Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide, who will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport. After a short briefing about the journey ahead, you’ll set off in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle toward Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The drive offers picturesque views of the countryside, rolling green hills, small towns, and rural villages that provide a glimpse into everyday Ugandan life. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for a fun photo opportunity and a brief explanation of this geographical marvel. You may also choose to have lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara, where local Ankole culture is beautifully preserved. The final stretch of the drive takes you through the lush tea plantations of Bushenyi before descending into the Great Rift Valley where Queen Elizabeth National Park lies. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, unwind, and soak in the scenic views of the savannah plains. You will spend the night listening to the distant calls of wildlife under a starlit African sky.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Rise early for a morning game drive in the northern Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife areas. The early hours are the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards as they hunt or patrol their territory. The park is home to a variety of animals including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and warthogs, all of which roam freely through the acacia-dotted landscape. Your guide will help you identify the different species and interpret their behavior, turning your game drive into an educational and thrilling experience. After a few hours of exploration, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This cruise is a highlight of the safari and provides a close-up view of hundreds of hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles basking on the shores, and elephants drinking along the banks. The Kazinga Channel is also a birder’s paradise, with species such as African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, herons, and pelicans in abundance. The combination of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in one viewing experience makes this a truly magical moment in your safari.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, you will depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, driving through the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This remote and less-visited area is famous for its population of tree-climbing lions—an unusual behavior rarely seen in other parts of Africa. If you are lucky, you may spot them lounging in the branches of fig trees as you pass through. The journey from Ishasha to Bwindi takes you through scenic landscapes of terraced hills, banana plantations, and traditional homesteads as you ascend into the highlands of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival at your lodge near Bwindi, you will check in and take the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax in your forest lodge as the cool mountain air surrounds you, or opt for a short guided nature walk or cultural visit to the local Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life. Dinner is served as you prepare for the next day’s main event—your encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari and an experience that few travelers will ever forget. After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park headquarters where you will receive a detailed briefing about gorilla trekking procedures, safety guidelines, and the behavior of gorillas. Once you are assigned a gorilla family group and allocated a ranger guide, you’ll begin your trek into the dense forest. The trek can be physically demanding, ranging from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is immeasurable. As you make your way through steep slopes, thick vines, and muddy trails, your guide will point out interesting plants, bird species, and signs of other forest animals. When you finally locate the gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend one full hour with them observing their behaviors, photographing them, and simply taking in the awe of being in their presence. Watching a silverback beat his chest, juveniles tumble in play, or a mother cradle her infant is both humbling and inspiring. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day. You may choose to enjoy a massage or simply sit on your veranda and listen to the forest sounds. In the evening, a warm dinner and stories around the fireplace will complete your perfect day in the wild.

Day 5: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

On your final day, enjoy breakfast with the forest mist still clinging to the treetops, then begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. Although it’s a long drive, the route is scenic and culturally rich, with more opportunities for photo stops, roadside markets, and traditional crafts. You’ll retrace your steps through the Ankole cattle corridor, with its striking long-horned cattle and wide savannah landscapes. A lunch stop will be made en route, and you will also have time to stop again at the Equator for last-minute shopping or a coffee break. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. As you say goodbye to Uganda, you’ll take with your unforgettable memories of wildlife, landscapes, and the gentle gaze of a mountain gorilla—an experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.