5-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari: Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Overview:
This 5-day safari begins in Entebbe and takes you to two of Uganda’s most iconic national parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and many bird species.

The tour includes game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, and community walks. You’ll also get to experience local culture and interact with the community. The tour covers transportation, accommodation, meals, and park fees.

This adventure is ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore the best of Uganda’s natural beauty.

Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your guide from Zootopia Game Drives will meet you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel to begin your 5-day safari.

After a briefing, you’ll embark on a 6-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda, passing through scenic landscapes of lakes, rivers, mountains, and national parks. Along the way, you’ll see the famed Ankole cattle and get a glimpse of local life in the countryside.

Stops include the equator crossing, the Igongo Cultural Centre, and local markets for fresh tropical fruits. You’ll have lunch at the Igongo Cultural Centre before continuing to the park.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Moderate: Parkview Lodge
• Basic: Simba Safari Camp or Engiri Bush Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Set off early for a morning game drive to catch sight of nocturnal animals and early risers before they retreat. You’ll explore either the Kasenyi or Mweya plains, with chances to spot lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of birds.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife magnet with a rich variety of bird species, crocodiles, elephants, and hippos.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Moderate: Parkview Lodge
• Basic: Simba Safari Camp or Engiri Bush Lodge

Pic: Kazinga Channel Boat cruise

Day 3: Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, head for a game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Uganda is one of only three places in the world where you can see this rare behavior. You’ll spot lions lounging in fig and acacia trees before departing for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Lunch will be along the way, and once you arrive at your lodge in Bwindi, you can unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Gorilla Resort Camp or Gorilla Forest Camp
• Mid-range: Lake Kitandara Tented Camp or Silverback Lodge
• Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas or Wagtail Safari Camp

Pic: Climbing lions in Ishasha

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Visit to Batwa Pygmy Community

Your gorilla trekking experience begins with a 7:00 am briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned to one of the 15 habituated gorilla families based on your fitness level. Trekking through Bwindi’s dense forest is challenging but rewarding, offering a chance to observe gorillas in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife like chimpanzees, birds, and butterflies.

Pic: Gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable N.P

After spending an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, visit the Batwa pygmy community, where you’ll learn about their history as forest dwellers and experience traditional dances and songs.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Gorilla Resort Camp or Gorilla Forest Camp
• Mid-range: Lake Kitandara Tented Camp or Silverback Lodge
• Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas or Wagtail Safari Camp

Pic: Batwa community in the Nkuringo sector in Bwindi impenetrable N.P

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, your guide will pick you up for the 8-hour drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. On the way, you’ll stop at the equator crossing, the Igongo Cultural Centre, and the Buganda Royal Drum Makers to witness their craftsmanship.

Your guide will drop you at either Entebbe Airport or your hotel.

End of Tour