5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Mburo Safari

This itinerary includes 1 night in Entebbe on arrival, 2 nights near Bwindi or Mgahinga for gorilla trekking, and 1 night in Lake Mburo National Park. It combines a mountain gorilla encounter with a wildlife safari before returning to Entebbe or Kampala.

Tour Description

Discover the highlights of southwestern Uganda on this 5-day adventure. Begin with a relaxing overnight stay in Entebbe before travelling to the mountain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The main highlight is gorilla trekking, an incredible opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After your time in the forest, continue to Lake Mburo National Park, where you can enjoy a different side of Uganda’s wildlife, with opportunities to see zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes and other animals.

Choose from budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your preferences. The safari is arranged with a private 4×4 vehicle and an English-speaking driver-guide, with the itinerary planned around your gorilla permit location.

Tour Highlights

• One night in Entebbe on arrival

• Two nights near Bwindi or Mgahinga

• Mountain gorilla trekking experience

• Visit Lake Mburo National Park

• Wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes

• Optional nature walk or boat activity at Lake Mburo, subject to availability

• Budget, mid-range and luxury lodge options

• Private safari vehicle and professional driver-guide

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari driver-guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax after your journey and prepare for the safari ahead.

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Airport Guesthouse

• Mid-Range: No.5 Boutique Hotel

• Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

Meal plan: Dinner, depending on arrival time.

Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga

After breakfast, depart for southwestern Uganda. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, with a lunch stop along the way. Continue to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

On arrival, check in and relax. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking activity.

Accommodation options for Bwindi:

• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

• Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

• Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Accommodation options for Mgahinga:

• Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

• Mid-Range: Lake Mutanda Resort

• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. Begin your guided trek through the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and forest conditions. Once you find them, you will be allowed to spend up to one hour observing their behaviour and interactions.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax. If time and energy permit, you may arrange an optional community visit.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Bwindi or Mgahinga to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, leave the gorilla region and travel towards Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you pass through southwestern Uganda, with stops along the way as time allows.

Arrive at your lodge near the park and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional evening game drive or relax at the lodge.

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Eagles Nest

• Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock

• Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Lake Mburo Safari and Return to Entebbe or Kampala

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Look out for zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes and other wildlife. Depending on your interests and available time, a guided nature walk or another park activity may be arranged at an additional cost.

Later, begin the return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. You may stop at the Equator for photographs and a short visit, depending on your route and schedule.

Transfer to your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch.

Package Includes

• 1 night accommodation in Entebbe

• 2 nights accommodation near Bwindi or Mgahinga

• 1 night accommodation near Lake Mburo National Park

• Gorilla trekking permit for the selected park

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Fuel for the safari

• Airport pickup on arrival

• Transfer to the airport or hotel on departure

• Park entrance fees for activities included in the itinerary

• Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

• Drinking water during the safari

• Activities specifically mentioned as included

• Applicable government taxes

Package Excludes

• International and domestic flights

• Uganda visa

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Alcoholic and premium drinks

• Laundry services

• Tips and gratuities

• Souvenirs and personal shopping

• Gorilla trekking porter fees

• Optional activities not specified as included

• Extra accommodation due to early arrival or late departure

• Any services not listed under Package Includes

Planning note: The gorilla permit determines whether you trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, and accommodation should be selected near the relevant trekking sector. Driving times can be long, particularly between the gorilla region and Lake Mburo, so the final schedule should be confirmed against your travel dates and flight time.