5 day Uganda short gorilla safari with Queen Elizabeth national park
This 5-day Uganda short gorilla safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for mountain gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruises, with a stop at the Uganda Equator en route. You'll track gorillas through misty jungles, spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and cruise past hippo-filled waterways all while traveling through Uganda's most spectacular wilderness areas in just four action-packed days.
This 5-day Uganda adventure combines two of Africa's most incredible wildlife experiences into one unforgettable short safari. You'll trek through misty jungles to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and then explore the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park - home to tree-climbing lions, hippos, and over 600 bird species. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this itinerary packs in gorilla encounters, thrilling game drives, and scenic boat cruises while minimizing unnecessary travel time. The journey also includes cultural highlights like visiting local communities and crossing the famous Uganda equator line, giving you a well-rounded taste of Uganda's natural wonders in just four action-packed days.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and transfer Bwindi national park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural tour
Day 3:Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National park and boat cruise
Day 4: morning Game Drive and Chimps trekking
Day 5: Return to Entebbe, last minute shopping and departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Uganda Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival at Entebbe and transfer Bwindi national park
Your short gorilla safari starts right after landing in Entebbe. You will hit the road immediately making the 8-9 hour drive to Bwindi more enjoyable with strategic stops. The Uganda Equator crossing is not just a photo place but it's where you will learn why water swirls differently in each hemisphere. Pack snacks and a neck pillow for the ride, as the last stretch winds through rural villages where kids wave at passing cars. This transfer day is long but necessary to position you perfectly for tomorrow's short gorilla safari highlight, with your lodge just minutes from the park gates.
- Day2Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural tour
Today is the reason you chose this short gorilla safari meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The trek can take 2-8 hours depending on where the gorillas are feeding, but your guide will set a comfortable pace. After your magical hour with the gorillas, the Batwa cultural visit adds depth to your short gorilla safari, showing how Uganda's original forest people lived sustainably alongside these animals. Wear broken-in hiking boots and bring gardening gloves – the forest terrain is steep and sometimes muddy.
- Day3Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National park and afternoon boat cruise
Leaving the mountains behind, your short gorilla safari transitions to savanna country. The 4-5 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park reveals how Uganda's landscapes dramatically change. The afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel is the perfect relaxed activity after yesterday's trek – you'll see hundreds of hippos and elephants drinking at the shore. This day proves your short gorilla safari delivers more than just primates, with minimal driving compared to similar itineraries.
- Day4Morning Game Drive and Chimps trekking
Your short gorilla safari now serves up classic African wildlife. The morning game drive targets lions hunting in Kasenyi Plains, while afternoon chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge offers intimate primate viewing at eye-level. Unlike the gorilla trek, chimp walks are faster-paced as they swing through trees – have your camera ready. This balanced day shows why combining Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth works so well in a short gorilla safari format.
- Day5Return to Entebbe, last minute shopping and departure
The final drive back (6-7 hours) makes your short gorilla safari logistically simple. You will retrace your route with lunch stops, arriving in Entebbe with time for craft shopping at markets near the airport. Flights after 6pm work best for this short gorilla safari, letting you squeeze in every experience without rush. It's a straightforward ending to a trip that packs Uganda's best wildlife into just five efficient days.