Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour. If you could take only one safari in Uganda, a Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth tour would be the one to choose. This classic itinerary combines the two experiences that put Uganda on every traveler’s wish list: looking into the eyes of a wild mountain gorilla in the misty rainforest of Bwindi, and watching lions, elephants and thousands of hippos on the savannah and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In five unforgettable days, you get the very best of the Pearl of Africa’s primates and big game.

At Kenlink Tours, we have planned and guided this safari for travellers from all over the world since 2010. In this complete guide, we share everything you need to know: why these two parks work so well together, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, what gorilla trekking is really like, gorilla permits, the best activities, where to stay, the best time to travel, costs, packing tips and how to extend your trip. By the end, you will be ready to plan your own adventure.

Why Choose a Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour?

The magic of this safari lies in contrast. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an ancient, mist-shrouded rainforest clinging to steep hills, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park, just a few hours to the north, is a sweeping landscape of grassland, crater lakes and wetlands teeming with classic African wildlife. Together they offer two completely different ecosystems in one compact journey.

The parks are also conveniently connected. The southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its tree-climbing lions, lies on the road towards Bwindi. This means you can enjoy an extra game drive on the transfer day rather than simply sitting in a vehicle. Few itineraries in Africa allow you to see gorillas, chimpanzees, lions and elephants within such a short distance.

Finally, this tour is flexible. It can start and end in Kampala or Entebbe, or in Kigali, Rwanda, which is often closer to Bwindi’s southern sectors. It works on a budget, mid-range or luxury basis and can be extended with chimpanzee tracking, Lake Bunyonyi or Rwanda. Explore all our options on our Uganda safari packages page.

Overview of the 5 Days Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari

Here is a quick snapshot of the itinerary before we go into detail:

• Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Equator and the tea-covered hills of Bushenyi
• Day 2: Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Day 3: Game drive through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions, then transfer to Bwindi
• Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe, or transfer to Kigali

Short on time? Our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari focuses only on Bwindi, while the 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari focuses only on wildlife. This five-day plan brings the best of both together.

Getting to Know Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Albertine Rift, covering about 321 square kilometers of dense montane and lowland forest. It is one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of its trees date back more than 25,000 years, having survived the last Ice Age, which is part of why the forest is so rich in species.

Bwindi is best known for its mountain gorillas. The most recent census counted around 459 individuals in the park, almost half of the world’s total population. More than 20 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism, spread across four trekking sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each sector offers a slightly different experience, from gentle trails to steep, challenging hikes with views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi is home to about 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus and forest elephants, as well as around 350 bird species, of which more than 20 are Albertine Rift endemics. Read a detailed overview of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to learn more about each sector.

Getting to Know Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited savannah park, covering nearly 2,000 square kilometres between Lake George and Lake Edward. It is often called the “Medley of Wonders” because of its incredible variety of habitats: open savannah, acacia woodland, tropical forest, papyrus swamps and dozens of volcanic crater lakes, all set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The park supports around 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, warthogs and spotted hyenas are commonly seen. The Kazinga Channel, linking the two lakes, hosts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, while the forested Kyambura Gorge shelters a community of chimpanzees. In the south, the Ishasha sector is world famous for its tree-climbing lions.

For more background, see this guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park, or compare a shorter itinerary such as the 3 Days safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Detailed 5 Days Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Itinerary

Below is our recommended day-by-day itinerary starting from Kampala or Entebbe. Times are approximate, and every part of the trip can be customized.

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or from Entebbe International Airport. After meeting your professional driver-guide, you head southwest on the Masaka highway, passing banana plantations, papyrus swamps and lively trading centers.

Your first stop is the Equator crossing at Kayabwe, where you can take photos with one foot in each hemisphere, watch the water experiment that demonstrates the Coriolis effect and enjoy a cup of fresh Ugandan coffee. You continue through Masaka and Mbarara, where lunch is usually served, with an optional stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about the Ankole kingdom and its famous long-horned cattle.

After lunch, the road climbs through Bushenyi, where rolling hills covered in bright green tea plantations make for stunning photos. You descend into the Albertine Rift Valley and enter Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short game drive en route to your lodge, where you check in, relax and enjoy dinner.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up before sunrise for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains, the best area in the park for spotting lions. Kasenyi is the breeding ground of thousands of Uganda kobs, which attract predators. Your guide will also search for elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas and, with luck, leopards. Early morning is the most productive time, when predators are still active and the light is perfect for photography.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest. Around midday, you may take an optional scenic drive past the explosion craters or visit Lake Katwe, where local people have harvested salt by hand for centuries. Both offer fascinating insights into the park’s volcanic past and human history.

In the afternoon, you join the famous two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Gliding along the 32-kilometre waterway, you will see huge pods of hippos, large Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge, and a spectacular variety of birds, including pelicans, African skimmers, fish eagles and kingfishers. Many travellers rank this cruise among the highlights of their entire trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you check out and drive south towards the Ishasha sector. This remote part of Queen Elizabeth is known for its lions that climb and rest in large fig and acacia trees, a behavior seen in only a handful of places in Africa. You enjoy a game drive through Ishasha’s open plains, also home to buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs and elephants, with a picnic lunch along the way.

In the afternoon, you continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as the road climbs into steep hills covered in farms and forest, with tea estates and small villages clinging to the slopes. Depending on your gorilla permit, you will stay near Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo. You arrive at your lodge in the evening, enjoy dinner and receive a short briefing from your guide about the next day’s trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near your gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters of your trekking sector, where you meet the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and other trekkers. You will receive a briefing on gorilla etiquette and safety rules, and then be assigned to a habituated gorilla family. Each family can be visited by a maximum of eight people per day.

Accompanied by rangers and trackers, you enter the forest and follow trails through thick vegetation, bamboo and towering trees. The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on where the gorillas spent the night. When you finally find the family, you spend one magical hour watching them feed, play, groom and rest. Seeing a giant silverback, mothers cradling infants and youngsters tumbling through the branches is an emotional experience that stays with travellers for life.

After the trek, you return to your lodge to relax. In the afternoon, you can join an optional community walk or the Batwa experience, which introduces you to the culture of the Batwa people, the forest’s original inhabitants. Other options include a visit to a local school, a tea plantation or a guided village walk around Buhoma.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi

Day 5: Return to Kampala, Entebbe or Kigali

After a relaxed breakfast, you begin your journey back. Travellers heading to Kampala or Entebbe drive via Kabale or Rukungiri and Mbarara, with a lunch stop along the way, arriving in the evening. If you are flying out of Rwanda, you can instead transfer to Kigali, which is often only about four to five hours from the southern sectors of Bwindi.

Many travellers break the return journey with an extra night at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mburo, or fly back from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip to Entebbe for a faster and more scenic return.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Starting or ending in Rwanda? See our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali and 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, or compare the 2 Days Uganda gorilla tour starting from Kigali.

What Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Really Like?

Gorilla trekking is often described as the most moving wildlife experience on Earth, but it also requires some preparation. The terrain in Bwindi is steep, muddy and covered in dense vegetation, and the altitude ranges from about 1,160 to 2,600 meters above sea level. A reasonable level of fitness is important, though people of many ages and abilities complete the trek successfully.

If you are concerned about the walk, you can hire a local porter at the starting point. Porters carry your daypack, help you on steep or slippery sections and earn valuable income for their families. Walking sticks are usually provided, and the rangers adjust the pace to suit the group.

Once with the gorillas, you must keep a distance of about seven to ten meters, speak quietly, avoid sudden movements and never use flash photography. Visitors who are sick with a cold, flu or other infectious illness should not trek, because gorillas are highly vulnerable to human diseases. Face masks may be required. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.

For travellers who want even more time with gorillas, Bwindi offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector, where you spend up to four hours with a family that is still being accustomed to humans. It costs more than a standard permit but offers a deeper and more intimate encounter.

Gorilla Permits: What You Need to Know

A gorilla permit is required to trek in Bwindi and is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit allows one person to trek once and spend one hour with a gorilla family. Prices differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens, and they are reviewed from time to time, so always confirm current rates when you book.

Because only eight permits are available per gorilla family per day, they often sell out months in advance, especially for July, August, December and other peak periods. We strongly recommend booking your permits at least three to six months ahead of your travel date.

When you book with Kenlink Tours, we secure your permits on your behalf, match your sector with suitable accommodation and plan your route to minimise driving time. Please review our terms and conditions for details on permit payments and cancellations.

Top Activities on a Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour

Mountain gorilla trekking: The undisputed highlight of the trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.

Game drives: Explore the Kasenyi plains, the Mweya peninsula and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and antelopes.

Kazinga Channel boat cruise: One of the best boat safaris in Africa, offering close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds.

Tree-climbing lions: The Ishasha sector offers a rare chance to see lions lounging in trees, an iconic Ugandan sighting.

Chimpanzee tracking: Add a chimpanzee trek in the Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth, or extend your trip to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world, with our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari. Learn more about Kibale Forest National Park.

Birdwatching: Together, the two parks host more than 900 bird species. Bwindi’s Ruhija sector and the Mubwindi swamp trail are among the best places in Africa for Albertine Rift endemics such as the African green broadbill, while Queen Elizabeth offers the shoebill, martial eagle and many water birds.

Cultural experiences: Meet the Batwa people, visit community projects and local schools around Bwindi, or tour the Lake Katwe salt mines near Queen Elizabeth. For a trip that blends culture and primates, see our 4 Days Uganda Cultural and Gorilla Tour.

Nature walks and waterfalls: In Buhoma, the Munyaga River trail and the Waterfall trail lead through beautiful forest to cascading waterfalls, with excellent birding and primate viewing along the way.

Where to Stay on Your Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari

Choosing the right lodges is especially important on this trip, because your Bwindi accommodation should be close to the sector where your gorilla permit is booked.

Queen Elizabeth – luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, on a peninsula between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, is a classic choice, while Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Ishasha Wilderness Camp offer exclusive, eco-friendly stays. Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge and Park View Safari Lodge. Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages, Bush Lodge and simple guesthouses in Katunguru.

Bwindi – luxury: Bwindi Lodge and Buhoma Lodge in the north, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Nkuringo, offer exceptional comfort and forest views. Mid-range: Mahogany Springs, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge and Haven Lodge provide excellent value. Budget: Community-run guesthouses and campsites near each sector offer clean, simple rooms at affordable prices.

Our team personally knows these lodges and will recommend the best options for your budget and permit location. Learn more about us on our About Us page.

Best Time for a Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour

Gorilla trekking and game drives are possible throughout the year. However, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are generally considered the best times to visit. Forest trails in Bwindi are less muddy, making treks easier, and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth gathers around water sources, making it easier to spot.

The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush scenery, fewer tourists and sometimes lower lodge rates. Because Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can fall at any time of year, so a good rain jacket is always essential. The wet months are also excellent for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive and many resident birds are breeding.

Whatever season you choose, book gorilla permits and accommodation early, especially for peak months and holidays.

How Much Does a Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour Cost?

The total cost of a 5 days Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth safari depends on several key factors: the gorilla permit, the number of travellers, the type of accommodation and any optional activities. The gorilla permit is usually the largest single cost, followed by accommodation. Larger groups pay less per person for vehicle, fuel and guide costs.

A typical Kenlink Tours package includes a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, fuel, an English-speaking professional driver-guide, a gorilla permit, park entrance fees, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, game drives, accommodation and meals as listed, and bottled water. Chimpanzee permits, porters, the Batwa experience, drinks and tips are usually optional extras.

Travelling solo or on a budget? Joining our group tours can reduce costs, and independent travellers can save with our 4×4 car hire in Uganda. For a personalised quote, contact our safari experts and we will reply within 24 hours.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking and Safari

This safari covers both rainforest and savannah, so pack for a mix of conditions:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip for the gorilla trek
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours to protect against nettles, thorns and insects
• Gardening or work gloves for gripping vegetation on steep trails
• A lightweight waterproof rain jacket
• A warm fleece or jacket, as Bwindi can be cold in the mornings and evenings
• Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into, keeping out ants and mud
• A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for game drives
• Insect repellent and any prescribed anti-malaria medication
• Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries (no flash for gorillas)
• A small waterproof daypack, water bottle and energy snacks for the trek
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance and a printed copy of your gorilla permit

Essential Travel Tips

Visas: Most international visitors need a visa for Uganda, available online. If you plan to visit Rwanda too, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be more convenient. Always check the latest official requirements before you travel.

Health: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda. Malaria is present, so consult your doctor about prophylaxis. Do not trek if you are unwell, to protect the gorillas.

Fitness: Prepare with regular walks or hikes in the weeks before your trip. Let us know about any fitness concerns, as we can request a gorilla family that is usually closer to the trailhead.

Driving times: Expect around seven to eight hours from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth, two to three hours from Ishasha to Buhoma, and eight to ten hours from Bwindi back to Kampala. Domestic flights can shorten the journey.

Tipping: Tips for guides, rangers, porters and lodge staff are appreciated but not compulsory. Your Kenlink Tours consultant will share practical guidelines.

How to Extend Your Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari

This five-day itinerary is the perfect foundation for a longer journey through Uganda and beyond.

Add chimpanzees: Combine gorillas and chimpanzees on our 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour, or compare the 5 Days Uganda gorilla and chimps safari starting from Rwanda.

Add golden monkeys and Mgahinga: Just south of Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes. Read about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or see our 4-Day Rwanda–Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking tour.

Explore more of Uganda: Longer safaris such as our 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari cover the country’s highlights in depth. Similar options include the 7 Days Uganda safari one-week tour and the 10 Days Uganda primates and wildlife itinerary.

Cross into Rwanda: Bwindi’s southern sectors are close to the Rwandan border, making it easy to continue to Volcanoes National Park for a second gorilla trek. See our 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari and our Rwanda safaris, or read about Volcanoes National Park. For more cross-border ideas, browse these Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris.

Why Book Your Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari with Kenlink Tours?

Over a decade of experience: Since 2010, Kenlink Tours has organised gorilla and wildlife safaris across Uganda and East Africa. Our team is on the road year-round, personally checking parks, lodges and routes.

Gorilla permit expertise: We secure your permits early, match them with the right lodges and plan efficient routes so you spend more time enjoying the experience and less time on the road.

Expert driver-guides: Our friendly, knowledgeable guides bring the parks to life with stories about wildlife, culture and conservation.

Comfortable 4×4 vehicles: Our well-maintained safari vehicles feature pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing and photography.

Responsible tourism: We are fully licensed and support local communities and vulnerable children through our foundation, so your safari makes a positive difference.

Want to learn more before you go? Read our guide About Uganda, or explore the safari ideas of our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour

How many days do I need for Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth?

Five days is ideal, allowing two nights in Queen Elizabeth, two nights in Bwindi and comfortable travel days. A four-day version is possible if you start from Kigali or use domestic flights, while six or seven days let you add chimpanzees or Lake Bunyonyi.

How far is Bwindi from Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The drive from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth to Buhoma in Bwindi takes about two to three hours. Reaching the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo takes longer, around five to six hours from the main part of Queen Elizabeth.

Are gorilla sightings guaranteed in Bwindi?

Sightings are not officially guaranteed, but success rates are very high, usually well above 95 percent, because trackers locate the habituated families before trekkers set off.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as treks can involve steep, muddy terrain for several hours. Porters and walking sticks make it manageable for most travellers, and rangers set a comfortable pace.

Can I see tree-climbing lions on this tour?

Yes, the itinerary passes through the Ishasha sector, which is the best place in Uganda to see tree-climbing lions. Sightings depend on the lions’ movements, but chances are good.

Can this safari start from Kigali, Rwanda?

Absolutely. Starting from Kigali is often faster for reaching Bwindi’s southern sectors. We can design the tour to start in Kigali, visit Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth, and end in either Kigali or Entebbe.

Book Your Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Tour Today

A Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth tour is the ultimate introduction to Uganda, combining the emotional thrill of meeting mountain gorillas with the excitement of a classic African game safari. In just five days, you can watch lions hunting at dawn, cruise among hundreds of hippos, search for lions in the trees of Ishasha and spend a life-changing hour with a gorilla family in an ancient rainforest.

Ready to make it happen? Let the team at Kenlink Tours plan your perfect gorilla and wildlife safari, from permits to lodges and expert guiding. Send us your enquiry today, and we will reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made itinerary and quote.