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5-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking, Lake Bunyonyi & Queen Elizabeth Safari (Midrange Tour)

Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park • Lake Bunyonyi • Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Style: Midrange lodges and camps 

Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, small groups, and adventure seekers

Uganda’s Wild Heart in Five Days

This safari blends three of Uganda’s most iconic destinations into a compact, unforgettable journey. Trek through the misty jungles of Bwindi to meet endangered mountain gorillas, unwind by the island-dotted waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and explore the savannahs and wetlands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of thrill, tranquility, and discovery.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi

Drive Time: ~8–9 hours (with scenic stops) Activities:

  • Scenic Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Depart early and travel southwest through Uganda’s lush countryside, crossing the equator and passing tea plantations and rolling hills. Duration: Full-day transfer with lunch stop in Mbarara
  • Evening Relaxation at Lodge Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi and enjoy a quiet evening with views of the forest canopy. Duration: Flexible

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp 

Amenities: En-suite rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, forest views, restaurant & bar

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Activities:

  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing. Trek through dense forest with expert rangers to locate your assigned gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
  • Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi After lunch and rest, drive ~2–3 hours to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and cool climate. Duration: Afternoon transfer

Accommodation: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort / Arcadia Cottages 

Amenities: Lakeside views, restaurant, bar, canoe rentals, Wi-Fi

Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Drive Time: ~4–5 hours to Queen Elizabeth NP via Kabale and Ishasha Activities:

  • Morning Canoe Ride or Island Visit Explore the lake in a traditional dugout canoe, visiting Punishment Island or Kyahugye Island for birdwatching and cultural stories. Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Drive through the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions. Optional game viewing en route. Duration: 4–5 hours with wildlife stops

Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge 

Amenities: Panoramic views, en-suite rooms, pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi

Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Activities:

  • Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, and warthogs in the savannah. Your guide will help track wildlife and share ecological insights. Duration: 2.5–3 hours
  • Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the channel, famous for its dense population of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Drive Time: ~6–7 hours Activities:

  • Scenic Drive Back to Kampala or Entebbe Depart after breakfast, stopping for lunch and a photo opportunity at the equator monument. Duration: Full-day transfer
  • Optional Airport Drop-Off or Overnight Stay Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt for an overnight stay in Entebbe or Kampala. Duration: Flexible

Key Tour Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest
  • Canoe ride and island visits on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP’s savannah plains
  • Boat safari on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel
  • Scenic drives through Uganda’s highlands and tea estates

Major Attractions

Destination
Highlight
Bwindi Impenetrable NPMountain gorillas, rainforest trekking
Lake BunyonyiCanoeing, birdwatching, island visits
Queen Elizabeth NPBig game viewing, boat cruise, tree-climbing lions

Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person)
  • All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
  • 4 nights midrange accommodation
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Park entry fees and ranger guides
  • Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Uganda visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Alcoholic beverages

Accommodation Overview

Lodge Name
Location
Key Amenities
Ichumbi Gorilla LodgeBwindiForest views, hot showers, Wi-Fi
Birdnest @ Bunyonyi ResortLake BunyonyiLakeside dining, canoe rentals, Wi-Fi
Twin Lakes Safari LodgeQueen Elizabeth NPPanoramic views, pool, en-suite rooms

Ready to Trek, Cruise, and Explore Uganda’s Wild Wonders?

Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, this midrange safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion.

Inquire now

Book your safari

Request a customized itinerary  

Email: info@nileabenteuer.com

Website: www.nileabenteuersafaris.com 

Call: +256 393 000382

WhatsApp: +256 742 603325

Let Uganda move you.