Where to go: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Country: Uganda

Tour Overview

This short holiday heads first into Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat outing come before Bwindi. After the forest trek, Lake Bunyonyi offers a slower final night before travelling back towards the airport.

For 5-Day Short Holiday Package to Uganda – Gorilla Trekking, the route lasts 5 days and follows a practical sequence through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi. Each overnight is matched to the route, while driving times depend on conditions on the day. Wildlife remains free-ranging, so sightings and walking distances can never be guaranteed.

You can review the listed lodges, daily meals and the US dollar price per traveller for this 5-day journey before requesting dates. Permits and accommodation should be reconfirmed before paying. The safari is organised as a privately guided journey, with room to discuss suitable stops and rest breaks. The published group brackets pair 4 with 8, 5 with 10, and 6 with 12 travellers. Rates for other group sizes require confirmation.

Tour Highlights

  • Start the 5-day itinerary near Queen Elizabeth National Park and follow its planned overnight sequence.
  • Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before continuing towards Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Include a wildlife drive around day 2 of this 5-day guided safari.
  • Include a water excursion around day 2 of this 5-day guided safari.
  • Include gorilla trekking around day 4 of this 5-day guided safari.
  • Compare the two-person rate of US$1861 each with the listed lodges before booking.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your guide meets you at the arranged starting point before travelling towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The day is planned around the main stops on the route. The plan follows the route agreed with your driver-guide and leaves time for appropriate short breaks. The planned night is at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge. Confirm room availability before booking. The journey on day 1 forms part of a 5-day programme, so avoid adding unplanned detours that would reduce time at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your driver-guide can advise on sensible photography stops and the amount of daylight remaining before check-in. Keep drinking water, any personal medicine and a lightweight layer in the vehicle rather than packed deep in your main bag. Allow for changes to road conditions and the timing of park activities, particularly after heavy rain.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Activities: Sightseeing and transfer Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodation options: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Day 2

A wildlife drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Remain in the Queen Elizabeth National Park area, where the schedule allows another opportunity for a wildlife drive. Your guide looks for mammals and birds along permitted tracks, changing the route as light, road conditions and sightings allow. Watch the banks and nearby shallows for wildlife and birdlife. Weather and local boat arrangements determine the safe route. The planned night is at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge. Confirm room availability before booking. The journey on day 2 forms part of a 5-day programme, so avoid adding unplanned detours that would reduce time at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your driver-guide can advise on sensible photography stops and the amount of daylight remaining before check-in. Keep drinking water, any personal medicine and a lightweight layer in the vehicle rather than packed deep in your main bag.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Activities: a wildlife drive, a water excursion Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation options: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Day 3

Safari activities and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin with a wildlife drive before continuing from Queen Elizabeth National Park towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Leave enough time for the onward transfer. Your guide looks for mammals and birds along permitted tracks, changing the route as light, road conditions and sightings allow. Allow for changes to road conditions and the timing of park activities, particularly after heavy rain. When watching wildlife, remain inside the vehicle unless your guide confirms that a supervised exit is permitted. If you want a particular optional activity, mention it before departure so permits, travel time and extra charges can be checked. The order of short stops may change, but the principal destination and overnight base stay the focus of this stage. Gorilla trekking starts with a park briefing before a guided forest walk.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Activities: a wildlife drive Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation options: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 4

Safari activities and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Begin with gorilla trekking before continuing from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park towards Lake Bunyonyi. Leave enough time for the onward transfer. After the ranger briefing, enter the forest on foot. The distance to the gorilla group changes with its movements, and the terrain can be steep. Optional canoe outings depend on weather, local arrangements and the time available. Evenings here can be cool, so keep a warm layer near the top of your bag. The planned night is at Itambira Island-Tree House. Confirm room availability before booking. The journey on day 4 forms part of a 5-day programme, so avoid adding unplanned detours that would reduce time at Lake Bunyonyi.

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi Activities: gorilla trekking Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation options: Itambira Island-Tree House
Day 5

Last activities and onward departure

Remain in the Lake Bunyonyi area, where the schedule allows another opportunity for the main stops on the route. The plan follows the route agreed with your driver-guide and leaves time for appropriate short breaks. No overnight accommodation is included after this stage; confirm your departure connection. The journey on day 5 forms part of a 5-day programme, so avoid adding unplanned detours that would reduce time at Lake Bunyonyi. Your driver-guide can advise on sensible photography stops and the amount of daylight remaining before check-in. Keep drinking water, any personal medicine and a lightweight layer in the vehicle rather than packed deep in your main bag. Allow for changes to road conditions and the timing of park activities, particularly after heavy rain.

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi Activities: Sightseeing and transfer Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: End of tour / No accommodation

Rates (USD Per Person)

Number of TravellersPrice Per Person (USD)
Solo travellerUS$ 2,561.00 per person
2 peopleUS$ 1,861.00 per person
3 peopleUS$ 1,727.00 per person
4 peopleUS$ 1,613.00 per person
5 peopleUS$ 1,575.00 per person
6+ peopleUS$ 1,524.00 per person

All prices shown are per person in US dollars. No group totals are displayed.

Accommodation Options

DayAccommodationComfort Level / Meals
Day 1
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Gorilla Mist Camp
Mid-range | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Itambira Island-Tree House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 End of tour / No accommodation Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

  • Specified accommodation and meals in the itinerary
  • Safari transport and services of the assigned driver-guide
  • Stated park entrance fees and included activities
  • Gorilla trekking permit when listed in the daily programme
  • Drinking water while on safari
  • Airport or hotel transfers stated in the route

Excluded

  • International flights and travel insurance
  • Visas and personal expenses
  • Gratuities, laundry, extra drinks and telephone costs
  • Optional activities not specified as included
  • Additional accommodation or meals outside the itinerary

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation in luxury lodges
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Park entrance fees
  • Professional tour guide
  • Airport transfers

Tour Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses (Tips, Souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance