$2,650$3,200/
Per Person
Combining a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park with a gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park represents the ultimate Ugandan wildlife circuit. This journey seamlessly bridges two distinct ecosystems: the ancient, mist-shrouded rainforests of the Albertine Rift and the expansive, sun-drenched savannahs of the Great Rift Valley. By integrating these destinations, travelers can witness the “Big Four” (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo) alongside the world’s most endangered primates, the mountain gorillas.
The most efficient way to experience this adventure is through a multi-day circuit starting in Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, followed by a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, which can be accomplished via a 3-to-6-hour drive through the Ishasha sector or a 45-minute domestic flight between local airstrips.
Step 1: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
The journey typically begins in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Uganda’s most popular safari destination. Spanning nearly 1,978 square kilometers, the park is famous for its diverse habitats, including crater lakes, wetlands, and open plains.
- Kasenyi Plains: This area is the primary location for morning game drives, where visitors track lions, leopards, and large herds of Uganda Kob.
- Kazinga Channel: A boat safari here is essential, offering one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, alongside Nile crocodiles and elephants cooling off at the water’s edge.
- Kyambura Gorge: Often called the “Valley of Apes,” this sunken forest provides a unique opportunity for chimpanzee tracking within the park boundaries.
Step 2: The Transition via Ishasha
The most logical route from QENP to Bwindi is through the southern Ishasha sector. This region is globally renowned for its tree-climbing lions, which are frequently spotted lounging in the branches of large fig trees. Traveling by road from the Mweya peninsula to Bwindi’s northern sector (Buhoma) takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it a convenient “game drive en route.”
Step 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The trekking experience is highly regulated to ensure conservation:
- Permits: As of 2025/2026, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD for foreign non-residents. It is recommended to book these 6 to 12 months in advance due to high demand.
- The Trek: Visitors are led by expert rangers into the dense forest. The duration of the hike can range from 2 to 7 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla families.
- The Encounter: Once a family is located, guests are permitted exactly one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas from a safe distance.
Logistics and Planning
Travelers can choose between two primary modes of transport to connect these parks:
- Road Safari: Utilizing a 4×4 safari vehicle is the most common method. The distance from Buhoma (Bwindi) to Ishasha (QENP) is roughly 64 kilometers, taking about 2 to 3 hours.
- Fly-in Safari: For those with limited time, domestic carriers like Aerolink Uganda operate flights between Entebbe and airstrips such as Kihihi (near Bwindi) and Kasese or Mweya (near QENP). A flight between the two parks typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal window for this combined safari is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. During these months, trails in Bwindi are less slippery, and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park congregates around permanent water sources, making them easier to spot
Explore: East Africa Visa Requirements
Explore: Booking Terms and Conditions
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Included and Excluded
- Meal on Full Board, Lunch, Breakfast & Dinner.
- Return Airport And Round Trip Transfers.
- Accommodation On Twin Sharing Basis.
- The Above Rates Are On Per Person Sharing Bases.
- Enjoy Cultural Tour at Masai Village.
- Park Entry Fees
- Gorilla Permit
- Unlimited Game Drives Using Luxury 4x4 Safari Landcruiser
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Tips
- International Flight
- Any Other Service Not Mentioned
- Additional Entry Fees Other Than Specified
Highlights of the Tour
- Our Team Of Knowledgeable Guides And Travel Experts Are Dedicated To Making Your Journey Memorable And Worry-Free
- Dive Into Rich Cultures And Traditions. Explore Historic Sites, Savor Authentic Cuisine, And Connect With Locals.
- We Take Care Of All The Details, So You Can Focus On Creating Memories. Rest Assured That Your Journey Is In Capable Hands
- Sip Cocktails As You Watch The Sun Dip Below The Horizon.
- From Accommodations To Dining Experiences, We Select The Best Partners To Ensure Your Comfort And Enjoyment Throughout Your Journey.
Itinerary
Your Uganda gorilla trek safari starts early in the morning after breakfast. Drive from Kampala towards the west and have a stop at the Equator for handicrafts and photos plus demonstrations. After this continue with your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park fronted by the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain range for much of your journey. Once in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a game drive in the park is highly rewarding for you will view a range of wild animals including Leopards, the gigantic Elephants, Hogs, Lions, Buffaloes, Duikers, Hyenas, and many antelope species. After lunch, you will have an evening 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga channel into Lake Edward. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos, surrounded by over 550 species of migrant and resident birds plus crocodiles drinking and resting at water edges. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching, and game viewing. Meals and overnight at Bushcamp Lodge or Similar – full Board
- Sightseeing
- Unlimited game drives
- Interaction with local community
The day starts with having breakfast, then embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park. You will expect to see cape Buffaloes, Elephants Topi, Kobs, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Hyena, Leopards, as well as the lions and lots of Birds. After the game drive, embark on the trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Maramagambo and Ishasha. Along the road, via Ishasha you will have an opportunity to see the tree-climbing lions, more antelopes, the waterbucks, Kobs, elephants, and buffaloes. Meals and overnight at Silverback Lodge or Similar – Full Board
- Unlimited Game Drives
- Cultural tour in Maasai village
- Picnic breakfast
After early morning breakfast, you will be briefed by your tour guide and afterward start your gorilla trekking journey in Uganda. Mammals here include majorly the endangered mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, the rare golden monkey, black-fronted Duikers, bushbucks, leopards to mention but a few. The charming mountain gorillas form the highlight of the park, the time and terrain/track taken while looking for these beautiful primates varies according to their movements. Once tracked, observing, spending time with and photographing these gentle, peaceful, and shy gorillas in Uganda is a unique, breathtaking, inspiring, and thrilling lifetime memorable adventure that leaves you desiring to have it again but takes one hour. As one of our clients lamented, ‘‘I will forever want to track and keep with these lovely animals and if acceptable, I would stay with them every day!!”. Meals and overnight at Silverback Lodge or Similar – Full Board
- Gorilla trekking
- Full day of adventure
After your breakfast embark on the transfer to Kampala via Mbarara in Igongo Cultural Center for lunch (Traditional dishes) but also you will visit the cultural museum here and embark on your drive to Kampala. On arrival in Kampala by 5.00 p.m local time you immediately embark on a mini famous Kampala tour which makes the end of your gorilla safari holiday in Uganda.
- End of safari
Frequently Asked & Question
You can book a safari by visiting our website Inquiry form and navigating to the ‘Safaris’ section or by contacting our customer service team directly at via email
All payments, including deposits and final balances, must be settled as invoiced via secure bank wire transfers or via secure online payment through your card. Mobile money payment for local booking payments through M-Pesa as my be instructed by reservations and sales team. Please ensure that all transaction fees are covered by the sender to ensure the full invoice amount is received by Astute Africa Safaris.
To secure your reservation, a deposit of 10% to 50% of the total safari cost is required, depending on the duration and destination of your trip. Your applicable deposit requirement will be communicated clearly during the booking process. Our standard deposit structure is as follows:
10% deposit: One-day safari excursions.
20% deposit: Safari tours lasting 2–3 days.
30% deposit: Safari tours lasting 4–6 days.
40% deposit: Safari tours lasting 7–12 days.
50% deposit: On all Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar safaris and combined two or more countries 50% deposit takes precedence over the standard 40% deposit for a 7-12 day safari in Kenya.
Where more than one deposit category applies, the 50% requirement for Tanzania and qualifying Kenya–Tanzania combination or any 2 country combination safaris takes precedence.
Balance Payments:
For bookings made more than 30 days before arrival, the remaining balance must be paid no later than 35 days before your safari commencement date.
For last-minute bookings made within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required at the time of booking. Please contact our team to confirm availability and payment requirements before making travel arrangements.
Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received and the relevant arrangements have been confirmed by Astute Africa Safaris. Accommodation and other services remain subject to availability until confirmed.
Yes. In discussion with reservation office you can amend the Itinerary as per your wish before arrival.
We understand that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel your safari, please notify Astute Africa Safaris in writing as soon as possible. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance we receive your cancellation and the conditions applicable to the services booked. Our standard cancellation schedule is as follows: 60 days or more before departure: Payments will be refunded, less applicable bank transfer fees and a 2.5% administrative and operational charge. 36–59 days before departure: A cancellation fee of 10% of the total tour price applies. 8–35 days before departure: A cancellation fee of 25%–50% of the total tour price applies, depending on the cancellation conditions imposed by the booked lodges and camps. 0–7 days before departure: A 100% cancellation fee applies. No refunds are issued for no-shows or cancellations made within this period. Cancellation requests will be assessed against the applicable booking terms, including any relevant supplier conditions. We will explain the charges applicable to your reservation as clearly as possible.
Yes. Depending on the number of persons, the price changes and the more the group, the more the discounts.
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