6-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari

Uganda

Rates From $5,170

About This Tour

Uganda’s natural beauty comes alive in this journey through its most famous national parks. Travelers experience a perfect mix of dense rainforests and open savannah plains. The trip focuses on the two biggest highlights of East Africa: mountain gorillas and tree-climbing lions.

The journey starts in the capital before heading west to the volcanic craters of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guests then move deep into the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Every day offers a new landscape, from boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel to trekking through misty jungles.

This itinerary is built for those who want comfort and adventure at the same time. The lodges are chosen for their stunning views and high-quality service. It is a seamless way to see the best of Uganda’s wildlife in just six days.

Our Community Impact

Our team partners with local community groups near Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. A portion of every booking goes toward supporting local schools and water projects. We also hire local guides who share their deep knowledge of the land and its history. This ensures that tourism benefits the people who live alongside these wild places.

Our Sustainability Promise

We are committed to low-impact travel to protect fragile ecosystems. Our partner lodges use solar power and limit single-use plastics to keep the environment clean. During treks, we follow strict distance rules to keep gorillas safe from human diseases. We believe in leaving the parks exactly as we found them for future generations.

Why This Safari Works

The route is designed to minimize long travel times and maximize wildlife viewing. By starting in Entebbe and moving through the parks, travelers get a logical flow of experiences. The transition from savannah to forest keeps the scenery fresh and exciting every day. We balance active trekking days with relaxing boat cruises and game drives. It is a highly efficient way to check off “bucket list” animals in a short timeframe.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Bird Watching
  • Couple
  • Family
  • Flight Transfer (Fly-in)
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Photography Safaris
  • Private Safari
  • Private Vehicle
  • Rare Wildlife Sightings

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala
  • Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Crater Drive
  • Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
  • Day 4: Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha – Transfer to Bwindi
  • Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Day 6: Return Drive to Entebbe – Departure

Destinations

  • Kampala City
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Ishasha Sector
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Where You Stay

  • Kampala Serena Hotel – 1 night
  • Elephant Plains Lodge – 2 nights
  • Mahogany Springs Lodge – 2 nights

Safari Highlights

  • Standing just meters away from a family of mountain gorillas
  • Seeing the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
  • Taking a boat cruise among hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel
  • Enjoying panoramic views of the "Mountains of the Moon"
  • Tracking elephants and buffaloes across the golden savannah
  • Staying in luxury lodges with private views of the wilderness
  • Crossing the Equator for a unique photo opportunity
  • Listening to the sounds of the African jungle at night

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Airport meet and greet

  • Private transfer to the hotel

Itinerary information

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport. A private transfer takes you to the capital city, Kampala, to settle in. Use this time to rest and prepare for the upcoming bush adventure. The city offers a vibrant introduction to Ugandan hospitality.

  • Meals: Bed & Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel
6-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the countryside

  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Itinerary information

After breakfast, you head west through lush tea estates and local markets. Upon reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park, you board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is famous for its high concentration of hippos and colorful birdlife. Elephants often come to the banks to drink in the late afternoon.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early morning game drive on Kasenyi Plains

  • Afternoon crater drive

Itinerary information

The day starts at dawn to catch predators while they are still active. You explore the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, leopards, and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, the landscape changes as you drive through the scenic explosion craters. These ancient volcanic features offer some of the best views in the park.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Game drive in Ishasha

  • Transfer to the gorilla highlands

Itinerary information

The route takes you through the southern Ishasha sector. This area is world-renowned for its lions that spend their days lounging in large fig trees. After the game drive, you continue the journey upward into the misty mountains of Bwindi. The air becomes cooler as you enter the ancient rainforest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking

  • Evening forest relaxation

Itinerary information

This is the highlight of the safari. After a briefing from park rangers, you enter the dense forest to track a gorilla family. Spending an hour with these gentle giants is a profound life experience. The trek can be challenging but is deeply rewarding. The rest of the day is spent sharing stories back at the lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Equator crossing stop

  • Departure transfer

Itinerary information

The final day involves a scenic drive back toward the center of the country. You will stop at the Equator for lunch and some souvenir shopping. The journey ends at Entebbe International Airport for your evening flight. You leave with incredible memories of Uganda’s wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ To get the most out of your gorilla trek, I recommend hiring a local porter. They don't just carry your bag; they provide steady support on slippery slopes, making the experience much more enjoyable while supporting the local economy. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Shoulder Season ( Jan – March, 1 Nov – 22 Dec, 2026)6,2655,4305,170

Important Rate Notes

  • Gorilla permits are highly competitive and should be booked at least 6 months in advance.
  • A medium level of fitness is required for trekking in Bwindi’s steep terrain.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for Uganda.
  • Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots for the forest.

What's Included

  • 6 Days 5 nights accommodation
  • Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
  • Flight tickets
  • Game drives
  • Full-board meal plan
  • All park entrance fees and boat cruises
  • Afternoon Boatcruise on kazinga channel
  • Gorilla permits for Gorilla Trekking and other selected activities

Optional Addons

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest (extend by 2 days)
  • Private bush breakfast in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi
  • Domestic flight upgrades from Bwindi to Entebbe

What's Not Included

  • International flights to Kenya
  • Entry Visas
  • Gratuities for guides and porters
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages at the lodges

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

While they are wild animals, the success rate for finding them is over 99% because trackers go out ahead of the guests to locate the families.
Yes, it takes about 8 to 9 hours. We can arrange a local flight for an extra cost if you prefer to save time.
Lions are wild and move freely, but our guides are experts at spotting them in their favorite fig trees in the Ishasha sector.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
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