5-Day Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari

This 5-day Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari takes you on an exciting journey through Uganda’s Savannah plains and forested highlands. The two parks are among Uganda’s top wildlife destinations, each offering unique experiences.

In Bwindi, you will trek mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa community. In Queen Elizabeth, you will enjoy a game drive, explore crater lakes, and take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Below is the full plan for this 5-day safari.

5-Day Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari Highlights

Start and end the safari in Kampala or Entebbe.
Visit two top destinations; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi and spend time watching them in their natural home.
Visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest life and culture.
Enjoy scenic drives through Uganda’s countryside and highlands.
Explore crater lakes near Queen Elizabeth National Park and learn about their stories.
Go for game drives in Kasenyi plains to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes.
Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Watch wildlife at the water’s edge during sunset.
Experience Uganda’s wildlife, nature, and culture in one exciting 5-day safari.

Brief 5-Day Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Batwa community visit
Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and crater lakes visit
Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise
Day 5: Return to Kampala – End of safari

Detailed 5-Day Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your driver guide for a short briefing about the safari. Begin the 8–9-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Stop on the way for lunch before continuing through scenic countryside and small towns.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Batwa community visit

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge. Drive to the park offices for a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules and safety. After the briefing, begin your trek through the forest in search of a gorilla family. When you find them, spend one hour watching them play, feed, and care for their young. Take photos and enjoy this special moment before heading back to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life. Meet the elders, listen to their stories, and watch their cultural dances and songs. After the visit, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and crater lakes visit

After breakfast, drive from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the highlands of Kigezi and enter the open Savannah plains. On arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch.

In the afternoon, visit some of the crater lakes near the park. Learn about the local legends surrounding their formation and see how they support the surrounding communities. Return to your lodge by evening for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise

Start the day with an early breakfast and head out for a morning game drive. Explore the Kasenyi plains and look out for animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. You may also see warthogs, waterbucks, oribis, reedbucks, Uganda kobs, and topis.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and many birds. Elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes often come to the water’s edge to drink. As the sun sets, enjoy the peaceful scenery before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Return to Kampala – End of safari

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive back to Kampala. Stop on the way for lunch before continuing your journey. Arrive in the city later in the day and proceed to the airport for your departure flight or to your final destination.

This marks the end of your 5-day Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.