4-Day Uganda Safari – Queen Elizabeth NP & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
trip overview
Meet the mountain gorillas, with Queen Elizabeth wildlife on the way.
This 4-day Uganda safari combines the savannah wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You'll cruise the Kazinga Channel, search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas, all in your own private 4x4 with a professional driver-guide.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you go each day, what you'll see, and where you sleep each night.
You'll stay at a lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park on Night 1 and at a lodge near Bwindi on Nights 2 and 3. Drive times are approximate and depend on road conditions.
Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early start, your guide collects you from your hotel or Entebbe Airport and you'll drive west across Uganda in your private 4x4, crossing the Equator and stopping for lunch along the way.
You'll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon and, time permitting, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, buffalo, elephants and birdlife gather along the banks. Dinner and overnight follow at your lodge.
Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Ishasha
You'll start with an early morning game drive across the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a chance to see elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob and lions.
You'll then drive south to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are often seen resting in the branches of fig trees. From there you'll continue to the Bwindi area, arriving in the evening for dinner and a briefing for tomorrow's trek.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, you'll meet your park rangers for a briefing, then set off in a small group with trackers through the dense forest to find a gorilla family. The terrain can be steep and muddy, and the time it takes depends on where the gorillas are that day.
When you find them, you'll spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, watching them feed, play and rest just metres away. You'll then trek back and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your lodge.
Bwindi to Entebbe — Safari Ends
After breakfast, you'll begin the long drive back to Entebbe, with stops for lunch and views along the way.
You'll arrive in Entebbe in the evening for your onward flight or hotel, marking the end of your gorilla safari.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 3 nights' accommodation: lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park (1 night) and lodge near Bwindi (2 nights)
- All meals during the safari, as listed above
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise and game drives
- Drinking water during game drives
- Pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance
- Uganda visa fees
- Tips for your driver-guide, rangers and lodge staff
- Optional porter for the gorilla trek
- Drinks not listed above and personal expenses
- Hotel nights before or after the safari
- Souvenirs
Important to know before booking
- Gorilla permits are limited and sell out well ahead of the season, so book early. The trekking sector in Bwindi depends on permit availability.
- You must be at least 15 years old to trek, and trekkers who are unwell, especially with a cold or flu, may be refused to protect the gorillas.
- Gorilla treks can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours on steep, muddy forest trails, so a good level of fitness helps. Hiring a porter is recommended.
- Days 1 and 4 involve long drives on Ugandan roads, so allow for a full day of travel. We recommend an evening departure flight on Day 4.
- Wildlife sightings, including tree-climbing lions, depend on the season and conditions, and cannot be guaranteed.
- A Uganda e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply through the official Uganda e-Visa portal at visas.immigration.go.ug well before travel.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Uganda. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic about this and about malaria prevention before you travel.
what to bring
Your packing list for the safari.
Bwindi's forest is cool, wet and muddy, so layers and sturdy boots are the key. Here's what to pack for the 4 days.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for the forest
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm fleece for cool forest mornings and evenings
- Quick-dry, neutral-coloured clothes
- Comfortable clothes for travel days
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Light gloves for gripping vegetation
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Long socks to tuck trousers into
- Sandals for the lodge
- Daypack with rain cover
- Binoculars
- Camera with no flash — flash is not allowed near gorillas
- Walking stick, if you like one
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Energy bars and snacks
- Toiletries
- Passport and Uganda e-Visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Travel insurance details
- Small US dollar notes for tips and a porter
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Light jacket for cool evenings in the highlands
- Smart-casual outfit for dinner
- Earplugs for light sleepers
- A book or journal for downtime
- Zip-lock bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Pack in a soft bag, as space in safari vehicles is limited. We'll confirm any luggage limits when you book.
- Dress in layers and wear long sleeves and trousers on the gorilla trek, as the forest is damp, muddy and full of vegetation.
- Hiring a porter at the park is recommended: they carry your daypack and help you on steep sections, and your fee supports local families.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4-day Uganda Safari 3 nights in lodges, all meals, park fees and gorilla permit included | $1,850 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the safari can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to meet the gorillas?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
Your safari starts in Entebbe on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport, and ends on Day 4 with a drop-off in Entebbe for your onward flight or hotel.
You'll stay at a lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park on Night 1, and at a lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on Nights 2 and 3.
Yes, your gorilla trekking permit is included in the price. Permits are limited and sell out early, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Treks can last from 1 to 8 hours on steep, muddy trails at altitude, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. Porters are available at the park, and you spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them.
Most nationalities need a Uganda e-Visa, available through the official portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required, so check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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