Uganda safari landscape - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda Safari

6-Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari

Entebbe - Lake Mburo - Bwindi - Queen Elizabeth. Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi, see tree-climbing lions, and cruise the Kazinga Channel in this action-packed 6-day Uganda safari.

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Entebbe - Lake Mburo - Bwindi - Queen Elizabeth

6-Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari

Uganda Wildlife Circuit 6 Days / 5 Nights Entebbe / Entebbe 2-8 guests 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser

Introduction

Experience the quintessential Ugandan safari. Six days of deep immersion into the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the ancient rainforests of Bwindi for a gorilla encounter that will change your life. From tracking mountain gorillas through misty forests to watching tree-climbing lions lounge in fig trees and cruising the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel, this compact itinerary delivers Uganda's best wildlife experiences.

6 Days
Duration
Uganda
Destination
1 Country
Countries
Mid-range
Accommodation
2-8
Group Size
Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb
Best Time
Moderate
Difficulty
Gorilla Trek
Safari Type
Entebbe
Starting Point
Entebbe
Ending Point
English
Language
4x4 Safari
Transport
Full Board
Meals

Why This Safari?

Ultimate Gorilla Experience

Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi - one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tree-Climbing Lions

Witness the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth NP - a rare behaviour found only in this region of Africa.

Kazinga Channel Cruise

Boat safari along the Kazinga Channel with the highest concentration of hippos in the world and prolific birdlife.

Compact & Action-Packed

Six perfectly paced days covering Uganda's most iconic parks - Lake Mburo, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth.

Expert Local Guides

Our experienced Ugandan guides bring decades of knowledge, ensuring you see more and understand deeper.

Conservation Focus

Every booking supports Uganda's national parks and local communities. Travel with purpose.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Each day is carefully crafted to maximise your wildlife encounters while ensuring comfort and relaxation. Below you will find a complete breakdown of every day of your 6-day Uganda safari.

Day 1

Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park

Full Day Drive: ~4 hrs Accommodation: Lake Mburo Area Lodge Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Your adventure begins with a drive south to Lake Mburo, Uganda's smallest savannah park but one of its most beautiful. Stop at the Equator for a unique experiment before continuing to the park. Check in and enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, where you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. As night falls, we may take a night game drive to look for elusive leopards and nocturnal life.

Morning: Pick up from your hotel in Entebbe at 7:00 AM. Drive south through rolling Ugandan countryside with views of tea plantations and traditional villages. Stop at the Uganda Equator for a memorable photo opportunity and a fun water experiment demonstrating the Coriolis effect.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park (370 sq km) and check into your lodge. Enjoy lunch with views of the lake. At 3:00 PM, board a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.
Evening: Optional night game drive to spot leopards, porcupines, bush babies, and other nocturnal wildlife. Dinner and overnight at your Lake Mburo area lodge.
Equator Stop Boat Safari Lake Mburo Night Drive Option
Day 2

Game Walk & Drive to Bwindi Forest

Full Day Drive: ~5 hrs Accommodation: Bwindi Area Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience the savannah on foot with an early morning nature walk - walking among zebras and impalas is an exhilarating experience. After breakfast, we drive further west into the Kigezi Highlands, arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the evening. The air turns cool and the forest mist begins to descend as we check into our lodge.

Morning: Early morning guided nature walk at 6:30 AM accompanied by an armed ranger. Walk through the savannah among zebras, impalas, elands, and buffalo - a thrilling experience that brings you closer to nature. Photography tip: the early morning light is perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. Drive west through the stunning Kigezi Highlands, often called the "Switzerland of Africa" for its steep green terraced hills. The scenic drive takes approximately 5 hours with stops for lunch and photo opportunities along the way.
Evening: Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park by late afternoon. Check into your lodge perched on the forest edge. Enjoy a comprehensive briefing about tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Walking Safari Scenic Drive Kigezi Highlands Bwindi Arrival
Day 3

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Full Day Trek: 1-5 hrs Gorilla Visit: 1 hr Accommodation: Bwindi Area Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a briefing by park rangers, enter the ancient rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. Trekking through the thick canopy is an adventure in itself, but meeting a silverback and his family is a life-changing encounter. Spend an hour in their presence before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and an evening cultural tour with the Batwa people.

Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM with packed snacks. Transfer to the park headquarters at 6:30 AM for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Enter Bwindi's misty forest with your trekking group, lead guide, trackers, and armed rangers. The trek can take 1-5 hours through steep, dense, and muddy terrain. Porter services are available for hire.
Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. Watch the silverback protect his family, mothers nurse their infants, and juveniles play-fight. After the hour, trek back to the trailhead. Return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Photography tip: use a fast lens and high ISO in the dark forest conditions.
Evening: Evening cultural tour with the Batwa people - Uganda's indigenous forest dwellers. Experience their traditional dance, storytelling, and learn about their ancient forest way of life. Receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Celebratory dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Mountain Gorillas Forest Trek Batwa Cultural Tour Once-in-a-Lifetime
Day 4

To the Savannah of Queen Elizabeth NP

Full Day Drive: ~4 hrs Boat Cruise: 2 hrs Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth NP Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave the forest and drive north to the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We'll pass through the Ishasha sector, looking for the famous tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, we embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, seeing one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.

Morning: Breakfast at 7:00 AM and check out from Bwindi. Drive north to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP (about 2 hours). Game drive through Ishasha in search of the famous tree-climbing lions that lounge in fig trees - a unique behaviour rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the Ishasha sector. Continue to the main area of Queen Elizabeth NP and check into your lodge. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George with over 5,000 hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the shoreline, and prolific birdlife.
Evening: Sundowner drinks at the lodge overlooking the savannah. Optional night game drive (available at extra cost) to spot leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal wildlife. Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Tree-Climbing Lions Kazinga Channel Boat Safari Hippo Concentration
Day 5

Kasenyi Tracking & Crater Exploration

Full Day Game Drive: 3-4 hrs Crater Drive: 2 hrs Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth NP Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning tracking lions and leopards in the Kasenyi plains, where the wildlife is most active at dawn. In the afternoon, we explore the spectacular explosion craters - vibrant lake-filled basins formed by ancient volcanic activity. It is a day of dramatic wildlife and geological wonders.

Morning: Early morning game drive at 6:30 AM on the Kasenyi plains, the prime predator-viewing area of Queen Elizabeth NP. Track lions and leopards with your experienced guide. This area is also excellent for spotted hyenas, side-striped jackals, and large herds of Uganda kobs. Photography tip: morning golden light on the Kasenyi plains offers exceptional wildlife photography conditions.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. At 2:00 PM, explore the spectacular explosion craters of Queen Elizabeth NP - vibrant lake-filled basins formed by ancient volcanic activity. The panoramic views from the crater rims are breathtaking and offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner. Enjoy a final evening under the African stars at your Queen Elizabeth NP lodge.
Big Cat Tracking Kasenyi Plains Explosion Craters Geological Wonders
Day 6

Final Safari & Return to Entebbe

Full Day Drive: ~6-7 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final morning game drive or a walk in the Maramagambo forest before beginning the drive back to Entebbe. We stop for lunch and final souvenir hunting at the Equator, arriving in the capital by sunset for your departure.

Morning: Final morning game drive at 6:30 AM or a guided nature walk in the Maramagambo forest to search for primates and birds. Alternatively, visit the Kyambura Gorge for a final wildlife experience. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.
Afternoon: Depart for the drive back to Entebbe (approximately 6-7 hours). Stop for lunch en route. Visit the Uganda Equator for final souvenir shopping and photos standing with one foot in each hemisphere.
Evening: Arrive in Entebbe (approximately 5:00-6:00 PM). Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or onward connections. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 8:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive.
Final Game Drive Equator Crossing Souvenir Shopping Airport Drop-off

Destinations You'll Explore

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Uganda's smallest savannah park but one of its most scenic. Home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffalo, hippos, and over 300 bird species. The only park in Uganda where you can enjoy a guided walking safari.

Walking Safari Boat Cruise 300+ Bird Species
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. This ancient rainforest offers the ultimate primate trekking experience in a misty, magical setting.

Mountain Gorillas UNESCO Heritage Gorilla Trekking
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda's most biodiverse park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel with the world's highest concentration of hippos.

Tree-Climbing Lions Kazinga Channel 95 Mammal Species
Included
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit
  • Mid-range Accommodation
  • Professional Driver-Guide
  • Ground Transport 4x4
Excluded
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratuities
Transport
  • Travel With 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Uganda Wildlife

Uganda is one of Africa's most biodiverse countries. Here's what you can expect to see.

Photo Gallery

Location

What Our Travelers Say

Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have experienced Uganda with us.

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Licensed Tour Operator TATO Registered Uganda Partners Secure Payment 10+ Years Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to take this Uganda safari?

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking and game viewing. However, the parks are accessible year-round.

How difficult is the gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking can be moderate to strenuous depending on the gorilla family location. The hike can take 1-5 hours through steep, muddy forest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and porters are available to help carry your gear.

Do I need a visa for Uganda?

Yes, most visitors require a Uganda visa. You can apply online for the East Africa Tourist Visa (also valid for Rwanda and Kenya) or a single-entry Uganda visa. Visas are not included in the tour price.

What should I pack for this Uganda safari?

Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, a rain jacket for the forest, sturdy hiking boots for gorilla trekking, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.

Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, solo travellers are welcome. You can join a group tour or book a private trip. Single supplements may apply for private accommodation.

What type of accommodation is included?

Mid-range lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms are included. Upgrades to luxury lodges are available upon request.

Is Uganda safe for tourists?

Yes, Uganda is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. The safari circuit is well-established with professional guides, secure lodges, and excellent infrastructure.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

Absolutely. Spending an hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. The permits are limited, making it an exclusive encounter.

What animals will I see on this safari?

You'll see mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, impalas, Uganda kobs, and over 600 bird species.

How much does this safari cost?

Please contact us for a personalised quote. Prices vary based on group size, accommodation level, and season. We offer mid-range and luxury options to suit your budget.

Can children join this safari?

Children aged 12+ can join the safari. However, gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15 years. Family-friendly itineraries can be arranged on request.

How do I book this safari?

You can book by contacting us via WhatsApp, email, or our website booking form. A deposit is required to secure your dates, with the balance due 30 days before departure.

What is the group size?

Our groups range from 2 to 8 guests, ensuring a personalised experience with dedicated attention from your guide.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.

Ready for Your Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari?

Book your 6-day journey through Uganda's finest parks and wildlife encounters.