4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destination: Uganda
Starting Point: Kampala or Entebbe
Ending Point: Kampala or Entebbe
Safari Type: Private Safari
Main Activities: Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Game Drives
Gorilla Trekking Sector: Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overview
Experience the best of southwestern Uganda on this 4 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari with Abunda Discoveries Uganda. This exciting journey combines an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The safari begins in Kampala or Entebbe and takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward the forested mountains of Bwindi. You’ll spend two nights in the Rushaga sector, conveniently located for your gorilla trekking experience.
After tracking a habituated gorilla family through the ancient Bwindi rainforest, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives through the savannah. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, hippos, lions and numerous bird species.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas and savannah wildlife within a compact four-day safari.
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Rushaga
gorilla trekking
Your Abunda Discoveries Uganda guide will pick you up early from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Kampala or Entebbe.
After a safari briefing, begin your journey southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda’s changing landscapes, including rolling hills, agricultural communities and scenic countryside.
You’ll have a lunch stop along the way before continuing toward southwestern Uganda.
As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and heavily forested. Continue to the Rushaga sector, one of Bwindi’s four gorilla trekking sectors.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax.
Accommodation
Four Gorillas Lodge – Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Four Gorillas Lodge is located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi and is approximately 6 km from the Rushaga UWA headquarters/briefing point. The lodge is therefore a convenient base for travelers trekking gorillas from Rushaga.
Location: Rushaga Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda.
Alternative accommodation: ICHUMBI GORILLA LODGE — Rushaga Gate, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ichumbi is also conveniently located in the Rushaga area.
Overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking – Rushaga Sector
Today is the highlight of your 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking adventure.
After an early breakfast, drive to the Rushaga UWA gorilla trekking briefing point. You will register and attend a briefing where park officials explain the trekking guidelines, safety procedures and responsible gorilla-watching practices.
You will then begin your trek into the ancient Bwindi rainforest accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers.
The trek takes you through dense vegetation, steep slopes and sometimes muddy forest trails. The duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family allocated to you and the conditions of the forest.
Your trackers will search for signs of the gorillas and communicate their location to your trekking group.
When you find the gorilla family, you’ll have the permitted time to observe them in their natural environment. Watch the adults feeding, young gorillas playing and the silverback interacting with members of the family.
After your gorilla encounter, trek back to the starting point and return to your lodge.
Enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing after your trek.
Depending on your energy and available time, an optional community or cultural experience can be arranged.
Accommodation
Four Gorillas Lodge – Rushaga Sector, Bwindi
Location: Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro District.
Four Gorillas Lodge is positioned close to the Rushaga trekking area, making it a practical base for the gorilla trekking experience.
Alternative: Engagi Lodge is another established Bwindi accommodation option, but it is located in Buhoma, so it should only be used if your gorilla permit is for the Buhoma sector.
Overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi Rushaga to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife midrange Safari.
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey from Bwindi toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, passing through hills, valleys, local communities and agricultural areas.
Continue toward the Queen Elizabeth National Park area and check into your lodge.
Accommodation
Tembo Safari Lodge – Katunguru, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tembo Safari Lodge Katunguru is located in Katunguru near Queen Elizabeth National Park and provides a convenient base for exploring the park.
Location: Katunguru, Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda.
After lunch and depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Explore the savannah plains and look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, antelopes and a variety of bird species. With some luck, you may also encounter lions.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Tembo Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for your final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The morning is a great time to explore the park as wildlife becomes active.
Your guide will drive through the savannah in search of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, antelopes and other wildlife. You may also encounter lions if conditions and luck are on your side.
After the game drive, begin your journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing your journey.
Depending on traffic and your final destination, arrive in Kampala or Entebbe later in the day.
Your 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari ends with drop-off at your hotel, residence or agreed location.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation Summary
| Day | Destination | Lodge | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bwindi | Four Gorillas Lodge | Rushaga Sector, Bwindi |
| Day 2 | Bwindi | Four Gorillas Lodge | Rushaga Sector, Bwindi |
| Day 3 | Queen Elizabeth | Tembo Safari Lodge | Katunguru, Queen Elizabeth |
| Day 4 | — | — | Return to Kampala/Entebbe |
Alternative Lodge Options
If you want to offer different accommodation levels to clients, you can present alternatives rather than promising one lodge for every booking.
Bwindi – Rushaga
- Four Gorillas Lodge — Rushaga Sector
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge — Rushaga Gate
- Gorilla Leisure Lodge — Rushaga Sector
- Gorilla Valley Lodge — Rushaga area
Four Gorillas Lodge and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge are particularly convenient choices for a Rushaga trekking itinerary.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Tembo Safari Lodge — Katunguru
- Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge — Katunguru
- ParkView Safari Lodge — Kyambura area
- Mweya Safari Lodge — Mweya Peninsula
The choice can depend on the client’s budget, availability and preferred accommodation standard. Queen Elizabeth accommodation is spread across areas including Mweya, Kazinga Channel, Kasenyi and Kyambura.
What’s Included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Bwindi National Park entry fees applicable to the itinerary
- Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fees
- 3 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla trekking experience
- Wildlife game drives
- Bottled drinking water
- Kampala/Entebbe hotel pickup
- Kampala/Entebbe drop-off
- Safari briefing
- Transportation throughout the itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Porter fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
- Souvenirs
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation outside the itinerary
- Any service not specifically listed under inclusions
What to Pack
For your gorilla trekking and Uganda safari, pack:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Gardening gloves
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Personal medication
- Comfortable safari clothing
Best Time to Travel
This safari can be undertaken throughout the year.
The generally drier periods of June to August and December to February can provide easier trekking and road conditions. However, Uganda’s rainy seasons can also offer rewarding experiences, with lush vegetation and fewer visitors.
Gorilla permits should be booked in advance because trekking places are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because Bwindi is mountainous and forest trails can be steep, uneven and muddy. Trek duration depends on the location of the gorilla family and the day’s conditions.
Where will I stay for gorilla trekking?
For this itinerary, accommodation is planned in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, close to the Rushaga trekking area. Four Gorillas Lodge is approximately 6 km from the Rushaga UWA briefing point.
Can I change the lodge?
Yes. Accommodation can be upgraded or changed depending on availability and budget. Abunda Discoveries Uganda can offer budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options.
Can I see lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Lions are present in Queen Elizabeth National Park, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will maximize your chances by visiting suitable wildlife areas at appropriate times.
Can I customize the safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preference, budget, flight schedule and activities.
Book Your 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
Experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas and savannah wildlife on one unforgettable journey.
Abunda Discoveries Uganda can arrange your gorilla permit, accommodation, private safari vehicle, professional guide and wildlife activities.
Contact us today to check gorilla permit availability and accommodation availability for your preferred travel dates.