Safari Overview

This 5-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari begins in Kampala and takes you deep into Uganda’s most iconic national parks. You’ll trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — visit the Batwa pygmy community for an authentic cultural experience, and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Expect encounters with gorillas, elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, and countless bird species before returning to Kampala. This safari combines gorilla trekking with classic wildlife viewing in just five days, making it the perfect short Uganda safari for travellers with limited time who still want the complete Ugandan wilderness experience.

Safari Highlights

• 🦍 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – One magical hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family

• 👣 Batwa cultural visit – An authentic community experience with music, dance, and storytelling

• 🦁 Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Home to tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector

• 🛶 Kazinga Channel boat cruise – Hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds

• 🚙 Scenic drives through Uganda’s countryside – The Equator, tea plantations, and rolling hills

• 🛏️ Accommodation options – Budget, mid-range, or luxury lodges

2026/2027 Updated Permit Prices (Uganda Wildlife Authority)

Important 2026/2027 UWA Updates:

• Low-season discount: Gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents during April, May, and November 2026, saving $200 per person.

• Full payment at booking: From March 1, 2026, UWA suspended the 7-day provisional holding window — all permits now require full payment at the time of booking.

• 2027 tariff structure: The standard gorilla permit remains at $800 for foreign non-residents from January 1, 2027. Chimpanzee permits will increase to $300 for standard tracking and $400 for habituation experiences.

• No rescheduling of low-season permits: Discounted permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances.

5 Days Uganda Safari Cost

💡 Prices include the $800 gorilla trekking permit, accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, and main activities. Excludes flights, visas, tips, insurance, and optional extras like chimpanzee tracking. Group travel reduces per-person cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Early morning pickup in Kampala. Enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside with an en-route lunch stop at the Equator — a classic photo opportunity and a chance to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously.

Arrive in Bwindi in the evening. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site supporting almost half the world’s mountain gorillas, and it is arguably the best place anywhere in the world to track these charismatic, gentle giants through their misty forest home. The park is also home to 350 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley.

What to expect: A long but beautiful drive through tea plantations and rolling hills. Arrive in time for dinner and a briefing on tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

Tip: Carry a small daypack for tomorrow’s early departure. Charge camera batteries — your gorilla trekking day is tomorrow.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Buhoma Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp

• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Buhoma Haven Lodge / Silverback Lodge

• Luxury: Bwindi Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Visit

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast and a briefing at the ranger station, you’ll begin your gorilla trekking experience. Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight, but you are guaranteed one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family once found.

A maximum of 8 people are allowed per gorilla family per day, and the minimum age is 15 years old — strictly enforced by UWA rangers at the briefing. There is no maximum age limit, and seniors aged 60+ and 70+ can trek with a porter ($20) and a free walking stick.

In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience — a moving encounter with Uganda’s indigenous forest people featuring music, dance, and storytelling. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest and their traditional knowledge of the forest is remarkable.

What to expect: Intense emotional highs — the hour with gorillas is quietly powerful. Follow all ranger instructions, keep a distance of at least 7 metres from the gorillas, and never use flash photography.

Tip: Bring gardening gloves for the thick vegetation, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and a rain jacket. A porter can carry your bag and assist on slippery slopes — worth every dollar.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park — Uganda’s most popular safari destination. This savannah-dominated reserve is known for its conspicuous populations of lion, elephant, buffalo, and other iconic African creatures. It is also home to hippos on the Kazinga Channel, rainforests alive with chimps and monkeys, and crater lakes tinged pink by flocks of flamingo. Indeed, this is possibly the most biodiverse national park anywhere in East Africa.

Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy an evening game drive — the soft, warm light is ideal for photography, and most animals are out and about and active. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, and lions.

What to expect: A dramatic topography change from forest to savannah. Evening game drives are one of the best times for wildlife viewing.

Tip: Layer clothing for warm afternoons and cool game-drive evenings.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Bush Lodge / Simba Safari Camp

• Mid-range: Marafiki Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

• Luxury: Engazi Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains — the soft, early morning light is magical, and it may end up being your favourite time to be out on safari. Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, plus crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife. The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours and offers excellent photographic opportunities. Foreign non-residents pay $30 per person for the standard cruise.

What to expect: A water-side wildlife parade — prepare to be spoiled for animal variety.

Tip: Telephoto lens recommended; hippos have surprisingly expressive faces.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5: Return to Kampala

Enjoy breakfast and final game viewing en route as you depart Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lunch stop along the way in Mbarara or a roadside café.

Arrival in Kampala in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.

What to expect: Time to reflect, sort photos, and start planning your next trip back.

Tip: Leave space in luggage for last-minute souvenirs and the occasional rock of appreciation.

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

✅ Includes:

• Gorilla trekking permit ($800 for foreign non-residents; $600 in low season)

• Park entrance fees (Queen Elizabeth — $40/day for foreign non-residents)

• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

• 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide

• Bottled drinking water throughout

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise ($30 per person)

• Batwa cultural experience

• Free branded rain jacket per traveller

❌ Excludes:

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance

• Tips and personal expenses

• Optional activities (e.g., chimpanzee tracking, gorilla habituation experience)

• Drinks other than bottled water

Best Time to Go on This Uganda Safari

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer firmer trails, clearer views, and better wildlife spotting.

The low seasons of April, May, and November bring lower lodge rates, thinner crowds, and discounted gorilla permits — dropping to $600 for foreign non-residents. However, trails can be muddy and some roads may be challenging.

Pro tip: If your travel dates are flexible, booking a low-season safari can save you $200 per person on gorilla permits alone. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, so book with confidence once your dates are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Uganda gorilla permit cost in 2026?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents during high season, and $600 during the low-season months of April, May, and November. Foreign residents pay $700 (high season) or $500 (low season).

How long is the gorilla trekking experience?
Treks vary from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight. You get exactly one hour with the gorillas once found.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is 15 years old, strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers at the briefing. No exceptions are made in 2026-2027.

Can seniors do gorilla trekking?
Yes — there is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Seniors aged 70+ can trek with a porter ($20) and a free walking stick. The Buhoma and Ruhija sectors offer flatter trails and closer gorilla families.

Can I combine chimpanzee tracking with this safari?
Yes, this 5-day safari can be extended to include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. Contact us for a custom 7-day or 9-day itinerary.

What should I pack for this safari?
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a refillable water bottle.

Are the permits refundable or transferable?
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Why Choose This 5-Day Uganda Safari?

• Gorilla trekking + wildlife: Combines mountain gorilla trekking with classic wildlife safaris in one trip

• Perfect balance: Adventure, culture, and relaxation in just five days

• Flexible accommodation: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available

• Expert guides: English-speaking driver-guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife and culture

• Conservation impact: Your permit fees directly support gorilla conservation and local communities

• Free branded rain jacket: Every traveller receives a complimentary branded rain jacket

• Two top destinations: Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth — Uganda’s premier safari parks

Practical Notes and Packing Reminders

Daily rhythm: Expect early mornings, full days, and evenings for photo review and storytelling.

Clothing: Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, warm fleece for mornings, and long sleeves for forest protection.

Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots; gaiters useful in Bwindi.

Health: Bring malaria prophylaxis, required vaccinations, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Cash and connectivity: Bring sufficient local currency; network coverage will be intermittent.

Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles, respect wildlife rules, and favour operators who support conservation.

✅ Why Book With Us

• Licensed & Accredited: Registered with Uganda Tourism Board.

• Eco-Conscious: Lodges and activities support conservation and local communities.

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs — permits included.

• Expert Guides: English-speaking driver-guides with years of Uganda safari experience.

📌 Booking Instructions

1. Confirm Availability: Contact us for permit and lodge availability — permits sell out months in advance during peak season.

2. Secure Your Spot: Full payment is now required to secure permits, as the Uganda Wildlife Authority no longer holds reservations without payment.

3. Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure a valid passport, visa, and comprehensive travel insurance.

4. Pack Smart: Hiking boots, rain jacket, insect repellent, and binoculars recommended. We offer a free branded rain jacket per traveller.

5. Final Payment: Balance due before arrival.

Ready to Book Your 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari?

Contact us today to check availability, secure your gorilla permit, and customise this 5-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari to your travel dates and budget. Permits sell out months in advance during peak season, so early booking is essential. Full payment is now required to secure permits, as UWA no longer holds reservations without payment.

Book your 2026/2027 Uganda gorilla safari now and experience the adventure of a lifetime — from the misty forests of Bwindi to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.