5 Day Uganda Gorilla and Game Safari From Kigali – Overview

5 days Uganda gorilla & game safari from Kigali combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the big game tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a short Uganda safari uniquely designed to allow you meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat and combine the jungle experience with savanna wildlife encounter which includes sighting the big game such as elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions (plus tree climbing lions at Ishasha), alongside numerous birds.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located Southwest of Uganda, you will engage mainly on guided mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa community tour. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will have two game drives and launch cruise excursion along the Kazinga channel.

Brief itinerary of 5 days Uganda gorilla & game safari from Kigali

• Day 1: Kigali – Queen Elizabeth National Park via Chanika or Katuna border
• Day 2: Day guided game drive Kasenyi & launch cruise excursion
• Day 3: Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha game drive – Bwindi NP
• Day 4: Gorilla trekking, Batwa pygmy cultural tour
• Day 5: Bwindi – Kigali via Kisoro/Kabale

Detailed itinerary of 5 days Uganda gorilla & game safari from Kigali

Day 1: Kigali – Queen Elizabeth National Park via Chanika or Katuna border

Leave the hotel in a 4×4 vehicle for Queen Elizabeth National Park through Katuna or Chanika border. Drive via Kabale to Bunyarunguru a renowned area with spectacular crater lakes, have the breathtaking view of the rift valley as you access Queen Elizabeth National Park. Get to the lodge early, relax and after have a short game drive to see lots of antelopes, large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards.

Accommodation

• Budget: Simba Safari Camp/Bush Lodge tents
• Mid-range: Elephant Plains/Bush Lodge
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge

Day 2: Day guided game drive Kasenyi & launch cruise excursion

Early morning guided game drive starts after breakfast and by 7:00am, you head off to Kasenyi plains for game viewing 2-3 hours. Expected animal sightings will include buffaloes, lions, elephants, leopards, warthogs, birds and more, then you will return for lunch.

A boat cruise in the afternoon takes you 2-3 hours via Kazinga channel, an area known for its numerous hippos, crocodiles, aquatic birds and opportunity to see other wildlife. The rest of the evening will be spent relaxing, dine and overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Budget: Simba Safari Camp/Bush Lodge tents
• Mid-range: Elephant Plains/Bush Lodge
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha game drive – Bwindi NP

After breakfast, transfer to Ishasha in a 4×4 vehicle with pop up roof and the tree climbing lions will be your target animal sightings plus other grazing wildlife. Drive to a hotel – Savanna Resort Hotel for en-route before you get to Bwindi to check in at the lodge for overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Buhoma sector)
• Mid-range: Engagi Lodge
• Luxury: Mahogany Springs or Buhoma Lodge

Day 4: Gorilla trekking, Batwa pygmy cultural tour

Breakfast early morning, followed by briefing on gorilla trekking rules starting at 7:00am and allocation of gorilla groups. Tracking Bwindi mountain gorillas takes 2-6 hours starting at 8:00am and once you locate these apes, you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour while taking photos. After, you will walk back and a gorilla trekking certificate will be given to you.

In the evening, either you can visit the Bakiga community or Batwa pygmies’ community for cultural experience. Learn the distinct cultures, traditions, practices and also have great entertainment from the renowned forest keepers – the Batwa.

Accommodation

• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Buhoma sector)
• Mid-range: Engagi Lodge
• Luxury: Mahogany Springs or Buhoma Lodge

Day 5: Bwindi – Kigali via Kisoro/Kabale

Enjoy a hefty breakfast, after, leave Bwindi for Kigali connecting via Kabale- Katuna border 3-5 hours’ drive. Arrive early at Kigali, undertake a short city tour or be dropped to a hotel or airport.

End of safari

Safari price includes

• Gorilla permits
• All park entrance fees
• Driver/guide services
• 4×4 vehicle for transportation
• Accommodation (4nights) & meals
• All trip activities covered in the package except any optional
• Bottled water on road trip

Safari price excludes

• Visas
• Passport
• Laundry
• Tips
• Shopping
• Telephone
• Extra accommodation or activities