Overview

Experience the ultimate 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, combining an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi with an exciting wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This adventure takes you deep into Uganda’s most diverse landscapes, offering a chance to track mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Beyond wildlife encounters, this 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari includes a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you will witness hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. A cultural visit to the Batwa pygmy community adds a rich cultural experience to this unforgettable journey.

4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure Itinerary Highlight

• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend an hour observing these majestic creatures up close, including playful young gorillas and protective silverbacks.

• Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha: Witness the rare and fascinating behavior of lions lounging in trees, a unique spectacle found only in Uganda’s Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Experience the thrill of a boat safari, getting up close with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge: Venture into the „Valley of Apes“ for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience, observing these intelligent primates in their natural environment.

• Cultural Immersion with the Batwa Pygmies: Engage with the Batwa community to learn about their rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, storytelling, and ancient survival techniques.

This 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife safari adventure promises a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it a must-do safari in Uganda.

4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your safari adventure begins early in the morning as your guide picks you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The journey, approximately 8–9 hours, offers breathtaking views of Uganda’s rolling hills, lush greenery, and traditional villages.

Along the way, you will stop at the Equator in Kayabwe, where you will have the chance to take photos and witness the famous water experiment that demonstrates the hemisphere divide. This is also a great opportunity to browse local craft shops for souvenirs.

A lunch break is scheduled in Mbarara town at Igongo Cultural Centre, where you will enjoy a delicious meal while learning about Ankole traditions and culture.

After lunch, the drive continues towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, relax, and later head out for an optional cultural visit to the Batwa pygmy community, where you will experience their traditional dances, storytelling, and ancient survival techniques.

Dinner and an overnight stay at your preferred lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The highlight of your safari begins early in the morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers will provide essential information on gorilla behavior, safety precautions, and trekking rules before you embark on your trek into the dense rainforest.

Gorilla trekking can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family. The hike involves navigating through thick vegetation, steep hills, and muddy trails, but the reward of seeing mountain gorillas up close makes every effort worthwhile.

Once you find the gorilla family, you will have one magical hour to observe their behaviors, interactions, and playful gestures. Watching a silverback protect his family, a mother nursing her infant, or young gorillas swinging from branches is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The rest of the afternoon can be spent enjoying the lodge amenities, taking nature walks, or simply reflecting on the incredible experience.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, you will leave Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous wildlife destination. The drive takes you through the Ishasha sector, home to the rare tree-climbing lions, which are often seen resting in fig trees. If lucky, you may spot these majestic predators lounging in the branches as you drive through this unique part of the park.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later in the afternoon, prepare for an exciting boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.

The boat safari offers close encounters with large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, herds of buffalo, and elephants quenching their thirst at the water’s edge. Bird lovers will also enjoy sightings of African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill stork.

After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Game Drive & Transfer to Kampala

The final day of the safari offers two exciting options:

Option 1: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Wake up early and transfer to Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the „Valley of Apes,“ for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience. This underground forest is home to a habituated chimpanzee community, and the trek offers an opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment, swinging through trees, feeding, and communicating with one another.

Option 2: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains

Alternatively, you can opt for a game drive in the Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and the elusive leopard. Early morning is the best time for wildlife sightings, as animals are most active before the heat of the day sets in.

After the morning activity, you will embark on a scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, with a lunch stop en route. Arrival is expected in the evening, where you will be dropped off at either your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.

This marks the end of an unforgettable 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari.