This 5-day Uganda Wildlife and Mountain Gorilla Safari from Kigali is a rewarding adventure for travelers who want both wildlife and gorilla trekking.
The safari includes game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot big cats such as lions and leopards, and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for having one of the largest populations of hippos in Africa.
The trip ends with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
5-Day Uganda Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kigali
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure
Detailed 5-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kigali
Your driver-guide will pick you up from Kigali and transfer you to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through Kabale, with scenic hills and the Bunyaruguru area known for crater lakes. You will also enjoy views of the rift valley as you approach the park.
Arrive at the lodge, check in, and have some time to relax before heading out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Expect to see antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, and, if lucky, lions or leopards. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, return to the Kasenyi Plains for a morning game drive. This is the best time to see predators on the hunt and nocturnal animals returning to rest.
Later, enjoy lunch at the lodge or as a picnic before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This trip offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four sectors where trekking takes place. Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax as you prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Have an early breakfast, pack your lunch, and report to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Rangers will explain the rules and allocate gorilla families based on interest, age, and fitness.
The trek can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the way, you may also see birds and primates like vervet monkeys. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing them as they feed, rest, and interact.
After trekking, return to the park headquarters to receive your certificate before heading back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be dropped off at Kigali Airport for your departure, marking the end of your 5-day Uganda Wildlife and Mountain Gorilla Safari.
End of 5 Days Uganda Wildlife & Mountain Gorilla Safari from Kigali.
