6-Day Budget Friendly African Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Start from Entebbe (before 2pm) or be picked from a hotel. Transfer to Lake Mburo NP.

Your 6-Day Budget Friendly African Gorilla Safari adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from either your hotel in Entebbe or directly from Entebbe International Airport upon arrival. Our professional English-speaking tour driver-guide will warmly welcome you and immediately set out on the scenic journey to Lake Mburo National Park.

This beautiful park, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, offers an authentic safari experience without compromising your budget. As we leave the city behind, you’ll watch Uganda’s vibrant countryside unfold before you, building anticipation for the incredible wildlife encounters that await at Lake Mburo.

The road trip itself becomes part of the adventure, allowing you to take in Uganda’s picturesque scenery while your knowledgeable guide shares interesting facts about the country’s culture, wildlife, and ecosystems. This seamless transition from airport or hotel to wilderness sets the perfect tone for your affordable yet unforgettable safari experience.

Accommodation:  Hyena Hill Lodge

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Morning walking safari and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, we’ll embark on an unforgettable guided bush walk through Lake Mburo National Park with an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. This immersive experience brings you remarkably close to wildlife – watch zebras grazing nearby, marvel at giraffes silhouetted against the sunrise, and observe herds of eland, topi, and other antelope moving through the golden savanna.

For panoramic views, take the trail up the hills overlooking sparkling Lake Mburo and the vast park landscape stretching beyond.

Return to your lodge to check out, then we’ll journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch and a short rest. The afternoon offers two exciting options:

Included Game Drive: Search for lions, elephants, and buffaloes across the park’s diverse ecosystems

Optional Chimpanzee Tracking ($130 pp): Trek through nearby Kalinzu Forest to observe our closest primate relatives in their natural habitat

Pro Tip: The walking safari requires comfortable shoes and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and cameras highly recommended!

Accommodation:  Baboo Safari Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Supper

Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel

Your third safari day begins before dawn as we set out to track Africa’s most iconic wildlife. After an early breakfast, we’ll explore the vast Kasenyi Plains as the morning light reveals the park’s rich biodiversity. This prime game viewing area offers excellent opportunities to spot Cape buffalo moving in their protective herds, solitary elephants browsing on acacia trees, and lions patrolling their territories. While leopards prove more elusive, their occasional appearance makes for an unforgettable safari highlight.

By midday, we’ll return to the lodge where you can relax and enjoy lunch while taking in views of the surrounding wilderness. The afternoon brings a complete change of perspective with our boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. As we cruise the tranquil waters connecting Lakes George and Edward, you’ll witness hippos submerged like boulders in the shallows, crocodiles sunning themselves on sandbanks, and elephants coming to drink at the water’s edge. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the abundant kingfishers, fish eagles, and other water birds that thrive along these shores.

As the sun begins to dip, you can choose to return directly to the lodge or opt for one final game drive through the golden-hour landscape. The evening light often reveals different animal behaviors, with predators becoming more active as temperatures cool. Whichever option you select, you’ll end your day filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and memories to last a lifetime.

Accommodation:  Baboon Safari Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Supper

Day 4: Tree-Climbing Lions & Journey to Bwindi

The adventure continues as we head south through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s remarkable Ishasha sector, world-famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. These majestic predators can often be spotted lounging in the branches of fig trees – an extraordinary sight that makes for incredible photographs. While sightings aren’t guaranteed (with about a 60-70% chance), the thrill of searching adds to the excitement. When you do spot them resting high in the canopy, the image creates a lifelong memory.

After our lion search, we’ll continue through rolling hills and traditional villages to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving at our lodge nestled on the park’s edge. With tomorrow’s gorilla trekking in mind, the evening is intentionally relaxed. You’ll have time to settle into your accommodation, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and mentally prepare for one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.

For those seeking extra adventure, an optional Lion Tracking Experience ($120) allows you to accompany predator researchers on their conservation work. This unique opportunity provides deeper insight into lion behavior and the challenges of protecting these magnificent cats.

Accommodation:  Broadbill Camp

Meals: Lunch & Supper

Today brings the crowning moment of your African adventure. After an energizing breakfast, we’ll head to the ranger station where you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Experienced guides will explain how to interact with these magnificent creatures respectfully while ensuring both your safety and theirs.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Journey to Lake Bunyonyi

The trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an adventure in itself. As you navigate the lush, mist-covered terrain along animal trails, every sense comes alive – the earthy scent of the rainforest, the chorus of birdcalls, and the anticipation of your encounter. The trek duration varies (2-8 hours) depending on the gorillas’ location, but the moment you spot your first silverback makes every step worthwhile.

Your hour with the gorillas will pass like minutes. Watching juveniles play, mothers nurture their young, and dominant silverbacks survey their family is a profoundly moving experience. This intimate wildlife encounter often becomes travelers’ most cherished memory.

After returning to camp for a celebratory lunch, we’ll journey to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi (“Place of Many Little Birds”). Arriving at this stunning volcanic lake feels like entering a storybook – 29 emerald islands dot the mirror-like waters, framed by terraced hills that climb to 2,478 meters. The peaceful atmosphere provides perfect relaxation after your trek.

Tip:

• Wear broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
• Pack rain gear and extra camera batteries
• The lake’s cool evenings make for perfect stargazing

Accommodation:  Heritage Lodges Habuharo

Meals: Lunch & Supper

Day 6: Farewell and Return to Entebbe

As the wonderful 6-Day Budget Friendly African Gorilla Safari comes to an end, your final morning begins with a leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi’s tranquil waters, where morning mist rises between the 29 islands like a scene from a dream. This peaceful moment lets you reflect on your week’s adventures from gorilla encounters to lion sightings and everything between.

The scenic return journey to Entebbe (approximately 8-9 hours) takes you through:
✓ Rolling highland tea plantations
✓ Traditional villages bursting with local life
✓ Expansive views of Uganda’s countryside

Thank you for traveling with Kyooma Gorilla Safaris. Come again!