Tour Description
Experience two of Uganda’s most distinctive safari destinations on this 5 Days Lake
Mburo and Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The journey combines wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park with an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Lake Mburo is a beautiful savannah park known for zebras, impalas, buffaloes, elands, warthogs and other wildlife. It is also one of the few places in Uganda where you can enjoy a guided walking safari or cycling experience.
From Lake Mburo, continue towards the misty hills and forests of southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the world’s most remarkable destinations for primate encounters.
The safari is ideal for travellers who want to combine a Uganda wildlife safari with gorilla trekking in a short but rewarding itinerary.
Tour Highlights
- Wildlife safari in Lake Mburo National Park
- Game drive in Lake Mburo
- Opportunity to see zebras, impalas, elands and buffaloes
- Optional guided nature walk or cycling safari
- Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Spend time observing a habituated mountain gorilla family
- Beautiful landscapes and forest scenery
- Visit local communities and experience Ugandan culture
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Budget, mid-range and high-end accommodation options
Summarised Program
| Day | Destination | Main Activities | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kampala/Entebbe – Lake Mburo | Transfer, afternoon game drive | Lake Mburo |
| Day 2 | Lake Mburo – Bwindi | Morning safari activity, scenic transfer to Bwindi | Bwindi |
| Day 3 | Bwindi | Gorilla trekking | Bwindi |
| Day 4 | Bwindi | Forest/community experience, transfer within the region | Bwindi |
| Day 5 | Bwindi – Kampala/Entebbe | Scenic return journey | End of safari |
Accommodation Options
Lake Mburo
Mid-Range: Mburo Safari Lodge
Budget: Eagles Nest Mburo, Rwakobo Rock
High-End: Mihingo Lodge
Bwindi
Accommodation in Bwindi depends strongly on the gorilla trekking sector and the specific gorilla family assigned to you. We therefore recommend selecting the lodge after confirming your gorilla permit sector.
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse and other community-based accommodation
High-End: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.
Drive southwest towards Lake Mburo National Park, passing through Uganda’s countryside and local communities. Along the way, you may make a stop at the Equator for photographs and a short break.
Continue towards Lake Mburo and have lunch before entering the national park.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive through the park. Keep an eye out for zebras, impalas, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, warthogs and elands. The park’s open savannah and acacia landscapes provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main activities: Scenic drive, Equator stop, game drive
Accommodation: Selected Lake Mburo lodge
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Lake Mburo Safari and Transfer to Bwindi
Wake up early for breakfast before enjoying a morning safari activity in Lake Mburo.
Depending on your preference, you can choose another game drive or a guided nature walk. A walking safari provides a different perspective of the park, allowing you to explore the smaller details of the ecosystem and learn about tracks, plants and wildlife from your ranger.
You can also choose a cycling safari where available.
After the activity, return to the lodge for breakfast or lunch before beginning the journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, including rolling hills, farms and local communities.
Arrive at your Bwindi lodge later in the day and relax ahead of your gorilla trekking experience.
Main activities: Morning safari activity, scenic transfer
Accommodation: Selected Bwindi lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trekking experience.
Your ranger guide will lead you into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are located.
Once you find the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe them in their natural environment. Watch as they feed, groom, play, rest and interact with one another.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
The evening can be spent relaxing at the lodge or enjoying views of the surrounding forest and hills.
Main activity: Gorilla trekking
Accommodation: Selected Bwindi lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Bwindi Forest and Community Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a more relaxed day around Bwindi.
You can choose from several activities depending on your interests and location. Options may include a guided forest walk, birding, a Batwa cultural experience or a community visit.
A community experience provides an opportunity to meet local people, learn about traditional ways of life and support community-based tourism initiatives around Bwindi.
Alternatively, travellers looking for another forest experience can choose a guided nature or birding walk.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main activities: Community/cultural experience or optional forest activity
Accommodation: Selected Bwindi lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Bwindi to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Enjoy the changing landscapes of southwestern Uganda as you travel through the rolling hills and countryside.
Make a lunch stop along the way before continuing towards Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on your departure time, you can be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
This marks the end of your 5 Days Lake Mburo and Bwindi Gorilla Safari.
Main activity: Scenic return journey
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
What’s Included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel and transportation
- Accommodation as selected
- Meals as indicated
- Lake Mburo National Park entrance fees
- Game drives and selected safari activities
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Bwindi National Park fees
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and other personal drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Best Time for the Safari
This safari can be arranged throughout the year. The drier months are generally popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, while the wetter months can offer lush scenery and excellent photographic conditions.
Gorilla permits should be secured well in advance, particularly for peak travel periods.
Accommodation Summary
| Category | Lake Mburo | Bwindi |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Eagles Nest Mburo / Rwakobo Rock | Buhoma Community Rest Camp / community guesthouses |
| Mid-Range | Mburo Safari Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Engagi Lodge |
| High-End | Mihingo Lodge | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge |
Book Your 5 Days Lake Mburo and Bwindi Gorilla Safari
Ready to experience Uganda’s wildlife and mountain gorillas? Contact Feather Trail Safaris to plan your 5-day Lake Mburo and Bwindi safari with the right gorilla trekking sector, accommodation and travel arrangements for your dates.