Signature Safari

5 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park and Gorillas Budget Tour Uganda

The Experience

This 5 day budget safari in Uganda combines wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After arrival, you transfer to Queen Elizabeth where chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest, a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, and game drives introduce you to Uganda’s diverse wildlife. The third day begins with an early game drive followed by a visit to the Ishasha sector to see tree climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi. Day four is dedicated to gorilla trekking, with the option of a Batwa cultural visit or relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi in the afternoon. The final day includes a return drive to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator line. This itinerary balances primate tracking, game drives, culture, and budget friendly travel.

Duration5Days/4Days

Price00

DestinationsUganda

Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans

Overview

The Journey

Day by Day

Day01

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On arrival in Uganda, you will be met by your safari guide and begin the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The road trip takes about 6–7 hours, passing through towns, farmlands, and rolling hills. Along the way, you may stop for lunch before continuing to the park. By evening, you will check into your lodge near the park, have dinner, and rest. Staying close to the park ensures you are well prepared for the next day’s activities. This first day is mainly about settling in and positioning yourself for chimpanzee trekking and game drives. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

AccommodationLodge in Queen Elizabeth Park

Day02

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu, Boat Safari and Game Drive

After breakfast, head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking. Guided by rangers, you will track chimpanzees through the forest and spend time observing them in their natural habitat. The trek also offers chances to see other primates and forest birds. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a game drive across Queen Elizabeth National Park where you may spot buffaloes, antelopes, and predators. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

AccommodationLodge in Queen Elizabeth Park

Day03

Day 3: Early Game Drive, Tree Climbing Lions and Proceed to Bwindi

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the best time to see predators such as lions and leopards as they are most active at dawn. Afterward, transfer to the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Game drives here provide opportunities to see these lions resting in fig trees along with elephants and topis. Continue the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening. Check into your lodge near the park headquarters, have dinner, and rest in preparation for gorilla trekking the next day. Overnight stay in Bwindi.

AccommodationLodge in Bwindi

Day04

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa or Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, report to Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest with guides to track mountain gorillas. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but once found, you spend one hour observing their behavior. Watching them feed, play, and care for their young is a rare wildlife experience. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose between a Batwa cultural visit, where you learn about the traditions of the forest’s indigenous people, or a relaxing trip to Lake Bunyonyi. At the lake, you can enjoy canoe rides and peaceful views of terraced hills and islands. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

AccommodationLodge at Lake bunyonyi

Day05

Day 5: Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Entebbe. The route takes you through rural villages and farmlands, offering a glimpse of daily Ugandan life. A highlight of the return trip is a stop at the Equator line, where you can take photos, buy souvenirs, and learn about the geographical significance of this landmark. Lunch is enjoyed en route before continuing to Entebbe, arriving in time for your evening flight or onward travel. This marks the end of your five-day budget safari combining chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, and cultural or scenic highlights.

What's Included

Gorilla permit ($800 per person)

Chimpanzee trekking permits

Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 5

Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

English-speaking professional driver-guide

Meals

Accommodation

Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride or swimming experience

All relevant government taxes and fees

Not Included

International flights to/from Entebbe

Visa charges Uganda

Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage mandatory)

Domestic flight

Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

Alcoholic and soft drinks

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Any meals not explicitly stated as included

Begin Your Adventure

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