5-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park • Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trip Summary
- •Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- •Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- •Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- •Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
- •Intimate safari lodges with spectacular views
- •Optional lion tracking with research group
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
Nett prices · exclude gorilla permit
| Group size | High season | Low season |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $2,560 | $2,465 |
| 3 people | $2,115 | $2,035 |
| 4 people | $1,890 | $1,820 |
| 6 people | $1,755 | $1,690 |
| Single supplement | +$415 | +$405 |
Gorilla permit not included (add $800 high season / $600 low season per person). Low season: April, May, November.
The Porcupine Difference
Family-run, Tanzanian-grounded
Johannes and Jacqueline Weigl live this country. Your guide grew up in these landscapes — not a call centre abroad.
Direct booking, no middlemen
Book with us directly for transparent pricing and personal communication from first enquiry to final transfer.
Every trip supports St. Jude
A portion of every safari funds the School of St. Jude in Arusha — education for nearly 1,800 children.
What's Included
- Private 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as specified (shared twin/double room)
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
- All national park entrance fees and ranger fees
- All activities and excursions listed in the programme
- Detailed map of Uganda
- AMREF Flying Doctors Emergency Insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Uganda visa (USD $50, available online or upon arrival)
- Gorilla permit (USD $800 high season / $600 low season per person)
- Optional lion tracking ($220 per person)
- Optional domestic flight Kihihi–Entebbe ($334 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Optional Add-ons
- +Gorilla Permit – High Season: $800 per person - Required for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Valid June–October and December–March.
- +Gorilla Permit – Low Season: $600 per person - Required for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Valid April, May and November.
- +Optional Lion Tracking: $220 per person - Join the Uganda Carnivore Programme research team to track radio-collared lions in Queen Elizabeth NP.
- +Domestic Flight Kihihi–Entebbe: $334 per person - One-way scenic bush flight from Kihihi airstrip (near Bwindi) back to Entebbe. Saves approximately 8 hours of driving.
Essential Travel Info
- Uganda requires a single-entry visa of USD $50, available online at the Uganda Immigration website or upon arrival at Entebbe Airport.
- If combining Uganda with Rwanda and/or Kenya, consider the East African Tourist Visa ($100) for 90-day multiple-entry access.
- Book gorilla permits well in advance — especially for high season — as they sell out quickly.
- Only 8 visitors per gorilla family group per day are allowed, making it an exclusively intimate experience.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
- Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date
- a yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory for entry into Uganda.
Safari Overview
An extraordinary 5-day journey that captures the very best of Uganda's wildlife riches. Begin in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Africa's most biodiverse protected areas, where 95 mammal species roam sweeping savannahs, sunken crater lakes, and fever-tree woodlands. A morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains puts you in the path of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and the endearing Uganda kob — and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel delivers one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife experiences, with the world's highest concentration of hippos and over 600 bird species.
From Queen Elizabeth, your journey winds south through the green hills of southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient equatorial rainforest. Here, almost half the world's remaining mountain gorillas make their home. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: guided by expert trackers into the misty forest, you'll spend one precious hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family, observing silverbacks, mothers with their young, and playful juveniles going about their daily lives in the wild.
This safari is designed for travelers who want both the classic African savannah experience and the deeply moving encounter with great apes — all within a compact, logistically smooth 5-day itinerary. Led by experienced English-speaking driver-guides, travel is in a private 4WD Land Cruiser. Accommodation is in intimate, well-positioned lodges that put you as close to nature as possible.
Adventure Highlights
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek through Bwindi's ancient rainforest to spend one hour face-to-face with a habituated mountain gorilla family — one of nature's most profound wildlife encounters.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
Search the open savannah plains around Kasenyi for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Two-hour cruise along the 33 km Kazinga Channel where hippos, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes, and over 600 bird species line the banks.
UNESCO World Heritage Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shelters almost half the world's remaining mountain gorillas and 9 other primate species in pristine equatorial rainforest.
Rwenzori Mountain Backdrop
Queen Elizabeth National Park's landscapes are framed by the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary 'Mountains of the Moon'.
Conservation Impact
Your safari directly supports gorilla conservation and benefits Buhoma community members who protect these endangered primates every day.
Photo Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe – Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 470 km / 7 hrs)
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and set off westward toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, stop at the Equator for photos and visit the Royal Drum Makers before pausing for lunch at a local restaurant in Mbarara. You arrive at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge late afternoon, perched on the Kichwamba Escarpment with sweeping views over the park's southern plains — the perfect setting for sundowners before dinner.
Day 2: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The day begins early with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, the mating ground of the Uganda kob, in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and time to relax before lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel — a 33 km natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect outstanding wildlife sightings: massive herds of hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and a remarkable variety of water birds.
Optional: Lion Tracking with Research Group:
Join researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Programme for a unique bush walk to track and observe lions fitted with radio collars. Fascinating insight into lion conservation.
$220 per person
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth NP – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approx. 200 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector — famous for its tree-climbing lions — and drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The landscape transforms as you climb into the misty mountains of southwestern Uganda, arriving at Haven Lodge Buhoma Community in the late afternoon. This community-owned lodge sits right at the forest edge, where you may already hear the distant sounds of Bwindi's forest at dusk. Your guide will brief you on gorilla trekking etiquette and what to expect tomorrow.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
The highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the national park headquarters where ranger guides will assign you to a habituated gorilla family in groups of no more than 8 visitors. After a pre-trek briefing on gorilla behavior and safety, you drive to the trailhead and enter the ancient rainforest. Trekking time varies from 2–8 hours depending on gorilla movement — the forest can be steep and muddy, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. The reward is extraordinary: one full hour in the presence of mountain gorillas as they feed, groom, play, and care for their young. The silverback's calm authority and the juveniles' playfulness make this one of the most profoundly moving wildlife experiences on Earth. Don't forget your passport for registration, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, and long sleeves to protect against stinging nettles.
Day 5: Bwindi – Entebbe Departure
After an early breakfast, begin the drive back to Entebbe for your international departure flight. The journey winds through the beautiful hill country of southwestern Uganda, past tea estates and terraced farmland. Connect with your onward flight home, carrying memories of mountain gorillas, vast savannahs, and the incredible wildlife of Uganda.
Midrange Accommodations
Lodging for the midrange tier — switch tier on the route map above.
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Owner-managed lodge on the Kichwamba Escarpment with wood-and-canvas cottages, private balconies, and sweeping views over Queen Elizabeth National Park's southern plains.
Haven Lodge Buhoma Community
Community-owned lodge at the edge of Bwindi forest. Your stay directly supports local livelihoods and mountain gorilla conservation.
Trusted by travellers worldwide
Real guests. Real safaris.
“Loved the tours loved the people from Jackson and Jacqueline for organizing it. Loved everything about this tour and the people enjoyed all the wonderful animals and my tour guides Danford and Jackson were awesome will be back for more next year.”
“Porcupine Tours transformed our adventure into an unforgettable journey. Jacqueline orchestrated every detail perfectly. Our guides Dickson and Hussein made every game drive educational and joyful. They exceeded our expectations – wholeheartedly recommended!”
What to Expect
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is one of the most physically demanding — and most rewarding — activities in African wildlife tourism. Treks typically last between 2 and 8 hours in steep, sometimes muddy rainforest. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Pack waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and long-sleeved tops (protection against stinging nettles and vegetation), a light rain jacket, and gardening gloves for gripping vegetation on steep slopes. Bring your passport for registration at the park gate. Most lodges provide walking sticks. A small waterproof daypack for water, snacks, and camera protection is strongly recommended. Children under 15 are not permitted on gorilla treks. The effort is absolutely worth it — coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla silverback is an experience that stays with you forever.
Best Time to Visit
Uganda offers year-round gorilla trekking, but the two dry seasons provide the best conditions. The main dry season runs from June to September; the shorter dry season covers December to February. Trails are drier, the forest is easier to navigate, and photography is better in clear weather. The rainy months of April, May, and November are designated low season — treks are muddier and harder, but permits are cheaper ($600) and lodges are quieter. For wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dry seasons are also optimal as animals congregate around water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the gorilla permit is not included and must be added to the tour price. It costs USD $800 per person during high season (June–October, December–March) and USD $600 per person during low season (April, May, November). Gorilla permits must be secured with a deposit and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend booking well in advance.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires moderate to strenuous physical fitness. Treks typically last between 2 and 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. The terrain is steep, the forest floor is often muddy, and you may need to push through dense vegetation. Good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, long trousers, a rain jacket, and a walking stick (provided at the lodge) are essential. Children under 15 years are not permitted. Despite the effort, virtually every guest says it is the most extraordinary wildlife experience of their life.
This safari is possible year-round, but the dry seasons offer the most comfortable conditions. The main dry season (June–September) is the most popular and gorilla permits sell out fastest. The shorter dry season (December–February) is also excellent. During the low season (April, May, November), the forest is muddier and wetter, but permits are cheaper and lodges quieter. Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park is generally good throughout the year.
Only 8 visitors per habituated gorilla family group are permitted each day. This strictly limited access makes gorilla trekking one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world. The small group size minimizes human impact on the gorillas and ensures an intimate, unhurried encounter.
Yes. A single-entry Uganda visa costs USD $50 and can be applied for online through the Uganda Immigration website, or obtained upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. If you plan to combine Uganda with Rwanda and/or Kenya, the East African Tourist Visa ($100) provides 90-day multiple entry to all three countries and is excellent value.
Trip Summary
- •Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- •Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- •Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- •Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
- •Intimate safari lodges with spectacular views
- •Optional lion tracking with research group
Day-by-Day Overview
2026 Pricing (USD per person)
Nett prices · exclude gorilla permit
| Group size | High season | Low season |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $2,560 | $2,465 |
| 3 people | $2,115 | $2,035 |
| 4 people | $1,890 | $1,820 |
| 6 people | $1,755 | $1,690 |
| Single supplement | +$415 | +$405 |
Gorilla permit not included (add $800 high season / $600 low season per person). Low season: April, May, November.
The Porcupine Difference
Family-run, Tanzanian-grounded
Johannes and Jacqueline Weigl live this country. Your guide grew up in these landscapes — not a call centre abroad.
Direct booking, no middlemen
Book with us directly for transparent pricing and personal communication from first enquiry to final transfer.
Every trip supports St. Jude
A portion of every safari funds the School of St. Jude in Arusha — education for nearly 1,800 children.
What's Included
- Private 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as specified (shared twin/double room)
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
- All national park entrance fees and ranger fees
- All activities and excursions listed in the programme
- Detailed map of Uganda
- AMREF Flying Doctors Emergency Insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Uganda visa (USD $50, available online or upon arrival)
- Gorilla permit (USD $800 high season / $600 low season per person)
- Optional lion tracking ($220 per person)
- Optional domestic flight Kihihi–Entebbe ($334 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Optional Add-ons
- +Gorilla Permit – High Season: $800 per person - Required for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Valid June–October and December–March.
- +Gorilla Permit – Low Season: $600 per person - Required for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Valid April, May and November.
- +Optional Lion Tracking: $220 per person - Join the Uganda Carnivore Programme research team to track radio-collared lions in Queen Elizabeth NP.
- +Domestic Flight Kihihi–Entebbe: $334 per person - One-way scenic bush flight from Kihihi airstrip (near Bwindi) back to Entebbe. Saves approximately 8 hours of driving.
Essential Travel Info
- Uganda requires a single-entry visa of USD $50, available online at the Uganda Immigration website or upon arrival at Entebbe Airport.
- If combining Uganda with Rwanda and/or Kenya, consider the East African Tourist Visa ($100) for 90-day multiple-entry access.
- Book gorilla permits well in advance — especially for high season — as they sell out quickly.
- Only 8 visitors per gorilla family group per day are allowed, making it an exclusively intimate experience.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
- Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date
- a yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory for entry into Uganda.
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Experience one of the world's most profound wildlife encounters in Uganda's ancient montane rainforest - home to nearly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Trek through dense jungle to sit within meters of habituated gorilla families, observing their remarkably human behaviors. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects 459 gorillas across 20+ habituated families.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Discover Uganda's most visited savanna park, where diverse ecosystems create extraordinary wildlife density. Famous for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos and elephants, and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. This 1,978 km² park offers classic African safari combined with unique Ugandan experiences.
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