Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
5 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife from Kigali
Our 5 day Uganda safari from Kigali combines mountain gorillas and classic big game in one rewarding trip. First, you track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Then, you enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot lions, elephants and Uganda kob. Finally, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel brings you close to one of the largest hippo populations in Africa. So, if you love both wildlife and gorillas, this trip is for you.
Trip overview
The safari starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. As a result, you avoid the long drive from Entebbe to south-west Uganda. You cross the border by road, spend two nights near Bwindi and two nights in Queen Elizabeth, and then drive back to Kigali.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, our expert driver-guide welcomes you to the land of a thousand hills. Then, you head for Uganda through the rolling hills of Rwanda. You drive via Ruhengeri in Musanze and cross at either the Cyanika border near Kisoro or the Gatuna border near Kabale. Along the way, you enjoy great views of the volcanoes, the twin lakes or Lake Mutanda. So, there are plenty of chances to stop for photos.
At the border, you check out of Rwanda and into Uganda. After that, you continue to Bwindi. The park has several gorilla tracking sectors. Nkuringo and Rushaga are often the best choice, because they lie close to the Rwandan border. However, Ruhija and Buhoma also offer excellent experiences. In the evening, you enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Uganda Wildlife Authority guides explain the dos and don’ts of spending time with mountain gorillas. The briefing usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
Next, you head into the forest for a trek of around three to four hours. The terrain is steep and can be muddy, and rain is common. So, you need an average level of fitness. Still, coming face to face with a giant silverback makes every step worth it.
The rangers start from the place where they last saw the gorillas the day before. Then, they follow broken branches and other signs. Meanwhile, you enjoy birdsong and may spot other primates. Once you find the gorillas, you have one hour to relax and watch them play and interact. Afterwards, you return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 3: To Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the way, you enjoy a game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of its famous tree-climbing lions. In addition, you are likely to see herds of elephants and Uganda kob.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 4: Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise
Today, you head out on a game drive across the plains of Queen Elizabeth. Here, thousands of Uganda kob graze alongside lions, elephants and other animals. Later, you join a two-hour launch trip on the Kazinga Channel. From the water, you see animals at the shoreline and a huge variety of birds. To round off the day, you also visit the Uganda kob mating grounds inside the park.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 5: Return to Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, you enjoy the beautiful scenery one more time as we drive calmly back to Kigali. Depending on the time of your international flight, we drop you at Kigali International Airport or at the hotel of your choice.
What's included and price per person
INCLUDED:
- 4WD vehicle and fuel
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation mentioned
- Small first aid kit
- Bottled water
- Boat Cruise
EXCLUDED:
- Personal expenses, souvenirs
- Porters for trekking
- Personal medical and travel insurance
- Gorilla Permit ($800)
- Gorilla Habituation ($1,500)
Price Per Person:
2 Pax – $1,224
3 Pax – $1,030
4 Pax – $856
5 Pax – $813
6 Pax – $733
7 Pax – $720
Highlights of this 5 day Uganda safari from Kigali
This trip blends two of Uganda’s best experiences into five days. Here are the main highlights:
- Mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated family in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tree-climbing lions. Search for them in the Ishasha sector.
- Kazinga Channel cruise. See hippos, buffaloes, elephants and water birds from the boat.
- Scenic border crossing. Enjoy volcanoes, lakes and terraced hills on the drive.
- Short transfers. Starting in Kigali saves time on the road.
Who this safari suits
This safari suits travellers who fly into Kigali and want both gorillas and savannah wildlife. It is also a good fit for couples, friends and small groups. In addition, it works well if Uganda gorilla permits are easier to find for your dates. However, the gorilla trek needs a reasonable level of fitness. So, if you have any concerns, tell us and we will advise you.
Best time to go
You can trek gorillas and go on safari in Uganda all year. Even so, the drier months of June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, trails are firmer and game viewing is often easier. On the other hand, the wetter months bring green scenery and fewer visitors. For more detail, read our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Tips for your trip
A little preparation makes your safari more comfortable. Here are some tips from our guides:
- Book permits early. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out in busy months.
- Bring your passport details. You need them for permits and border crossings.
- Pack hiking boots and a rain jacket. Bwindi is wet and steep.
- Hire a porter. Porters carry your bag and support local families.
- Bring binoculars. They help on game drives and the boat cruise.
Gorilla permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rate when you enquire. Our gorilla trekking packing list has more ideas.
Extend or combine your trip
You can easily add more to this itinerary. For example, our 5 day gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali adds chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Alternatively, you can include Rwanda’s mountain gorillas on our 8 day Uganda and Rwanda safari. Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, tell us your dates and interests, and we will send you a free plan for your 5 day Uganda safari from Kigali.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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