi-aquatic and aquatic wildlife of the park. during this boat safari, you will spot animals such as hippos, crocodiles, different fish, and water-wading bird species such as the African fish eagles and pelicans.
The boat cruise offers the best relaxing way of ending your day with stunning views of the park’s aquatic ecosystem and sunset views. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
- Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kampala with Optional Stops
On your final day, enjoy breakfast before beginning the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. En route, you can opt to visit the Igongo Cultural Center to learn about the Ankole culture or stop at the Equator for photos and shopping. The drive offers scenic views, making it a pleasant conclusion to your safari.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
End of 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari
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Tour Inclusions of the 5 Days Uganda Travel Package
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Park entry fees
- Game drives and boat cruise fees
- Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and souvenirs
Best Time to Visit Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth
The best time for this safari is during Uganda’s dry seasons: December to February and June to September. These months provide favorable trekking conditions, minimal rainfall, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Uganda Packing List to Consider
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- A waterproof jacket
- A daypack for carrying essentials
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- A reusable water bottle
Conclusion
This 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty. From the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking to the excitement of game drives and the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi, this tour promises unforgettable memories. Book your safari now and discover the wonders of Uganda.