6-Day Mabamba, Big Five and Gorilla Trekking Uganda Tour

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide. After a short transfer to your luxury hotel, take some time to refresh and relax. In the afternoon, head out on a guided boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s best birding destinations, internationally known for its population of Shoebill storks. Gliding through the papyrus channels in a traditional canoe, you’ll have a high chance of seeing this prehistoric-looking bird along with other rare waterfowl. This peaceful wetland experience sets the tone for your immersive safari. After your excursion, return to Entebbe and enjoy dinner at your boutique hotel.

After breakfast, depart by road or scheduled domestic flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier game reserve known for its rich biodiversity and Big Five potential. En route, pass through lush countryside, rural homesteads, and the scenic tea plantations of western Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious safari lodge set within or near the park, offering panoramic views of the savannah and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Kasenyi plains, a prime area for spotting lions, elephants, Uganda kob, warthogs, and, occasionally, leopards. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge for a sunset drink and a gourmet dinner.

This day begins with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park, offering a chance to see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and if lucky, the elusive leopard. Your guide will share insights into animal behavior, ecology, and conservation in this diverse park. After a bush breakfast or a return to the lodge for brunch, you’ll head out in the afternoon for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is a highlight of the park, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing, and dozens of bird species including kingfishers, African fish eagles, and saddle-billed storks. Enjoy the cool breeze and rich photo opportunities before returning to your lodge for another relaxing evening.

After breakfast, check out and drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior only seen in two places in Africa. You’ll enjoy a game drive through this remote and wild area, watching for lions lounging in fig trees, as well as buffalo, topi, and elephants grazing in the open plains. After your drive, continue south into the highlands, arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Your luxury lodge, nestled in the misty forest, offers spectacular views and serene surroundings. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s extraordinary gorilla trek.

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You'll be placed in a small group and guided into the dense rainforest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, and once found, you’ll have a magical hour in their presence watching their interactions, feeding, and social structure. It’s a deeply moving and humbling wildlife experience. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and relax with a massage, a forest walk, or simply enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand. The day ends with a celebratory dinner in the heart of gorilla country.

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe. Depending on your preference and schedule, you can either take a scheduled domestic flight from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip to Entebbe (1–1.5 hours), or drive back through the stunning southwestern landscape with scenic stops along the way (approx. 8–9 hours). Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure or to a hotel for a day room if needed. This concludes your unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations from rare birds and the Big Five to mountain gorillas in the mist.
Bye bye the Pearl of Africa.