Overview
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and a taste of savanna safari come together in this 5-day Uganda itinerary, which shows the range of the country in a shorter, more manageable trip than our longer itineraries.
Days usually divide between trekking in Bwindi's forest and game drives in one of Uganda's more accessible savanna parks. The contrast is real: dense, close-up forest encounters with gorillas, then classic open-plains wildlife viewing.
As with any gorilla-trekking itinerary, confirm permit availability as early as possible. Uganda's permits are generally easier to get than Rwanda's, but they are still limited in number.
Our Uganda safari overview has more background, or contact us to check current permit availability.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (5 days)
Morning: You land at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide welcomes you.
Afternoon: Transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala to rest after the journey. Depending on when you arrive, you may be able to visit the nearby Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and see some local wildlife.
Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, and along the way you can admire Uganda's scenic landscapes.
Afternoon: Check in at your lodge inside the park and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, go on a game drive through the park, where you may spot a variety of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and more.
Evening: Go back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Morning: Following breakfast, go on a boat safari along the Nile River. The scenic cruise travels up the river to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species can be seen.
Afternoon: Step off the boat and hike up to the top of Murchison Falls. The hike takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and gives magnificent views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
Evening: Back at your lodge, enjoy dinner and relaxation.
Morning: Have breakfast at your lodge and then leave for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, and you can stop for lunch and enjoy the scenery on the way.
Afternoon: Check in at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, you go on a game drive through the park, with a chance to see wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more.
Evening: Go back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Morning: Eat an early breakfast, then go chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, where you can watch these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: Back at the lodge, have lunch and check out. Depending on when you depart, you might be able to stop at the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, on the way back to Entebbe.
Evening: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, ending your memorable Uganda safari.
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Kilimanjaro International Airport and ends in Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.