What is the price for this 5-day tour?

Mid-range: $2,100–2,800 per person (excluding gorilla permit). Budget: $1,500–1,900. Luxury: $3,500–5,000. Plus gorilla permit ($800) and Kazinga cruise ($30) per person. Based on 2 travelers.

Will I see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha?

Ishasha's tree-climbing lions are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Our guides know their favourite fig trees and we spend enough time to maximise your chances. In dry season, sighting success is roughly 70–80%. Even without lions, the Ishasha plains are beautiful and full of other wildlife.

Can I add chimpanzee trekking to this tour?

Yes. We can add a day in Kibale Forest for chimp trekking, making it a 6-day tour. Alternatively, chimp tracking is available at Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth NP as a half-day activity. Ask us for the extended version.

Is the Kazinga Channel cruise worth it?

Absolutely. The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and is home to one of the densest hippo populations in Africa. From the boat you see hippos, elephants, buffalo, Nile monitors, and dozens of waterbird species — all at eye level. It is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda.

5 days / 4 nights

Gorillas & Wildlife Safari — 5 Days

Uganda's two signature experiences in one trip: classic African safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Route

EntebbeQueen Elizabeth NPIshashaBwindi / BuhomaLake BunyonyiEntebbe

Quick Facts

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Gorilla Trekking

Included (permit $800 extra)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Not included (add-on available)

Game Drives

Queen Elizabeth NP + Ishasha

Boat Cruise

Kazinga Channel

Accommodation

Budget, Mid-Range or Luxury

Start Location

Entebbe

End Location

Entebbe

Private Safari

Yes

Best For

Gorilla trekking + classic safari combo

Community Visit

HopeKitchen, Buhoma

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days.Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct operator information.

About This Tour

This five-day tour combines everything people come to Uganda for. You start with a classic African safari — game drives across open savanna, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel among hippos, and a search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Then the scenery shifts completely as you enter the ancient rainforest of Bwindi to trek to mountain gorillas. One hour with a gorilla family, deep in the forest, is the kind of experience that redefines what travel means.

The route works naturally: Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi are connected by the scenic Ishasha sector, so you drive through tree-climbing lion territory on the way. No backtracking, no wasted time.

The trip finishes with a visit to HopeKitchen in Buhoma and an optional extension to Lake Bunyonyi — one of Africa's most beautiful lakes, just 90 minutes from Bwindi.

This is the third most popular tour format on the market — and we think we do it better than most, because Bwindi is our home.

Included

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
4 nights accommodation (your choice of level)
All meals throughout
All park entry fees
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP (Kasenyi Plains + Ishasha)
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Gorilla trekking permit arrangement (fee extra)
Porter hire for gorilla trek
HopeKitchen community visit
Airport/hotel transfers

Not Included

Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person)
Kazinga Channel boat cruise fee ($30 per person)
International flights
Uganda visa ($50)
Travel insurance
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses

Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Browse lodges along this route on lodgesofuganda.com

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Queen Elizabeth — Kasenyi Game Drive

Pick-up from Entebbe, Kampala or your current location. Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After check-in and lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. Spot elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, warthogs and — with luck — lions. Return for dinner at your safari lodge.

Day 2

Kazinga Channel Cruise & Ishasha Lions

Morning Kazinga Channel boat cruise — hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing, and hundreds of bird species from the water. After lunch, drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. Search for the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Overnight in the Ishasha area or continue towards Bwindi.

Day 3

Transfer to Bwindi — Community Experience

Scenic drive from Ishasha to Buhoma near Bwindi (approximately 3–4 hours through the western Rift Valley). Check in to your lodge. Afternoon visit to HopeKitchen — meet the community, share coffee, and learn about local life. Evening briefing for the gorilla trek. Early dinner.

Day 4

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The day you came for. Early breakfast, then walk to UWA headquarters for the ranger briefing. Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with your ranger team and porter. The hike takes 2–8 hours through dense, misty vegetation. When you find the gorilla family, spend one hour in their presence — watching a silverback rest, juveniles play, and mothers nurse their young. Return for a celebratory lunch.

Day 5

Lake Bunyonyi & Departure

Breakfast with forest views. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a canoe trip and scenic stop (optional — add a night for full relaxation). Continue to Entebbe or your next destination. The drive to Entebbe takes approximately 8 hours with stops.

Photos

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Gorillas & Wildlife Safari — 5 Days - Photo 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

“The contrast between the open savanna of Queen Elizabeth and the dense forest of Bwindi was incredible. Two completely different worlds, both unforgettable. The Kazinga boat cruise was a surprise highlight.”

James K.United States

“Five perfect days. Game drives, boat cruise, tree-climbing lions AND gorillas — all with Duncan's team. The HopeKitchen visit in Buhoma was the emotional highlight. We will be back.”

Lisa & Tom H.Australia