5 Days Uganda Safari

Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure begins as your guide meets you in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. After a warm welcome, you will begin your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda, approximately 6–7 hours from Kampala. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful rural landscapes, local villages, and small towns, all offering a glimpse of Uganda’s diverse cultures and ways of life.

En route, you may also stop at the equator for some photos and souvenirs. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited parks, known for its impressive wildlife and stunning scenery, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests. The park is home to over 95 species of mammals and more than 600 species of birds.

Upon arrival at the park, you will be transferred to your accommodation within the park or in its vicinity. You will spend the night in either a luxury lodge or a mid-range safari camp, both offering excellent amenities and beautiful views of the park.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise

The second day of your safari is dedicated to wildlife exploration within the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The day begins early with a game drive, offering the chance to see an array of wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, and various antelope species, along with an incredible diversity of birdlife. Your experienced guide will navigate the park’s diverse terrains, stopping at key points to help you spot animals and explain their behaviors.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from open savannahs and wetlands to forests and volcanic craters. You will explore the famous Kasenyi plains, where a variety of animals gather to graze. There is also a chance to see primates like chimpanzees, baboons, and various species of monkeys.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective on wildlife, allowing you to get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds such as pelicans, kingfishers, and herons. The cruise is also a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the park from the water.

After the boat cruise, you will return to your accommodation to unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Game Drive in Ishasha to See Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, you will head south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare and elusive tree-climbing lions. These lions have adapted to climbing trees, an unusual behavior not often seen in other lion populations. The game drive in Ishasha offers you the chance to witness this rare spectacle while also observing other wildlife in the area, such as elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species.

Ishasha is a unique part of the park, with its acacia trees providing a perfect vantage point for the lions to rest. Your guide will take you to the best spots where these majestic animals are often spotted lounging on the branches of the trees.

In the afternoon, you will continue your journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for being one of the most important habitats for mountain gorillas. The transfer will take approximately 3–4 hours, passing through beautiful rolling hills and scenic landscapes typical of Uganda’s southwestern region.

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you will check in at your lodge, which will be located near the park entrance. Relax for the evening in preparation for the next day’s exciting adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Visit to the Batwa Pygmies

Day four is the highlight of your safari: tracking the world-famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek begins early in the morning with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will provide essential information on gorilla trekking rules and safety protocols. Afterward, you will be divided into small groups, each accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, and head into the dense forest to search for the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience. As you hike through the mist-covered forest, you will encounter breathtaking views of the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, so it’s essential to be prepared for a moderate to challenging hike.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have an hour to observe these gentle giants up close as they interact, feed, and rest. The gorillas’ presence is both humbling and awe-inspiring, and the experience is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous group that once lived as hunters and gatherers in the forest. The Batwa people will guide you through their traditional way of life, sharing their knowledge of the forest and their unique cultural practices. This cultural experience provides an insight into Uganda’s diverse heritage and offers an opportunity for meaningful interaction with the local people.

You will return to your lodge in the evening for a restful night after the thrilling adventures of the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kampala for Departure

On the final day of your safari, you will have breakfast at your lodge before starting the journey back to Kampala. The drive will take around 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, you may stop for a lunch break and enjoy some final views of Uganda’s rolling hills and countryside.

Upon arrival in Kampala, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your departure arrangements. Your Uganda Safari comes to a close, but the memories of this incredible adventure will last a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch